Intervention with α-Ketoglutarate Ameliorates Colitis-Related Colorectal Carcinoma via Modulation of the Gut Microbiome

Abstract EN

The intestinal microbiome plays a crucial role in promoting intestinal health, and perturbations to its constitution may result in chronic intestinal inflammation and lead to colorectal cancer (CRC).

α-Ketoglutarate is an important intermediary in the NF-κB-mediated inflammatory pathway that maintains intestinal homeostasis and prevents initiation of intestinal inflammation, a known precursor to carcinoma development.

The objective of this study was to assess the potential protective effects of α-ketoglutarate intervention against CRC development, which may arise due to its known anti-inflammatory and antitumour effects.

CRC was induced in C57BL/6 mice using azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS).

Tumour frequency, histological rating, and colonic microbiota were assessed in colonic samples.

The findings demonstrated that α-ketoglutarate offered significant protection against CRC development in mice.

Furthermore, α-ketoglutarate also exhibited immunomodulatory effects mediated via downregulation of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-22, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-1β cytokines.

Finally, intervention with α-ketoglutarate tended to minimise the frequency of opportunistic pathogens (Escherichia and Enterococcus) while increasing the populations of Akkermansia, Butyricicoccus, Clostridium, and Ruminococcus.

Taken together, our findings show that dietary α-ketoglutarate intervention may protect against inflammation-related CRC.