Integration of microbiome, metabolomics and transcriptome for in-depth understanding of berberine attenuates AOM/DSS-induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer

The intestinal microbiota may act as a link between colon cancer-promoting factors and the stages of carcinogenesis. Alteration in microbial composition and diversity is considered essential for the promotion of inflammation, proliferation and neoplastic progression. Studies evaluating the composition of the microbiota in CRC identified that bacteria such as Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Alistipes and Staphylococcaceae are commonly increased, and such as Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Roseburia are consistently decreased. As a result, methods that can selectively manipulate the microbiota have emerged as a strategy that may aid in the prevention of cancer.