| Summary: | <i>Blastocystis</i> is an anaerobic parasite that colonizes the intestinal tract of humans and animals. When it was first discovered, <i>Blastocystis</i> was considered to be a normal flora with beneficial effects on human health, such as maintaining gut hemostasis and improving intestinal barrier integrity. Later, with increasing research on <i>Blastocystis</i>, reports showed that <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. is associated with gastrointestinal disorders, colorectal cancer (CRC), and neurological disorders. The association between <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. and CRC has been confirmed in several countries. <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. can mediate CRC via similar mechanisms to CRC-associated bacteria, including infection-mediated inflammation, increased oxidative stress, induced gut dysbiosis, and damage to intestinal integrity, leading to a leaky gut. IL-8 is the main inflammatory cytokine released from epithelial cells and can promote CRC development. The causal association of <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. with other diseases needs further investigation. In this review, we have provided an update on <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. and summarized the debate about the beneficial and harmful effects of this parasite. We have also highlighted the possible mechanisms of <i>Blastocystis</i>-mediated CRC.
|
|---|
