Researchers at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) have made a breakthrough discovery revealing how Salmonella infections can trigger cellular changes that may lead to cancer, according to healthcare-in-europe.com. The study, published in the scientific journal Cell Reports, builds on their 2022 findings and explains the biological mechanism behind this process.
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in humans. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, appearing six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria. While most people recover without specific treatment, the infection can be severe, especially for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Led by Dr. Virginie Stévenin and Prof. Dr. Jacques Neefjes, the research team identified that Salmonella bacteria interfere with a crucial cellular protein complex called mTOR. This complex acts as a central regulator in cells, controlling metabolism, growth, and division based on available energy and nutrients.
The research team also identified a potential intervention method using an mTOR inhibitor, which can temporarily block the protein complex’s action. Laboratory tests showed that treated cells returned to their normal state, suggesting the possibility of reversing Salmonella’s harmful effects. However, Dr. Stévenin notes that further testing in pre-clinical models is needed to verify the inhibitor’s effectiveness in more advanced stages of tumor formation.
Non-typhoid Salmonella, the strain examined in this study, affects both humans and animals, causing approximately 150 million infections and 60,000 deaths worldwide annually. While most Salmonella infections result in mild food poisoning symptoms that often go unrecognized, this research reveals potentially serious long-term consequences.
Salmonella contamination can often be prevented through proper food handling. Key measures include maintaining good kitchen hygiene and thoroughly cooking meat, fish, eggs, and shellfish. These practices help avoid both immediate illness and potential long-term health risks associated with Salmonella, as well as other pathogen infections.
The discovery that mTOR inhibitors, already in clinical trials for cancer treatment, could potentially treat Salmonella-induced colon cancer opens new therapeutic possibilities. This approach might extend to cancers triggered by other bacterial infections as well.
Commenting on this article, the nation’s leading Salmonella lawyer said, “This research is a remarkable advancement in understanding how seemingly minor foodborne illnesses, like salmonella, might have far-reaching health implications – including in regards to cancer . It’s an important step forward in both cancer prevention and treatment strategies.”
