The article “Lactate and lactylation in gastrointestinal cancer: Current progress and perspectives” delves into the roles of lactate and its derivative modification, lactylation, in the development and progression of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Traditionally viewed as a mere byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, lactate is now recognized as a significant player in cancer biology. Its accumulation in the tumor microenvironment (TME) not only fosters an acidic milieu that promotes tumor invasion and metastasis but also modulates immune responses, aiding cancer cells in evading immune surveillance. Lactylation, a post-translational modification where lactate molecules attach to lysine residues on proteins, influences gene expression and cellular functions pivotal to tumor progression. By modifying histones and other proteins, lactylation can activate genes that support tumor growth, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. The review underscores the potential of targeting lactate production and lactylation processes as innovative therapeutic strategies in GI cancer treatment.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Actionable Conclusions for Cancer Prevention:

1. Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications:
   • Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in consistent exercise can enhance metabolic efficiency and reduce lactate accumulation, potentially mitigating the pro-tumorigenic effects of elevated lactate levels.
   • Balanced Diet: Consuming a diet rich in whole foods, with controlled carbohydrate intake, may help regulate blood glucose levels and reduce excessive lactate production.

Glutamine role in cancer

Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including serving as a building block for proteins and a fuel source for rapidly dividing cells. Many cancer cells exhibit increased glutamine uptake and dependence, utilizing it to support their accelerated growth and proliferation. This phenomenon, often referred to as “glutamine addiction,” has led researchers to explore strategies to target glutamine metabolism as a therapeutic approach in cancer treatment.

nature.com

Actionable Conclusions for Cancer Prevention:

1. Dietary Considerations:
   • Moderation of Glutamine-Rich Foods: While glutamine is abundant in foods such as meat, dairy products, and certain legumes, there is currently no conclusive evidence suggesting that dietary glutamine directly increases cancer risk. Therefore, maintaining a balanced diet without excessive restriction of glutamine-rich foods is advisable.