Recent research has shown that stress and working at night can impact cancer risk, particularly colorectal cancer risk, by disrupting the gut microbiome and the circadian rhythm. Studies in mouse models have found that stress and disrupted circadian cycles can lead to changes in the gut microbiome, causing increased intestinal permeability and inflammation, which can contribute to colorectal cancer progression. Researchers have identified the impact of circadian rhythm and stress on the gut microbiome and colorectal cancer progression as areas of focus for further investigation.
Colorectal cancer has been found to be exacerbated by disruptions to the circadian rhythm, leading to changes in the gut microbiome that can increase intestinal permeability and inflammation, ultimately contributing to the progression of the disease. A study in mouse models of colorectal cancer published in Science Advances in September 2024 found that disruptions in the circadian rhythm can significantly impact various homeostatic processes, potentially leading to increased cancer risk. The findings suggest that night shift work and sleep disruption can have negative effects on hormonal regulation and may interfere with anti-cancer mechanisms.
Research presented at the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week 2024 focused on the impact of stress on colorectal cancer progression in mice. Mouse models induced to develop colorectal cancer were subjected to chronic stress through restraints, and fecal transplants were then conducted to assess the impact on the gut microbiome. Mice receiving fecal transplants from the stress group showed a higher tumor burden than those receiving transplants from control mice, indicating that chronic stress affects the gut microbiota and may contribute to colorectal cancer progression. Further analysis identified changes in specific bacterial strains and antitumor immune cells in the stress group.
In another study using genetically engineered mouse models, researchers found that disruptions in the circadian rhythm combined with a predisposition to colorectal cancer led to alterations in the gut microbiome, affecting metabolite pathways and intestinal permeability. These changes were associated with increased inflammation in the gut, potentially contributing to the progression of colorectal cancer. The study published in Science Advances suggests a link between circadian disruption, gut microbiome changes, and colorectal cancer risk, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
Lead researcher Qing Li and colleagues from West China Hospital, Sichuan University of China, investigated the impact of chronic stress on the gut microbiota and colorectal cancer progression in mouse models. Fecal transplants from mice exposed to chronic stress were found to promote colorectal cancer progression, while eradicating gut microbiota with antibiotics eliminated the difference in tumor formation between control and stress groups. The study identified changes in specific bacterial strains and antitumor immune cells in the stress group, highlighting the role of the gut microbiota in chronic stress-related colorectal cancer progression.
The findings of these studies suggest that chronic stress, disruptions in circadian rhythm, and their effects on the gut microbiome play a significant role in colorectal cancer progression. Supplementing with beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus plantarum during chronic stress may inhibit cancer progression, providing a potential intervention strategy for colorectal cancer prevention. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between stress, circadian rhythm disruptions, gut microbiota changes, and colorectal cancer risk, with implications for developing targeted interventions to prevent and treat this common cancer.
