Changes in lipids composition and metabolism in colorectal cancer: a review

Abstract

Altered metabolism of lipids is currently considered a hallmark characteristic of many malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Lipids are a large group of metabolites that differ in terms of their fatty acid composition. This review summarizes recent evidence, documenting many alterations in the content and composition of fatty acids, polar lipids, oxylipins and triacylglycerols in CRC patients’ sera, tumor tissues and adipose tissue. Some of altered lipid molecules may be potential biomarkers of CRC risk, development and progression. Owing to a significant role of many lipids in cancer cell metabolism, some of lipid metabolism pathways may also constitute specific targets for anti-CRC therapy.

Decreased Triacylglycerol Content and Elevated Contents of Cell Membrane Lipids in Colorectal Cancer Tissue: A Lipidomic Study

“…The results of some observational studies suggest that dietary provision of n-3 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) from marine food sources might mitigate CRC risk and reduce mortality associated with this malignancy [8]. However, other authors found no link between n-3 and n-6 PUFAs and CRC development or treatment outcomes [9].…”

Phospholipid profiling enables to discriminate tumor- and non-tumor-derived human colon epithelial cells: Phospholipidome similarities and differences in colon cancer cell lines and in patient-derived cell samples

“…An altered lipid composition can have a major impact on survival, proliferation or communication of tumor cells, due to the multiple roles of lipids in cellular signaling, build-up of cell membranes or in cell-to-cell interactions [20,38]. CRC development has been shown to be associated with a number of lipid alterations (reviewed in [39]), including increasing amounts Table 2 71 (1.1-2.64 .72 (1.19-2.47 of some PLs in transformed cells [40][41][42]. For example, Li et al established correlations of increased PI and PC with CRC genesis, as well as the relationship between increased PE and hepatic metastasis in colorectal carcinoma [43].…”

Metabolomic markers of colorectal tumor with different clinicopathological features

“…Lipid metabolism is regulated by complex signaling networks in CRC tumor cells, which are closely related to cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis (39). Several studies have indicated that some fatty acid metabolism pathways are associated with the development and progression of colorectal adenocarcinoma (40, 41). Beatriz et al also showed that changes in fatty acid metabolism are a crucial factor in the progression from colorectal adenoma to adenocarcinoma (42).…”