Metabolic Rate and Oxidative Stress as a Risk Factors in the Development of Colorectal Cancer

Area of Science:

• Metabolic research
• Cancer biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Energy expenditure is a risk factor for deadly diseases, including cancer.
• Basal metabolic rate (BMR) influences whole-body metabolism and its impact on disease development is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of BMR on colorectal cancer (CRC) growth and progression.
• To examine the relationship between metabolic rate, oxidative stress, and gene activity in CRC development.

Main Methods:

• Utilized three mouse lines (high BMR, low BMR, non-selected) implanted with human CRC cells (DLD-1).
• Assessed oxidative and antioxidant parameters, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) gene activity.
• Analyzed the correlation between metabolic values and CRC tumor growth.

Main Results:

• High BMR (HBMR) mice exhibited higher concentrations of oxidative enzymes compared to low BMR (LBMR) and non-selected (NSBMR) mice.
• CRC tumor growth rate correlated with altered oxidative stress enzyme levels and Keap1 expression in HBMR mice.
• A faster growth rate of CRC line DLD-1 was associated with enzymatic redox imbalance in high BMR animals.

Conclusions:

• High basal metabolic rate is linked to accelerated colorectal cancer growth.
• Enzymatic redox imbalance and altered Keap1 activity in high BMR individuals contribute to faster CRC progression.