In recent years, biomedical research has revealed an increasingly close connection between oral health and systemic diseases, opening up new scenarios even in oncology. One of the most discussed correlations is that between colorectal cancer and the presence of the bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum, a microorganism often found in dental plaque and in patients with periodontal disease. Studies conducted by international institutions, including the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, have highlighted how this bacterium can not only proliferate in the presence of tumor tissue, but also actively contribute to their growth.
The role of Fusobacterium nucleatum in colon cancer
L'scientific attention towards Fusobacterium nucleatum arises from the fact that this bacterium, normally part of the oral microbiota, is capable of migrating through the bloodstream and colonizing extraoral tissues, particularly intestinal ones. The research published in EMBO Reports has shown that the microorganism uses an adhesive protein, called FadA (Fusobacterium adhesin A), to bind to epithelial cells and colon cancer cells.
This link is not accidental: neoplastic cells express a protein called Annexin A1, which facilitates the'Bacterial adhesion. In essence, a pathogenic cycle is created: the bacteria promote tumor growth, and the tumor facilitates bacterial colonization. This mechanism not only amplifies cell proliferation, but may also make the tumor microenvironment more resistant to immune defenses.
Research suggests that Fusobacterium nucleatum It can modulate inflammatory responses by interfering with cell signaling pathways and stimulating chronic pro-inflammatory processes. This explains why individuals with severe gum disease or untreated periodontal infections are at higher risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers than the general population.
Clinical evidence and prognostic factors
A study on a sample of 466 patients affected by colorectal cancer has highlighted that subjects with higher levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Annexin A1 tended to show a more rapid clinical course and a less favorable prognosis. These findings suggested that the'expression of the molecule may constitute a prognostic biomarker, useful for evaluating disease progression and response to treatments.
The clinical potential of this discovery is twofold: on the one hand it allows to identify patients at risk through microbiological and molecular tests, on the other'another opens the way to new therapeutic strategies, for example aimed at reducing the'interaction between bacteria and tumor cells.
The concept of oral biomarkers as systemic indicators is one of the most innovative fields of precision medicine. Detecting a'alteration of the oral microbiome — that is, the'set of microorganisms that populate the mouth — could, in the future, become an integral part of personalized cancer screening.
Periodontal diseases and systemic risk
Periodontics experts have long recognized that the periodontal disease It is not limited to a local condition.'Chronic inflammation of the gums can promote bacterial dissemination and the release of inflammatory mediators into the bloodstream, contributing to cardiovascular, metabolic, and oncological disorders.
The bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum, already known as part of the so-called "The "orange complex" identified in the Socransky classification is implicated in numerous oral infections and tissue destruction affecting the periodontium. When it reaches other parts of the body, its ability to adhere to and penetrate tissues makes it a potential cofactor in the development of neoplasms.
Professor Cristiano Tomasi, teacher at'University of Gothenburg and active member of the Italian Society of Periodontology and Implantology (SIdP), stressed that the discovery of a direct correlation between the presence of the bacterium and the progression of colon cancer opens up crucial research perspectives. According to Tomasi, "l'Early identification of bacteria associated with certain systemic conditions will allow dental diagnosis to be integrated into preventive medicine.”
From the mouth to the'intestine: the microbiome as a connected system
The human body is home to over 100 trillion microorganisms that make up the microbiome, a dynamic ecosystem that influences digestion, immunity and even metabolism. When the'the balance of this system is altered — a condition known as dysbiosis — pathological mechanisms can be established that can affect the'whole organism.
In the case of the oral microbiome, poor hygiene,'Excessive use of antibiotics, oxidative stress and a diet low in fibre can alter the bacterial flora, allowing the proliferation of opportunistic species such as Fusobacterium nucleatum. Once introduced into the systemic circulation, these species can reach the'intestine and interfere with the epithelial barrier, promoting the'chronic inflammation and the formation of tumor microenvironments.
According to a'According to an analysis published in Quotidiano Sanità, 38% of Italians suffer from untreated gum problems, and approximately 19% have advanced forms of periodontitis.
It might interest you
Fusobacterium nucleatum and peri-implantitis: a new correlation hypothesis
Recent research has highlighted the presence of the Fusobacterium nucleatum even in samples taken from patients affected by peri-implantitis, suggesting that the bacterium may also play a role in inflammatory processes related to dental implants.
This discovery strengthens the'The idea that oral microorganisms can act as mediators between local health and systemic disease. Peri-implantitis, which already involves bone loss around the'implant and risk of rehabilitation failure, could constitute a further point of'entry of pathogenic bacteria into the circulatory system.
The overlap between oral pathogenic microbes and systemic disorders is currently the subject of interdisciplinary studies involving dentists, gastroenterologists, and molecular microbiologists. Tracing bacterial species common to both the oral and intestinal regions is providing increasingly solid evidence of a causal link. "mouth-intestine” of clinical importance.
Prevention and oral hygiene as a systemic strategy
L'The idea that proper oral hygiene can have protective effects even on distant organs is no longer just a theory. Experts recommend regular dental visits, especially for those with a family history of cancer, chronic diseases, or a predisposition to inflammation.
Integrated prevention programs are emerging in several countries, with the'The goal is to include dental checkups in screening protocols for systemic diseases. In Italy, however, data shows that nearly 60% of the population forgoes regular dental care for financial reasons. This forgoing, according to estimates, can result in an exponential increase in the risk of inflammatory complications and chronic infections.
L'Oral health education should therefore be considered an integral part of cancer prevention. Avoiding plaque buildup, maintaining a balanced diet, reducing sugar and tobacco consumption, and undergoing professional hygiene checks can significantly reduce the proliferation of opportunistic bacteria.
For information and professional updates in the dental field, you can consult the portals dedicated to dentists and evidence-based oral health practices.
Towards a new precision oral medicine
Studies on the relationship between the oral microbiome and colon cancer are part of a broader vision of precision medicine, which aims to identify individual risk factors based on the patient's genetic and microbial profile.
In the near future, diagnostic tests based on saliva or plaque samples could become complementary screening tools for colorectal cancer prevention. At the same time, therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the microbiome through probiotics, prebiotics, and personalized therapies are being explored.
L'The goal is not only to identify new treatments, but above all to understand how'microbial environment interacts with the'organism in a complex and bidirectional manner. The implications of these studies could extend beyond the'oncology field, involving cardiology, endocrinology and neuroscience.
The link between oral health and systemic health It has become a cornerstone of contemporary biomedical research. The awareness that a simple imbalance in oral flora can influence the development of serious diseases such as colon cancer marks a radical transformation in the way we think about prevention.
Continuing to investigate these connections means promoting a more integrated medicine, in which oral care becomes part of a global approach to health.'individual.
Leave a comment