Lactobacillus crispatus reverses Escherichia coli-induced inflammatory injury and migration of cervical cancer cells by inhibiting ferroptosis

Background In the post-antibiotic era, there is growing recognition of the critical role that microecological balance plays in human health. Extensive research has demonstrated that Lactobacillus, as the predominant bacterial genus in the female reproductive system, effectively inhibits harmful microorganisms and contributes to maintaining overall health. In this study, Lactobacillus crispatus, a species within the Lactobacillus genus, was selected as the subject of investigation to elucidate its antibacterial mechanisms against Escherichia coli and the molecular pathways involved in reversing cervical cancer complicated by Escherichia coli infection. Results Lactobacillus crispatus exhibited inhibitory effects on the growth of Escherichia coli, with an average inhibitory zone diameter of 24.31 ± 34 mm. The active components responsible for this inhibition were identified as live bacterial cells of Lactobacillus crispatus. The antibacterial activity of Lactobacillus crispatus was stable for up to 7 days at 4°C and 42 days at 25°C. Furthermore, Lactobacillus crispatus effectively suppressed the biofilm formation and cellular adhesion of Escherichia coli while limiting the release of extracellular soluble proteins. It has been demonstrated that Escherichia coli induces inflammatory damage in cervical cancer cells via the ferroptosis pathway, thereby promoting tumor cell migration. Following intervention with Lactobacillus crispatus, the bacterium was able to reverse the ferroptosis-induced and inflammatory damage caused by Escherichia coli in cervical cancer cells, inhibit tumor cell migration, and reduce tumor malignancy. Conclusion Lactobacillus crispatus as a microecological balance regulator can not only inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli, but also improve the migration ability of cervical cancer complicated with Escherichia coli infection and maintain the health of the female reproductive system.