High-fat Diets Could Lead to Colorectal Cancer

Though cancer deaths have decreased overall, deaths due to colorectal cancer have increased in individuals younger than 55 years of age.  Research led by the Salk Institute suggests that this increased occurrence may be due to diets high in fat.

According to these researchers, high fat diets can trigger an increased rate of cancerous growth in individuals with an APC gene mutation, a mutation commonly associated with colorectal cancer development.  They suggest that bile acids released in response to fat ingestion send hormonal signals to intestinal cells via FXR (Farnesoid X Receptor).  An excess consumption of fat can inhibit this receptor, causing increased growth of mutated stem cells and presence of cancer in this region.

High-fat diets are popular in the United States, especially among young people.  This eating trend may be causing the increase in development of colorectal cancer in these younger generations.  Because of the findings explained above, this group of researchers is testing the effectiveness of a new cancer-fighting agent, FexD, that acts to activate FXR.  This agent is not yet ready to be tested on human subjects, but has shown promise in mouse organ models and human colon cancer cell lines.

To read this article and more, go to: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190221141406.htm