The anti-tumour role of ketogenic diet based on energy metabolism.

BACKGROUND

Unlike the energy metabolism of normal cells, tumour cells favor aerobic glycolysis to meet their unique energy demands, while disrupting normal mitochondrial metabolism. This specialized energy metabolic pathway promotes tumour growth, proliferation, and metastasis. The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat diet inducing ketone bodies (KBs) for energy metabolism by restricting carbohydrate intake and promoting fatty acid breakdown. Due to the unique energy metabolism of tumours, KD has the potential to counteract tumour energy metabolism.

METHODS

The current literature was reviewed for potential anti-tumour mechanisms of KD based on energy metabolism and the clinical evidence suggested for KD roles in tumours.

RESULTS

KD exerts anti-tumour effects by inhibiting tumour aerobic glycolysis, inducing KBs, activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.

CONCLUSION

This review groundbreakingly concludes that KD manifests the potential of anti-tumour effects based on energy metabolism. Furthermore, this study establishes a theoretical foundation for exploring the anti-cancer properties of KD and its potential as a adjunctive therapy for cancer.