Insights into the Two Most Common Cancers of Primitive Gut-Derived Structures and Their Microbial Connections - Article overview

Sep 21, 2026

Upload by Riley

The gastrointestinal and respiratory systems are closely linked in multiple embryological, anatomical, cellular, and physiological dimensions, with the large intestine/colon hosting diverse microorganisms that form the normal microbiota. Microbiota disruption or dysbiosis can trigger chronic inflammation, progressing from inflammatory bowel disease to dysplasia or premalignant changes and ultimately cancer. Escherichia coli is frequently identified in both inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer, while chronic Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is linked to lung cancer. Genotoxic colibactin-producing E. coli may promote colon tumorigenesis and disseminate cancer cells, and antibiotic resistance motivates evaluation of lytic phage therapy.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages20

Reading Time50 min

AccessFree to download

1. Introduction

Links between gastrointestinal and respiratory systems

Microbiota, dysbiosis, and inflammation

E. coli and Chlamydia in cancer risk

Abstract

medicina Review Insights into the Two Most Common Cancers of Primitive Gut-Derived Structures and Their Microbial Connections Amitabha Ray 1,*, Thomas F. Moore 2, Dayalu S. L. Naik 3 and Daniel M. Borsch 4 Citation: Ray, A.; Moore, T.F.; Naik, D.S.L.; Borsch, D.M. Insights into the Two Most Common Cancers of Primitive Gut-Derived Structures and Their Microbial Connections. Medicina 2024, 60, 1515. [https://doi.org/](https://doi.org/)[ ](https://doi.org/)[10.3390/medicina60091515](10.3390/medicina60091515) Academic Editor: Konstantinos Dimas Received: 5 August 2024 Revised: 11 September 2024 Accepted: 14 September 2024 Published: 18 September 2024 Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. Published by MDPI on behalf of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ([https://creativecommons.org/](https://creativecommons.org/)[ ](https://creativecommons.org/)[licenses/by/4.0/](licenses/by/4.0/)) . 1 School of Health Professions, D’Youville University, 320 Porter Ave, Buffalo, NY 14201, USA 2 College of Health Sciences, Glenville State University, Glenville, WV 26351, USA; [thomas.moore@glenville.edu](thomas.moore@glenville.edu) 3 ICMR National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi 590010, India; [daylu.sl@icmr.gov.in](daylu.sl@icmr.gov.in) 4 Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Seton Hill, Greensburg, PA 15601, USA; [dborsch@lecom.edu](dborsch@lecom.edu) * Correspondence: [rayam@dyc.edu](rayam@dyc.edu); Tel.: +1-716-364-3672 Abstract: The gastrointestinal and respiratory systems are closely linked in different ways, including from the embryological, anatomical, cellular, and physiological angles. The highest number (and various types) of microorganisms live in the large intestine/colon, and constitute the normal microbiota in healthy people. Adverse alterations of the microbiota or dysbiosis can lead to chronic inflammation. If this detrimental condition persists, a sequence of pathological events can occur, such as inflammatory bowel disease, dysplasia or premalignant changes, and finally, cancer. Oneof the most commonly identified bacteria in both inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer is Escherichia coli. On the other hand, patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at risk of several other diseases—both intestinal (such as malnutrition and intestinal obstruction, besides cancer) and extraintestinal (such as arthritis, bronchiectasis, and cancer risk) . Cancers of the lung and colon are the two most common malignancies occurring worldwide (except for female breast cancer) . Like the bacterial role in colon cancer, many studies have shown a link between chronic Chlamydia pneumoniae infection and lung cancer. However, in colon cancer, genotoxic colibactin-producing E. coli belonging to the B2 phylogroup may promote tumorigenesis. Furthermore, E. coli is believed to play an important role in the dissemination of cancer cells from the primary colonic site. Currently, seven enteric pathogenic E. coli subtypes have been described. Conversely, three Chlamydiae can cause infections in humans (C. trachomatis may increase the risk of cervical and ovarian cancers) . Nonetheless, striking genomic plasticity and genetic modifications allow E. coli to constantly adjust to the surrounding environment. Consequently, E. coli becomes resistant to antibiotics and difficult to manage. To solve this problem, scientists are thinking of utilizing suitable lytic bacteriophages (viruses that infect and kill bacteria) . Several bacteriophages of E. coli and Chlamydia species are being evaluated for this purpose. Keywords: colorectal cancer; pulmonary neoplasm; Chlamydia species; Escherichia coli; phage therapy 1. Introduction The gastrointestinal and respiratory systems are closely connected anatomically and physiologically. Our respira

FAQs

How do gastrointestinal and respiratory systems relate in the article?

They are connected anatomically and physiologically, sharing developmental origins and overlapping roles in metabolism, oxygen/nutrient supply, waste elimination, and immune response.

What role does dysbiosis play in cancer development?

Microbiota alterations can cause chronic inflammation; if it persists, it may lead to inflammatory bowel disease, dysplasia/premalignant changes, and then cancer.

Why are researchers considering bacteriophage therapy?

Because certain bacteria such as E. coli can adapt genomically and become resistant to antibiotics, lytic bacteriophages targeting E. coli and Chlamydia species are being evaluated as a potential solution.

Sep 21, 2026

Upload by Riley