β-Galactosidase Probiotic Composition for Colorectal Cancer Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high incidence and mortality rate, and existing treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy have limited effectiveness, particularly for metastatic CRC, while chemopreventive agents like NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors pose cardiovascular risks, necessitating a safer and more effective prevention and treatment approach.
Innovation Solution
The use of Streptococcus thermophilus and its secreted β-galactosidase to inhibit colorectal cancer cell proliferation and viability, offering both prophylactic and therapeutic benefits through oral or rectal administration, potentially combined with conventional therapies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemopreventive agents like NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors are used to reduce CRC occurrence, then the occurrence of CRC or its precancerous lesions is reduced, but the risk of cardiovascular events increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies bacteria that are harmful in the context of CRC (pro-tumorigenic bacteria like F. nucleatum, B. fragilis, P. gingivalis) and converts this knowledge into benefit by using probiotics to suppress these harmful bacteria. The probiotics transform the harmful gut microbiota environment into a protective one, eliminating CRC risk while avoiding cardiovascular side effects of conventional drugs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses probiotics as an intermediary agent to mediate between the host and the harmful bacteria. Instead of using NSAIDs/COX-2 inhibitors that directly affect host physiology and cause cardiovascular issues, probiotics act as intermediaries that modulate the gut microbiota composition and function, indirectly preventing CRC through mechanisms like immune modulation and suppression of pro-tumorigenic bacteria
2Strength
If conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are used to manage CRC, then tumor removal or cell death is achieved, but the prognosis of metastatic CRC remains dismal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent emphasizes early detection and intervention in the stepwise progression of CRC from cellular transformation to metastatic lesions. By applying probiotics at intermediate stages (adenoma stage) before metastasis occurs, the treatment prevents disease progression rather than attempting to cure advanced disease, thereby improving overall prognosis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs probiotics that can self-replicate and persist in the gut environment, providing continuous therapeutic effect. The probiotics serve themselves by utilizing the gut environment for growth while simultaneously exerting anti-cancer effects, eliminating the need for repeated high-dose conventional treatments that damage healthy tissues
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
S. thermophilus and its β-galactosidase effectively suppress CRC cell growth and induce apoptosis, providing a safer and more effective prevention and treatment option with reduced side effects.
Implementation Method 1
S. thermophilus and its secreted compound(s), such as B-galactosidase, as well as other bacteria capable of secreting β-galactosidase, can effectively suppress the proliferation and viability of human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and therefore can be used as therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of CRC
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides novel methods for treating and preventing colorectal cancer in a subject by administering a composition comprising β-galactosidase, a bacterial culture capable of producing β-galactosidase, such as an S. thermophilus culture, or a fraction of the culture comprising β-galactosidase. A kit useful for such methods is also provided. In addition, the present invention provides a composition for treating or preventing colon cancer.