Abstract:
The influence of the naturally occurring population of microbes on various human diseases
has been a topic of much recent interest. Not surprisingly, continuously growing attention is
devoted to the existence of a gut brain axis, where the microbiota present in the gut can affect the
nervous system through the release of metabolites, stimulation of the immune system, changing the
permeability of the blood–brain barrier or activating the vagus nerves. Many of the methods that
stimulate the nervous system can also lead to the development of cancer by manipulating pathways
associated with the hallmarks of cancer. Moreover, neurogenesis or the creation of new nervous
tissue, is associated with the development and progression of cancer in a similar manner as the blood
and lymphatic systems. Finally, microbes can secrete neurotransmitters, which can stimulate cancer
growth and development. In this review we discuss the latest evidence that support the importance
of microbiota and peripheral nerves in cancer development and dissemination.
