Gastric Microbiota and Gastric Cancer

ABSTRACT

The stomach had been recognized as an organ where many bacteria cannot survive due to the presence of gastric acid. However, a number of bacteria have been detected after the discovery of Helicobacter pylori with recent advances in nucleotide sequencing techniques and bioinformatics. These include Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Fusobacteria. Several animal studies suggested that the imbalance of gastric microbiotas could be associated with the development of gastric cancer. Changes in the composition of the gastric microbiota may increase the production of N-nitroso compounds, which is known to be a carcinogen. Further studies on the actual function and proteomics of gastric microbiota could be beneficial for prevention, early diagnosis, and new treatment strategies of gastric cancer.