INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF
CancerGenetics
The Role of SCFAs Derived from Gut Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer Progression; A Systematic Overview
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AmirMohammad Ganjali,1 Yekta Rezapour,2 Hossein Javid,3,*
1. Student Research Committee, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2. Student Research Committee, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3. Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Introduction: Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide and has become one of the most significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Recent studies on the role of the gut microbiome have yielded valuable results, among which short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are recognized as one of the key findings. In patients with colorectal cancer, we often see a drop in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are beneficial compounds produced during the fermentation of dietary fibers. But increasing the levels of these metabolites might make the disease progress more slowly. SCFAs have several important roles—they can help inhibit the formation of new blood vessels, reduce inflammation, support the differentiation of immune cells, maintain the integrity of the basement membrane, and even help balance intestinal pH levels. Since this is a relatively new area of research within colorectal cancer, carrying out a systematic review could really sharpen our focus and enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms at play.
- Methods: This systematic review involved a search in the PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases using keywords associated with “short-chain fatty acids,” “gut microbiota,” and “colorectal cancer” from 2018 to 2024. The initial search found 40 articles. Following a review of the titles and abstracts, and applying the inclusion criteria (concentrating on colorectal cancer and assessing the role of SCFAs, and studies with a clear focus on the gut microbiome) and exclusion criteria (examining cancers other than CRC or not directly associated with SCFAs, and studies with a lack of clear methodology or results), six articles were selected as eligible for analysis. The majority of studies were conducted in vitro and in vivo, while clinical trials were limited and required further study.
- Results: The research examined included in vitro, in vivo, and human clinical models. Acetate, propionate, and butyrate are three short-chain fatty acids that are known to give energy to cells that line the intestines. However, colorectal cancer cells primarily consume aerobic metabolism for energy. Alterations in the levels of these SCFAs may significantly influence diagnosis and treatment. Butyrate, the most powerful SCFA, not only gives cells energy but also causes cells with DNA damage to die. Butyrate has demonstrated efficacy in reducing intestinal dysbiosis and modulating anticancer immune responses in animal experiments, particularly in mice. On the other hand, acetate was linked to enhanced tumor proliferation in several mouse models, underscoring the necessity for careful monitoring in its clinical and laboratory utilizations.
- Conclusion: Given the limited number of articles available, the findings of this review suggest that SCFAs could be a novel and less invasive approach to traditional methods such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Among them, butyrate, as the most effective compound, has excellent potential for development as a mainstream therapeutic drug. However, its potential effects and side effects need to be investigated, along with a careful evaluation of propionate and acetate. The urgency and importance of further research, particularly clinical studies with larger sample sizes and greater responsiveness, cannot be overstated in determining the efficacy and safety of these compounds.
- Keywords: Gastrointestinal Microbiome / Fatty Acids, Volatile / Colorectal Neoplasms / Butyrates
