The Prime Driver of Colon Cancer in the Young

A new study suggests that red and processed meats may be contributing to the rising risk of colon cancer in young adults. {article}

"Younger colon cancer patients typically have higher levels of metabolites created by the digestion of an amino acid called arginine, researchers reported recently in the journal NPJ Precision Oncology."

Researchers noted that these individuals also exhibit higher levels of metabolites linked to the urea cycle, the process responsible for filtering ammonia produced during protein digestion from the blood and excreting it.

SLC4A11 mediates ammonia import and promotes cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma

In a study published two days ago, researchers discovered that ammonia enters cells via the SLC4A11 transporter and acts as a nitrogen source for the biosynthesis of amino acids and nucleotides.

Elevated ammonia levels enhanced cancer stem cell properties in vitro and promoted tumor initiation in vivo. Enhancing ammonia clearance reduced the stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and slowed tumor growth. Higher serum ammonia levels were associated with an increased risk of developing HCC.

Bifidobacterium-mediated urea cycle regulation in colorectal cancer

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39096436/

In this study published a few days ago, researchers found that CRC patients exhibit a significant decrease in Bifidobacterium abundance.

When Bifidobacterium abundance is reduced, ammonia metabolism is less effectively regulated, increasing ammonia levels and CRC progression.