Positive Health Online

Chronic Stress Accelerates Colorectal Cancer Progression

Chronic stress accelerates colorectal cancer progression by disrupting the balance of gut microbiota, new study shows (Sunday 13 October 2024, Vienna, Austria) Cutting-edge research has uncovered how chronic stress disrupts the balance of gut microbiota to speed up the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), opening new avenues for CRC prevention and treatment.[1]

By eliminating certain gut bacteria and inducing stress, researchers were able to conclude a relationship between stress and gut microbiota in the progression of CRC, identifying a particular bacterial species as a potential therapeutic target.

Presenting the study at United European Gastroenterology (UEG) UEG Week 2024, lead researcher Dr Qing Li explained, “In our study, we used an antibiotic cocktail (vancomycin, ampicillin, neomycin, and metronidazole) to eradicate gut microbiota, followed by faecal microbiota transplantation to investigate whether gut microbiota was necessary for chronic stress to accelerate CRC progression.”

The findings showed that chronic stress not only increased tumour growth but also reduced beneficial gut bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus genus, which are essential for a healthy immune response against cancer. Dr Li noted, “Stress-related CRC progression can be attributed to a reduction in beneficial gut bacteria, as this weakens the body’s immune response against cancer. Lactobacillus, being sensitive to vancomycin and ampicillin, was depleted in both the control and stress groups by the antibiotic cocktail. This depletion highlights its crucial role in maintaining gut health and its potential association with CRC progression under chronic stress.”

To further explore how Lactobacillus influences CD8+ T cell levels – which play a crucial role in the body's anti-tumour immunity – and CRC progression, the researchers supplemented mice with Lactobacillus during chronic stress and observed reduced tumour formation. Dr Li stated, “Through faecal analysis, we found that Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) specifically regulated bile acid metabolism and enhanced the function of CD8+ T cells. This indicates how Lactobacillus may enhance anti-tumour immunity.”

Unexpected findings also emerged during the research, explained Dr Li. “Initially, we thought that L. plantarum might enhance the anti-tumour immune function of CD8+ T cells by initiating metabolite production, as previous findings suggest. However, our in vitro tests revealed that the conditioned medium from L. plantarum did not significantly stimulate CD8+ T cells to produce such key metabolites. This indicates that L. plantarum may require substances in the gut environment to enhance anti-tumour of CD8+ T cells.”

The potential for Lactobacillus-based therapies in treating patients, particularly those affected by chronic stress, is promising. “Combining traditional anti-tumour drugs with L. plantarum supplementation could be a viable therapeutic strategy for patients with stress-related CRC,” Dr Li said.

CRC is a significant health concern across Europe and is the second most prevalent cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related death.[2]Its incidence is predicted to rise significantly in the next decade, due to an aging population, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and obesity.[3]

Moving forward, the research team plans to collect faecal and tumour samples from CRC patients to analyse changes in gut microbiota among individuals with and without chronic stress. “Our aim is to verify if L. plantarum is significantly reduced in stressed CRC patients and to explore its relationship with anti-tumour immune cells,” Dr Li shared.

This study highlights the intricate relationship between stress, gut microbiota, and CRC, suggesting that strategies to restore gut health may play a critical role in cancer care, particularly for patients facing chronic stress. “Restoring beneficial bacteria in the gut, such as Lactobacillus, could strengthen the body’s natural defences against colorectal cancer,” concluded Dr Li.

About the Author:

Dr Qing Li is currently a postdoctoral researcher in Professor Jinlin Yang's research group in the Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University of China. She is specialised in investigating the mechanism of gut microbiota in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer.

About UEG

Founded in 1992, United European Gastroenterology (UEG) is the leading non-profit organization for excellence in digestive health in Europe and beyond with its headquarters in Vienna. We improve the prevention and care of digestive diseases in Europe through providing top tier education, supporting research and advancing clinical standards. As Europe’s home for multidisciplinary gastroenterology, we unite over 50,000 engaged professionals from national and specialist societies, individual digestive health experts and related scientists from all fields. With our innovative online platform, the ‘myUEG Community’, we enable digestive health professionals from across the globe to connect and benefit from a plethora of outstanding free resources and educational activities. Our offers include UEG Week, our annual congress, online and face-to-face educational experiences, research support, a scientific journal and a range of opportunities in the form of fellowships and grants. We provide numerous guidelines, standards and quality improvement initiatives and campaign at the European level to ensure continued resources for research into digestive health while working closely with patient organisations. Find out more about UEG’s work by visiting: https://www.ueg.eu/.

References

1. Li, Q. & Yang, J. Chronic stress accelerated colorectal cancer progression by disturbing the balance of gut microbiota. Presented at UEG Week 2024; 13 October 2024; Vienna, Austria. UEG Week 2024
2. European Commission. Colorectal cancer burden in EU-27. March 2021. Available at: https://ecis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pdf/Colorectal_cancer_factsheet-Mar_2021.pdf (Accessed: September 2023).
3. Estimated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer services and excess 1-year mortality in people with cancer and multimorbidity: near real-time data on cancer care,cancer deaths and a population-based cohort study From https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/10/11/e043828 , accessed on 04/01/2022.

Further Information and Media Contact

"UEG Media"  media@ueg.eu   

The Common Gym Mistake that Could be Giving You Cystitis

Whether you are an avid gym goer or love to stay active with regular exercise, you may not have ever stopped to consider the damage that your activewear could potentially be having on your wellness.

In fact, wet, sweaty and tight shorts, leggings and underwear borne out of synthetic fabrics are a total haven for bacteria. This bacteria could potentially lead to cystitis,[1]  the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI) affecting one in three women.[2]  Estimates suggest a third of females will have experienced cystitis by the time they reach the age of 24.[3]  however it’s more common during pregnancy, in women who are sexually active and after menopause.

 Women’s health expert, Dr Catherine Hood and advisor to Effercitrate Tablets explains: “Activewear, such as leggings, are tight against the crotch and allow little air flow, so bacteria can thrive there. Plus, the materials that activewear is usually made from aren’t breathable. Synthetic fabrics such as nylon and lycra actually trap moisture which offers the ideal breeding ground for bacteria.”

Explaining the cause of cystitis, Dr Catherine Hood adds: “Cystitis occurs when bacteria enters your bladder through your urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body. This often happens if bacteria from your rectum or vagina spread to the opening of your urethra.”[4]

“To help prevent your activewear from becoming a burden, avoid lingering in sweaty kit for too long and change promptly after exercise. Be sure to wash down below with water; avoid bubble baths, talcum powder and feminine wipes as these can cause irritation.”

When choosing your underwear, Dr Catherine Hood explains that cotton underwear is always the best choice thanks to its breathability.

Worried you have Cystitis?

There are several symptoms to look out for when it comes to cystitis. “As well as burning or stinging when you pee, other symptoms of cystitis include needing to pee regularly, but passing only a little or no urine, cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine, pain in the lower tummy, incontinence, a high temperature and generally not feeling well,” explains Dr Catherine Hood.

Soothing Cystitis

To soothe the symptoms of cystitis and provide swift relief Effercitrate Tablets are a simple, drinkable, palatable solution to take when cystitis strikes – vital for those suffering from cystitis. Treating cystitis promptly is essential as it can be very debilitating.

Available without the need for a prescription or a urine sample, the lemon and lime flavoured effervescent tablets contain the ingredient potassium citrate when dissolved – which makes the urine more alkaline, helping to soothe the bladder and urethra lining and relieve discomfort caused by the infection.

Simply dissolve two tablets into a glass of water (this is where the ingredients become active and do their job). Drink the pleasant lemon and lime solution. Relief provided from the burning irritation and discomfort caused by cystitis.  Always read the label.

Alongside changing your activewear, there are several other tips to swerve cystitis.

Here are 5 Ways To Help Soothe Cystitis:

1. Hydration Hero

Drinking plenty of water can help to prevent cystitis from occurring. “Aim for two litres of water every day, including a big glass of water last thing before you go to bed and first thing when you get up, and also after sex,” advises Dr Catherine Hood.

“Drinking water will strengthen your pee stream and reduce the chances of bacteria managing to stick to the wall of your bladder and urinary tract. Plus, drinking plenty will ensure you pee more which helps to flush out bacteria.”

2. Wipe Right

If you have  never noticed the direction in which you wipe after going to the toilet, then now’s the time!

“Always wipe from front to back. This applies to all women as it is more hygienic and will help to avoid spreading bacteria into your urinary tract and vagina,” says Dr Catherine Hood.

3. Eat Right and Show Your Gut Some Love

A healthy diet can do wonders for your immune health to help reduce the risk of infection. Nutritionist, Suzie Sawyer says: “Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables for B vitamins and vitamin C. Include nuts and seeds for vitamin E and selenium, and lean meat, fish and dairy for zinc, red meat and wholegrains for iron.”

The UK government also recommends a vitamin D supplement which contains 10 micrograms, daily.

On top of this, a probiotic supplement and/or fermented foods help to maintain a healthy balance of gut microbes, which can impact your immune function and risk of infection.

4. Post-Sex Routine

To keep bacteria away from the urethra, wash your genital area before and after sex.  “Try to empty your bladder after sex. Also, lean back on the toilet when passing urine and wait for the last few drops to pass out,” says Dr Catherine Hood.

She adds: “It’s best to avoid having sex at all whilst you have cystitis as sex can cause friction and irritation in the urethra, which is sensitive during an infection.”

5. Use Effercitrate Tablets[5]

 To alleviate the symptoms of cystitis, try Effercitrate Tablets. These lemon and lime flavoured effervescent tablets can be used on the go to provide soothing relief and are suitable for adults and children over six years of age.

“Effercitrate Tablets contain the ingredient potassium citrate – which makes the urine more alkaline, helping to soothe the bladder and urethra lining fast, and relieve discomfort caused by the infection,” says Dr Catherine Hood. The Effercitrate tablets work in three steps. Dissolve two tablets into a glass of water, drink the solution and next, enjoy the relief provided from the burning irritation and discomfort caused by cystitis. Do this up to three times daily.

Dr Catherine Hood adds that if your cystitis symptoms continue for more than a couple of days after treatment, see your GP as cystitis can occasionally progress to a kidney infection, which will require treatment with antibiotics.For more information visit www.effercitrate.co.uk

References

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/; https://www.bbuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Urinary-track-infection-adult-Bladder-Bowel-UK.pdf; https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/vaginitis,-cervicitis,-and-pelvic-inflammatory-disease/overview-of-vaginitis-vaginal-infection-or-inflammation
2. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/urinary-tract-infection-lower-women/background-information/prevalence/
3. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482435/
4. https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/urinary-bladder-problems/cystitis#:~:text=Cystitis%20is%20a%20common%20type,own%20in%20a%20few%20days.
5. https://www.effercitrate.co.uk/

Further Information and Media Contact

Paula Figgett" Paula@junglecatsolutions.com  

Some Routine Health Checks may not have Recovered to Pre-Pandemic Levels

The number of important routine health checks taking place since the pandemic has substantially reduced in England, with implications for missed diagnosis and increased health inequalities.

In new research, led by the University of Glasgow and published in PLOS Medicine, researchers looked at the number of routine health measurements taken in general practices – including blood pressure, weights and haemoglobin A1c – taken since the pandemic, and found that while most routine checks had returned to expected levels, the recovery of some measurements were slow, with some parts of society more impacted than others.

In particular, the study found that blood pressure checks may not have returned to expected levels in early 2024, more than four years after the pandemic began. Researchers say the implications of their findings for missed diagnoses, worse prognosis and health inequalities are of concern.

Routine face-to-face health checks are a crucial part of prevention strategies, designed to detect common chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Most routine measurements are taken at GP or out-patient appointments, and while prior to 2020 these were regularly carried out; repeated lockdowns and social distancing measures meant they had to temporarily cease during the pandemic.

To carry out the research the study team looked at the health records of more than 49 million adults in England from November 2018 to March 2024. Their findings paint a detailed picture of how routine health checks were substantially altered through the course of the pandemic and beyond.

As anticipated, there was sharp drop in all measurements between March 2020 and February 2022, as a result of lockdowns and reduced access to GP services due to social distancing. However, most routine measurements did return to their expected levels between March 2022 and February 2023. 

By contrast, blood pressure measurements were still below expected levels between March 2023 to March 2024, down by 16% overall against predicted estimates. Looking in more detail, the researchers found that in people aged 18-39 years-old blood pressure tests were down 23%, in 60-79 year-old by 17%, and in the over 80s by 31%. The data also showed that the recovery of routine blood pressure measurements was also linked to location. The study found that the second most deprived areas had the biggest difference, with tests down 20% on expected numbers, compared with the least deprived areas, which were only down by 13%.

Dr Fred Ho, co-lead author on the paper from the University’s School of Health & Wellbeing, said:

“There was a distinct pattern in the recovery of health checks across multiple risk factors. Compared with the trend before Covid-19, people living in the second most deprived area were consistently found to have the slowest recovery. A combination of reasons might be behind this, including a change of clinical needs, workload pressures, and the rise of remote consultation, but will require further investigation”.

Professor Naveed Sattar, Professor of Cardiometabolic Medicine at the University of Glasgow, said:

“These data alert us to potential missed opportunities to measure key risk factors for chronic diseases, which are on the rise in the UK in an alarming way.  Health care workers need better ways to more efficiently capture and then act upon changes in risks to prevent important diseases. The use of new technologies to capture data and better methods to help empower patients to make important lifestyle changes are needed.”

The study, ‘Routine measurement of cardiometabolic disease risk factors in primary care in England before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: A population-based cohort study’ is published in PLOS Medicine. The work was supported by the BHF Data Science Centre led by HDR UK.

Further Information and Media Contact

For more information contact Elizabeth McMeekin or Ali Howard in the University of Glasgow Communications and Public Affairs Office on Elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk  or ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk