Recent research has shown that stress and disruption of the circadian rhythm can impact colorectal cancer risk and progression by affecting the gut microbiome. Studies in mice have revealed that stress and a disrupted circadian cycle can lead to changes in the gut microbiome, affecting intestinal permeability and inflammation, which can contribute to the progression of colorectal cancer. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the impact of circadian rhythm and stress on the gut microbiome in relation to colorectal cancer development.
A study published in Science Advances in September 2024 found that disruption of the circadian rhythm exacerbates colorectal cancer by altering the gut microbiome, leading to increased intestinal permeability and inflammation. Research in mouse models of colorectal cancer has shown that stress can also impact the microbiome and lead to increased colorectal cancer progression. These studies utilized genetically modified mice to mimic various conditions, such as tumor formation tendencies and circadian disruption, to investigate the effects of stress and disrupted sleep patterns on cancer development.
Studies presented at the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week 2024 demonstrated that chronic stress can alter the gut microbiota and promote colorectal cancer progression in mice. Fecal transplants from mice exposed to chronic stress resulted in a higher tumor burden compared to those receiving fecal transplants from control mice. This suggests that chronic stress can impact the gut microbiota in a way that contributes to colorectal cancer progression through changes in immune cells and bacterial strains in the gut.
Lead researcher Qing Li and his team at West China Hospital in Sichuan University of China found that chronic stress affects the gut microbiota and promotes colorectal cancer progression in mouse models. By eradicating the gut microbiota with antibiotics, researchers were able to show that the differences in tumor formation between the stress group and the control group disappeared. Supplementing with beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus plantarum, during chronic stress may be a potential intervention strategy to inhibit colorectal cancer progression, though further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.
In another study, researchers used genetically engineered mouse models predisposed to colorectal cancer and circadian disruption to investigate the impact of these factors on the gut microbiome and cancer progression. The combination of circadian disruption and colorectal cancer led to changes in the microbiome diversity, metabolite pathways, and intestinal permeability, which could contribute to inflammation in the gut and the progression of colorectal cancer. These findings suggest a potential link between circadian rhythm disruption, gut microbiome changes, and colorectal cancer development.
Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD, a surgical oncologist at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute, noted the significance of the study published in Science Advances, which demonstrated that circadian disruption alters the gut microbiome and immune microenvironment, potentially increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. This study provides important insights into the complex interactions between circadian rhythm, stress, the gut microbiome, and colorectal cancer progression. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these relationships and to develop potential intervention strategies for colorectal cancer prevention and treatment.
