Primary evidence on the potential of Lactobacillus paracasei in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the 6th human cancer with high morbidity and mortality rate. Owing to the recent finding of anticancer effects of probiotics in various types of human cancers, the current study was conducted to assay the potential of Lactobacillus paracasei as a main microbial ingredient of dairy products in inhibition of HCC cell growth. HepG2 cell line was treated with different concentration of supernatant isolated from L. paracasei strain TD3 and MRL/MRS broth mediums as a negative control. MTT assay was performed to assess cell viability, 24 hours following treatment. MTT results demonstrated a significant decrease in HepG2 cells viability, which was directly correlated with the concentration of bacterial supernatant. Similar to the other human cancers, L. paracasei can be considered as a potential anticancer probiotic in restriction of HCC cells growth. Further studies are needed to clarify active components of L. paracasei supernatant and its potential as adjuvant therapy in HCC patients’ treatment, as well.