Intermittent Fasting: Implications for Obesity-Related Colorectal Tumorigenesis

Abstract

Obesity is associated with metabolic and immune perturbations (ie, insulin resistance, increased inflammation, and oxidative stress), circadian rhythm dysregulation, and gut microbial changes that can promote colorectal tumorigenesis. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most incident cancer in the United States. This narrative review examines the effects of intermittend fasting on factors influencing colon tumorigenesis, such as body weight, metabolic and immune markers, circadian rythm, and the gut microbiota in humans. Findings suggest that intermittent fasting regimens can lead to weight loss and shifts in metabolic markers, which could be preventive for CRC but effects on the gut microbiota composition and functions still remains elusive.

Keywords: Circadian rhythm; Colorectal cancer; Gut microbiome; Intermittent fasting; Obesity.