In vivo evidence: Repression of mucosal immune responses in mice with colon cancer following sustained administration of Streptococcus thermophiles

Probiotics have attracted considerable attention because of their ability to ameliorate disease and prevent cancer. In this study, we examined the immunomodulatory effects of a Streptococcus thermophilus probiotic on the intestinal mucosa azoxymethane-induced colon cancer. Sixty female mice were divided into four groups (n = 15 each). One group of untreated mice was used as a control (C group). Another mouse group was injected with azoxymethane once weekly for 8 weeks to induce colon cancer (CC group). Finally, two groups of mice were continuously treated twice per week from week 2 to 16 with either the Lactobacillus plantarum (Lac CC group) or S. thermophilus (Strep CC group) bacterial strain pre-and post-treatment as performed for the CC group. Remarkably, Tlr2, Ifng, Il4, Il13, Il10, and Tp53 transcription were significantly downregulated in the Strep CC intestinal mucosa group. Additionally, IL2 expression was decreased significantly in the Strep CC mouse serum, whereas TNFα was remarkably elevated compared to that in the CC, Lac CC, and untreated groups. This study suggested that Streptococcus thermophilus did not interrupt or hinder colon cancer development in mice when administered as a prophylactic.