PROBIOTIC THERAPY

Colonies of diverse bacteria live within the human digestive tract, organs and within tumors. There is a critical balance between health promoting friendly bacteria and pathogenic bacteria. This balance is largely determined by diet and exposure to antibiotics and food preservatives. Stress may also play a role in the balance of gut bacteria. Maintaining an optimal balance of bacterial species is essential in supporting the immune system, mental health and the prevention of cancer. 

Emerging evidence suggests that specific bacterial strains exert potent anticancer activity. Bacteria produce various metabolites that selectively target cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. NORI is researching the potential anticancer properties of Lactococcus Lactis and one of its metabolites called NISIN. Experimental evidence suggests that NISIN triggers selective cancer cell death by causing pores in the cancer cell membrane leading to calcium influx and elevated ROS. NISIN (E234) is a widely utilized food preservative with a 30 year safety record. NISIN is classified as an antimicrobial peptide active against a wide range of microorganisms. NISIN is commercially produced by the fermentation of Lactococcus Lactis.

Probiotic therapy may involve a combination of oral administration of Lactococcus Lactis bacteria and NISIN. The combination of a probiotic and NISIN may help support the potential anticancer activity within the tumor microenvironment. Probiotic therapy has enormous potential in cancer prevention (especially colorectal cancer) and cancer treatment. Incorporation of probiotics and nisin will certainly lead to completely natural and nontoxic approach to cancer therapy.