Insaf Mezouari

Morocco

Study of short-chain fatty acids produced by the gut microbiota and their correlation with colorectal cancer in the Moroccan population.

Insaf Mezouari1, Mohcine Bennani Mechita 1
1. Intelligent Automation & BioMed Genomics Laboratry, Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tangier, Morocco

Abstract

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most prevalent cancers worldwide, with Morocco experiencing rising cases due to lifestyle changes and dietary shifts toward Westernization. These changes impact the gut microbiota, which plays a critical role in CRC development. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), metabolites produced by microbial fermentation of dietary fibers, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Despite substantial global research, data exploring the interplay between SCFAs, diet, microbiota, and CRC in Moroccan populations remain limited.

Methods

This study adopts a multidisciplinary approach to investigate SCFAs in CRC. Epidemiological data are collected from medical records to analyze patient demographics, clinical profiles, and pathology. Dietary habits are assessed through questionnaires targeting newly diagnosed patients, focusing on fiber intake and food diversity. Molecular analysis involves SCFA quantification in blood and fecal samples using gas chromatography (GC), with additional correlation to microbiota profiles to determine dietary impacts on SCFA production and CRC progression.

Results

(Expected)
The study anticipates uncovering significant differences in SCFA levels between CRC patients and healthy individuals. Reduced butyrate levels, linked with CRC progression, are expected to correlate with lower fiber intake and altered microbial populations. The results aim to identify specific dietary and microbial factors that contribute to CRC risk in the Moroccan population.
Findings could also reveal patterns of microbiota modulation by Westernized diets, offering insights into how these changes influence SCFA-related pathways.

Conclusions

This research seeks to fill a critical gap in understanding the relationship between diet, microbiota, and CRC in Morocco. By elucidating the role of SCFAs, it aims to support the development of dietary interventions and microbiota-targeted therapies to prevent CRC. The findings could provide a foundation for public health strategies tailored to Moroccan dietary practices, contributing to reduced CRC incidence and improved patient outcomes.