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Sharma et al. Microbiome Res Rep 2024;3:3 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/mrr.2023.51 Page 13 of 17

disorders such as diabetes. Even though several studies have explored how the decreased ratio of
bifidobacterial contributes to the onset of several diseases, further research still needs to be done with
respect to its mechanisms.

Further studies on the molecular mechanisms involved due to the interaction between the host immune
system and bifidobacteria can enhance the effectiveness of tumor-targeted immunotherapy.

Bifidobacteria, which are essential residents of the gastrointestinal tract, have a notable impact on overall
well-being. Although the involvement of these bacteria in cancer has been recognized, additional
investigation is required to fully appreciate their influence on different ailments. The presence of
Bifidobacterium during infancy is of critical importance due to its role and regulation of early immune
response; a decline in the bifidobacteria results in increased susceptibility to autoimmune disorders in later
[97]
stages of life . It also influences the CNS function and modulates mood and behavior by its capability to
[98]
synthesize Ach and GABA . However, further inquiry is necessary to achieve a thorough comprehension
of their effects on mental well-being. Furthermore, there exists a correlation between diminished quantities
of Bifidobacteria and the presence of visceral obesity .
[99]
The dysbiotic population of Bifidobacterium has been seen in various diseases such as certain cancers,
respiratory, hepatic, and metabolic diseases [46,49,54,56,58,62,65,88,89,91,92,95] . All these data indicate that alteration in
bifidobacteria is involved in disease onset and progression. Establishing the dysbiotic level of bifidobacteria
in different diseases would aid in using it as a therapeutic and prognostic marker. Nowadays, Bifidobacteria
is also being used alongside chemotherapy against cancer. Bifidobacteria possessing immunobiotic, anti-
proliferative, anti-oxidative, and pro-apoptotic properties help treat the cancer. Apart from that, it also
participates in conserving an individual’s overall health by maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Therefore,
more research regarding the use of Bifidobacterium with conventional therapies should be taken into
consideration.

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE PROSPECTIVES
Diversity, role, and function of gut microbiota have been extensively reported in connection to the host
health. Bifidobacterium, one of the most important members of the commensal gut microbiota of the host,
has been identified as a key player in cancer therapeutics. A lower abundance of certain strains of
Bifidobacterium has been implicated in the progression of gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer.
Bifidobacterium also affects the Warburg effect, in turn playing a role in the failure of ovarian cancer
treatment. It is important to note here that the cause-effect relationship between Bifidobacterium levels and
cancer progression is difficult to assert. It is not clear whether the dysbiosis in bifidobacteria is exerting the
tumor progressive activities or if other factors involved in the malignancies are causing the dysbiosis in the
bifidobacteria population. From the already reported studies, we can only conjecture that the dysbiotic
population of Bifidobacterium can be a potential threat to the development and progression of certain
cancers.

Bifidobacteria has been explored for its anticancer potential. Bifidobacteria has been exploited as a delivery
vector for the release of therapeutic agents with anti-inflammatory and tumor suppressor activities.
Exploiting bifidobacteria as a cancer therapeutic alternative requires elaborate experimental evidence to
evaluate its functional and mechanistic roles. This would help in understanding the potential of
bifidobacteria as a “theragnostic marker”. Understanding the role of bifidobacteria individually and as a
member of the gut microbiota consortium would open new arenas of exploration for cancer research.