Discovering Healthy Bacteria in Breast Milk: A New Hope Against Cancer

Scientists in Türkiye have found something amazing in breast milk. They discovered four new strains of a bacteria called Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. These tiny helpers might be our new allies in the fight against colon cancer. First, let's talk about their superpowers. These bacteria can survive the harsh conditions of our stomach and intestines, making them great probiotics. They're not invincible, though. Their strength decreases over time and with higher concentrations. Now, let's talk about their kryptonite. They're sensitive to certain antibiotics like penicillin G, rifampin, and chloramphenicol. But don't worry, they also fight back against bad bacteria.The scientists found that these strains produce acetic acid, but not citric, malic, tartaric, pyruvic, or fumaric acids. They also make a substance called exopolysaccharide (EPS), which they all produce in similar amounts. These bacteria aren't just tough, they're also good at protecting our cells. They have antioxidant properties, though not as strong as some standard ones. More importantly, they can slow down the growth of colon cancer cells. The more of their metabolites (the stuff they produce) there are, the better they work against a type of colon cancer cell called Caco-2. When comparing all the strains, one called YAAS 23 stood out slightly. But overall, they're all pretty impressive.