Work

Probiotic-enhanced chemotherapy: Lactobacillus fermentum synergizes with vincristine to induce apoptosis via dual pathway activation in human cancer cells

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus species, show promise as adjuvants in cancer therapy due to their pro-apoptotic effects. This study investigated the synergistic impact of Lactobacillus fermentum (Ab.RS23) and vincristine sulfate on colorectal (HT-29) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cells. METHODS: Cells were treated with vincristine, L. fermentum, or both. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Apoptosis was analyzed via Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry. Gene expression changes were evaluated by RT-qPCR. RESULTS: Co-treatment reduced the IC₅₀ of vincristine by 8-fold in HT-29 and 13-fold in MCF-7 cells. Apoptotic signaling was enhanced, with pro-apoptotic pathways upregulated and survival pathways downregulated. CONCLUSION: L. fermentum enhanced vincristine-induced apoptosis and reduced the required drug dose, which may contribute to lowering vincristine-associated toxicity. These findings require confirmation through in vivo studies.

Source: Cancer Cell International

DOI: 10.1186/s12935-025-04032-1

Authors: Abbas Asoudeh-Fard, Mohadeseh Asoudeh-Fard, Asghar Parsaei

Institutions: Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Zand Institute of Higher Education

Language: English

Topic: Probiotics and Fermented Foods

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190