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World J Gastroenterol. Oct 7, 2014; 20(37): 13258-13272
Published online Oct 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i37.13258
Probiotics against neoplastic transformation of gastric mucosa: Effects on cell proliferation and polyamine metabolism
Francesco Russo, Michele Linsalata, Antonella Orlando
Francesco Russo, Michele Linsalata, Antonella Orlando, Laboratory of Nutritional Pathophysiology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, I.R.C.C.S. “S. de Bellis”, 70013 Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy
Author contributions: Russo F, Linsalata M and Orlando A contributed equally to conception of the review, generation, collection, assembly, interpretation of data, drafting and revision of the manuscript, as well as approval of the final version of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Francesco Russo, MD, Senior Researcher, Laboratory of Nutritional Pathophysiology, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, I.R.C.C.S. “S. de Bellis”, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte (Ba), Italy. francesco.russo@irccsdebellis.it
Telephone: +39-80-4994315 Fax: +39-80-4994313
Received: October 18, 2013
Revised: April 2, 2014
Accepted: June 2, 2014
Published online: October 7, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Studies linking probiotics and gastric neoplasms have mainly been addressed to evaluate the potential of probiotics as alternative regimen against Helicobacter pylori, a carcinogen tightly connected to gastric cancer. The effects of probiotics on gastric cell proliferation are still under investigation and interest has also been paid on the polyamines metabolism. Polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) are pivotal in regulating different metabolic functions, including cell proliferation. In this review, the authors try to summarize data on gastric cancer and the proposed abilities by probiotics in affecting the gastric integrity and cell proliferation, also in relation to the polyamine metabolism.