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Western diets linked to increased colorectal cancer risk, German study finds

From Daily Star · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • German researchers found that Western diets high in fat can promote the growth of colorectal cancer.
  • These diets sustain gut bacteria that produce deoxycholic acid (DCA), a secondary bile acid linked to tumor development.
  • The study proved causality in mice and found higher DCA-producing bacteria in human stool samples from colorectal cancer patients.

A team of German researchers has established a causal link between Western diets, gut bacteria, and the development of colorectal cancer, one of the deadliest cancers affecting adults under 50. The study, involving researchers from the Technical University of Munich, RWTH Aachen, and the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, was published in the journal Gut.

What's special about our study is that it shows the causality.

— Annika OsswaldExplaining the significance of the research findings.

Scientists found that diets rich in fatty foods encourage specific gut bacteria to produce deoxycholic acid (DCA). This secondary bile acid has been shown to promote tumor growth. "What's special about our study is that it shows the causality," said Annika Osswald, the study's lead author. "Until now, we only knew there was some sort of connection between [a certain] secondary bile acid and colorectal cancer."

Until now, we only knew there was some sort of connection between [a certain] secondary bile acid and colorectal cancer.

— Annika OsswaldHighlighting the advancement in understanding the link between bile acid and cancer.

The research team utilized mouse models to demonstrate this link. Mice with DCA-producing bacteria in their gut exhibited more tumor growth and increased cell division compared to those without the bacteria. Increased cell division heightens the risk of cancer by multiplying the chances of DNA replication errors during cell division.

At the core of our work to prove causality were the mouse models.

— Annika OsswaldDescribing the methodology used to establish a causal link.

To confirm these findings in humans, the researchers analyzed stool samples from over a thousand individuals. They discovered that genes of DCA-producing bacteria were more prevalent in patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. "Our results show how much a Western high-fat diet and the associated changes in the gut microbiome can affect human gut health," stated microbiologist Sören Ocvirk, another author. While the team emphasizes that further research is needed, their work provides a foundation for understanding and potentially treating colorectal cancer.

Our results show how much a Western high-fat diet and the associated changes in the gut microbiome can affect human gut health.

— Sören OcvirkSummarizing the implications of the study for human health.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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