Physical Activity and Stool Metabolite Relationships Among Adults at High Risk for Colorectal Cancer

Adenomatous polyps are associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Physical activity (PA) and spending less time sedentary may reduce risk of polyp recurrence and cancer incidence. This study examined associations between PA, sedentary time, and stool metabolites in adults at high risk for developing colorectal cancer.

Participants were ≥18 years old with ≥1 adenomatous polyps removed in the previous 3 years. PA and sedentary time were assessed using an activPAL™ accelerometer. Stool samples were analyzed for short-chain fatty acids, and primary/secondary bile acid metabolites by mass spectrometry. Linear regression models examined associations between PA, sedentary time, and stool parameters, with dietary fiber as a covariate.

Participants (N = 21) were 59 (9) years old and had a body mass index of 28.1 (3.35 kg/m2). Light-intensity PA was associated with butyrate (β = 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.477 to 3.291) and propionate (β = 1.79; 95% CI, 0.862 to 2.724). Moderate to vigorous PA was associated with deoxycholic acid (β = -6.13; 95% CI, -12.14 to -0.11) and ursodeoxycholic acid (β = -0.45; 95% CI, -0.80 to -0.12) abundance.

Both light and moderate to vigorous PA were associated with gut microbial metabolite production. These findings suggest the importance of examining PA intensity alongside stool metabolites for colorectal cancer prevention.