Targeting Gut Microbiome and the Recovery of Muscle Loss Associated with Cancer (Cachexia): An Overview of the Possible Effect of Bee Products

Abstract

Current research emphasizes the contribution of gut microbiome to numerous health conditions including
cancer and skeletomuscular disorders. Cachexia is a debilitating condition of progressive loss of body
tissues. It occurs in up to 80% of patients with tumors, and it impairs their functioning and quality of life and
increases morbidity and premature death. Several randomized trials indicate that interventions, which target
gut microbiome can correct and revert tissue loss in aged people. However, less is known about the effect
of such strategies in cachectic muscle loss. This report briefly sheds the light on the role of gut-muscle axis
in cachexia and demonstrates few examples on interventions addressing gut microbiome and their effect on
cachectic muscle. It also speculates the literature for the skeletal muscle-promoting activity of bee products,
particularly bee honey and propolis (which are quite handy), within the context of cachexia. Implications for
future studies are discussed.