Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences Journal of Applied Biotechnology Reports 2322-1186 13 1 2026 03 30 Bifidobacterium bifidum Supernatant Affects the Expression of Apoptosis Gene in Caco-2 Cells Infected with Pathogenic Group B Streptococcus 1963 1971 242583 10.30491/jabr.2025.497733.1825 EN Uosef Ramezani Department of Microbiology, Ar.C., Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran Kumarss Amini Department of Microbiology, Sav.C., Islamic Azad University, Saveh, Iran 0000-0002-6419-3417 Parvaneh Jafari Department of Microbiology, Ar.C., Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran 0000-0003-2771-9309 Farzaneh Tafvizi Department of Biology, Pa.C., Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran 0000-0002-3595-5021 Journal Article 2025 01 03 Introduction: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a significant pathogen associated with a range of infections, including those of the reproductive tract. Bifidobacterium, a beneficial gut microorganism, has shown promise in various health applications. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and genetic characteristics of GBS among Iranian women with vaginitis. Subsequently, the study explored the anticancer potential of Bifidobacterium bifidum supernatant (BS) against GBS-infected colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) by examining its impact on apoptosis-related gene expression. Materials and Methods: Firstly, the prevalence and genetic characteristics (virulence factor and serotype distribution) of GBS were thoroughly examined among women with vaginitis in Iran. Subsequently, Caco-2 cells were initially infected with pathogenic strains of GBS, followed by an investigation into the anticancer properties of BS on the expression of two apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2 and Casp-3) in these cells at the IC50 concentration. Results: High prevalence rates of GBS (60 out of 235 (25.53%)) were detected. The dominant serotype was Ib (13.33 %) followed by serotype II (8.33%). The most common virulence genes were lmb (100%), pavA (100%), fbsB (100%), fbsA (78.33%), pI-1 (91.66%), and pI-2a (95%). Notably, the expression of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 decreased, while the pro-apoptotic gene Casp-3 increased significantly following BS treatment. Conclusions: These findings strongly suggest the anticancer properties of BS, potentially influencing key cellular pathways that regulate cancer cell survival and apoptosis. However, to gain a more comprehensive understanding and validate the findings, additional research, particularly clinical studies, is essential.

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