Researchers at BGI Genomics in China published a study in Cell Experiences Medication showing a strong association between oral bacteria and gastric cancer.
From an analysis of 404 samples, they identified significant differences in the intestinal microbiome of patients with gastric cancer compared to those with chronic gastritis.
28 different species of bacteria were found in gastric cancer patients, most of which were oral bacteria. These included Streptococcus (a microorganism that can sometimes cause strep throat), Lactobacillus, and other lactic acid bacteria.
Shared bacteria: cause or association?
Genetic research suggests that there is a transmission of bacteria from the mouth to the intestine, with 20 species present in both saliva and stool samples.
Dr. Brian Slomovitz, director of gynecologic oncology and co-chair of the Cancer Research Committee at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida, who was not involved in the study, spoke with Fox News Digital. He noted that the research “demonstrates how the microbiome in one area of the body can migrate and affect the ability of cancer to develop in another part of the body.”
He also expressed that “the triggering part of gastric cancer is usually inflammatory.”
“This inflammation causes damage to mucosal cells, allowing colonization by lactic acid-producing bacteria. This helps explain why cancers continue to develop even after H. pylori infection is treated,” he explained.
However, the results do not prove causality, but indicate a strong link between oral bacteria and gastric cancer.
Implications for early detection
Researchers suggest that saliva and stool samples could be useful in identifying patterns linked to stomach cancer.
Although more research is required, there is potential to use this information in early detection and diagnosis of the disease.
Importance of the microbiome
Oncology experts highlight the importance of a healthy microbiome in the intestine to reduce the risk of inflammation and cancer.
A change in the microbiome could be key to treating or even preventing cancer. However, more research is still needed before applying these findings in clinical practice.
The mouth: also entry of diseases
Oral health influences the intestinal microbiome in a bidirectional way: a mouth with inflammation or dysbiosis can send more bacteria and inflammatory signals to the intestine, and an unbalanced intestine can promote problems with gums and teeth. This can increase the risk of cavities, gingivitis and periodontitis, as well as contribute to systemic inflammation that is associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and pregnancy complications.
How they connect
The mouth is the first part of the digestive tract, so your microbiome is not isolated: swallowing saliva, food and microorganisms allows constant communication with the intestine. When there is poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes or periodontal disease, the microbial balance changes and can increase the load of potentially harmful bacteria traveling to the digestive tract. At the same time, intestinal dysbiosis can alter the intestinal barrier and the immune system, increasing regular inflammation and worsening oral health.
Disease risks
The clearest consequence is a greater risk of periodontal disease, because chronic oral inflammation facilitates the proliferation of bacteria associated with swollen and bleeding gums. It has also been linked to cavities and changes in initial digestion and oral pH, which can affect gastrointestinal health. Additionally, systemic inflammation resulting from poor oral health has been linked to worse metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes.
What helps protect both microbiomes
The best protection is usually to maintain good oral hygiene, control periodontal disease, avoid tobacco and address problems such as diabetes or intestinal inflammation. A balanced diet also helps, because nutritional status and frequent antibiotics can promote intestinal dysbiosis, which then affects the mouth. In practice, taking care of gums and teeth not only protects the mouth: it also reduces an important source of inflammation for the entire body.
You may also be interested in:
· The microbiome: key to understanding the increase in colorectal cancer in young people
· Alarm over increase in rectal cancer among millennials
· Colorectal cancer is the one that has caused the most deaths in people under 50 years of age
