Bifidobacterium bifidum Supernatant Affects the Expression of Apoptosis Gene in Caco-2 Cells Infected with Pathogenic Group B Streptococcus

Ramezani, Uosef; Amini, Kumarss; Jafari, Parvaneh; Tafvizi, Farzaneh

doi:10.30491/jabr.2025.497733.1825

Bifidobacterium bifidum Supernatant Affects the Expression of Apoptosis Gene in Caco-2 Cells Infected with Pathogenic Group B Streptococcus

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Uosef Ramezani ¹

Kumarss Amini ²

Parvaneh Jafari ¹

Farzaneh Tafvizi ³

¹ Department of Microbiology, Ar.C., Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran

² Department of Microbiology, Sav.C., Islamic Azad University, Saveh, Iran

³ Department of Biology, Pa.C., Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran

10.30491/jabr.2025.497733.1825

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Bifidobacterium bifidum

Apoptosis Genes

Group B Streptococcus

Caco-2 Cells