Polymicrobial interactions of Candida albicans and its role in oral carcinogenesis

Abstract

The oral microbiome is composed of microorganisms residing in the oral cavity, which are critical components of health and disease. Disruption of the oral microbiome has been proven to influence the course of oral diseases, especially among immunocompromised patients. Oral microbiome is comprised of inter‐kingdom microorganisms, including yeasts such as Candida albicans, bacteria, archaea and viruses. These microorganisms can interact synergistically, mutualistically and antagonistically, wherein the sum of these interactions dictates the composition of the oral microbiome. For instance, polymicrobial interactions can improve the ability of C albicans to form biofilm, which subsequently increases the colonisation of oral mucosa by the yeast. Polymicrobial interactions of C albicans with other members of the oral microbiome have been reported to enhance the malignant phenotype of oral cancer cells, such as the attachment to extracellular matrix molecules (ECM) and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Polymicrobial interactions may also exacerbate an inflammatory response in oral epithelial cells, which may play a role in carcinogenesis. This review focuses on the role of polymicrobial interactions between C albicans and other oral microorganisms, including its role in promoting oral carcinogenesis.

Fungal Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Its Role in Colorectal, Oral, and Pancreatic Carcinogenesis

“…Poor eating habits and oral hygiene, tobacco smoking, heavy alcohol consumption are the selected factors contributing to oral cancers development [40]. It has been shown, that microbial infections (fungal, bacterial, and viral) play a crucial role in the development of oral cancer [40]. It is estimated that more than 90% of mouth neoplasms are identified as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) [41].…”

Candida albicansenhances the progression of oral squamous cell cancrinomain vitroandin vivo

“…If the lesions caused by Candida are untreated, a minor proportion of epithelial cells may undergo dysplasia and transform into carcinoma. Thus, there is strong evidence supporting the idea that Candida contributes to carcinogenesis events in the oral cavity [20][21][22][23][24] . Additionally, patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer are at increased risk of developing oral candidiasis as fungal colonization occurs more frequently in these patients 25,26 .…”

Genetic Mutations in Young Nonsmoking Patients With Oral Cavity Cancer: A Systematic Review

“…29 The disruption of the normal oral microbiome by some Candida species may promote carcinogenesis, possibly through production of carcinogenic factors, and a similar pattern could be the case in YLER patients with OTSCC. 44,45…”