Bifidobacterium longum prevent the progression of colon cancer via inhibiting metastasis and angiogenesis

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common reasons for cancer-related death, and both angiogenesis and metastasis have established roles in CRC progression. Recent findings suggest that probiotics, like Bifidobacterium longum, are capable of suppressing anti-cancer activity through modulation of tumor-associated molecular pathways. The present study was undertaken to examine the impact of B. longum on tumor growth and gene expression of angiogenesis and metastasis-associated genes in an inbred model of CRC. In the current study, CRC was established in inbred mice and then treated with B. longum. Tumor size was measured, and gene expression levels for HIF-1α, VEGFA, ANGPT1, ANGPT2, SNAIL, TWIST, MMP9, and E-cadherin were measured by quantitative PCR. Results showed that there was a considerable reduction in tumor size following B. longum administration. HIF-1α, VEGFA, ANGPT1, ANGPT2, SNAIL, TWIST, and MMP9 were reduced significantly, and E-cadherin was increased. These findings indicate that B. longum inhibits hypoxia-induced angiogenesis by suppressing HIF-1α and VEGFA, inhibits vascular instability through the suppression of ANGPT2, and inhibits metastasis through the regulation of EMT-related genes (SNAIL, TWIST, and E-cadherin) and extracellular matrix degradation (MMPs). In brief, B. longum suppresses CRC development by targeting multiple pathways that are involved in the development of CRC. These results suggest its potential for use as an adjunct therapy against CRC and deserve further investigation in the clinic.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. BMC Microbiology, 2026 · DOI ↗