Gut Microbiota Modulation via Synbiotics: A Perspective for Boosting Antitumor Immunity and Inactivating Carcinogens in Early Life

Lutfiana, Nurul Cholifah; Purnomo, Adilla Shafryantyo; Purnomo, Azzahra Syadza Nasywantya; Purnomo, Athaya Febriantyo

doi:10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.6.2315

Gut Microbiota Modulation via Synbiotics: A Perspective for Boosting Antitumor Immunity and Inactivating Carcinogens in Early Life

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

¹ Department of Biomedicine and Biochemistry, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia.

² Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang, Indonesia.

³ Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University YARSI, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia.

⁴ Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia.

10.31557/APJCP.2026.27.6.2315

Abstract

Objective: Children are highly susceptible to infections and long-term health risks due to their immature immune systems, which typically develop fully around the age of 12. While early infections generate T and B memory cells, establishing a robust immune foundation is crucial not only for combating pathogens but also for preventing carcinogenesis in later life. Synbiotics, a synergistic combination of probiotics and prebiotics, offer a promising strategy to modulate the gastrointestinal microenvironment. Method: This article proposes that synbiotic supplementation provides dual benefits: enhancing immediate immunity and offering potential chemopreventive effects. Result: Mechanistically, synbiotics maintain microbial balance (increasing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium), which leads to (1) increased production of artificial endogenous immunoglobulins [Ma1.1][Ma1.2]like IgG to neutralize toxins and pathogens; (2) inactivation of cancer-causing chemicals and reduction of unwanted metabolite concentrations; and (3) enhancement of Natural Killer (NK) cell activity and antioxidant capacity, which are vital for tumor surveillance and reducing oxidative stress. By modulating the gut microbiota, synbiotics not only boost IgG levels to prevent common infections but also strengthen the body’s defense against mutagenic agents. Conclusion: This opinion article summarizes clinical and preclinical findings to highlight the efficacy of synbiotics as a comprehensive immune booster and a potential agent for early cancer prevention strategies.

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