New Research Links Poor Diet to Increased Cancer Risk Through Methylglyoxal Buildup

Everyone is quite aware that poor nutrition is associated with numerous health conditions. Some of them include obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and different forms of cancer. High intakes of sodium, saturated fats, and sugars can increase the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes. Although many foods are said to be associated with increased or decreased cancer risk, according to the National Cancer Institute, no studies have yet shown that any dietary component directly causes or protects against cancer. Recently, a study published in Cell discovered a mechanism that might explain why a poor diet increases cancer risk. Researchers found that methylglyoxal, produced when cells break down glucose to release energy, can inhibit genes that protect against cancer. They suggest that poor diet leads to higher levels of methylglyoxal, increasing the likelihood of cancer. 

Methylglyoxal is a by-product of glucose, proteins, and lipids metabolism. It is a reactive small molecule that can disrupt cell function and is thus broken down by enzymes into less harmful substances. However, the study suggests that if too much methylglyoxal is produced, the excess can damage DNA. The researchers also investigated the effect of methylglyoxal in cells from people who had inherited a copy of a mutated gene—BRCA2—that increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. 

It was discovered that methylglyoxal temporarily disabled tumor suppression by BRCA2, which could increase the likelihood of cancer developing. Methylglyoxal damaged DNA in cells that had the mutated form of the BRCA2 gene. Repeated exposure to methylglyoxal increased the level of damage to the DNA. 

Methylglyoxal is known to produce a group of complex compounds known as advanced glycation end products (AGE). This accumulates in the body and contributes to various health conditions like diabetes and obesity. These AGEs are also linked to increased oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are factors in cancer development. High levels of methylglyoxal are typical in people with prediabetes and diabetes and can also result from obesity and eating a poor diet. 

Some researchers say that since their work was carried out in cells and not patients, it’s not advisable to suggest cancer-reducing remedies. Their latest findings show that methylglyoxal can temporarily inactive cancer-preventing genes, suggesting that repeated episodes of poor diet or uncontrolled diabetes can lead to an increased risk of cancer. As is often the case, the best way to reduce methylglyoxal production and maintain metabolic, microbiome and overall health is to eat a balanced, plant-forward diet that is rich in dietary fiber and bioactive compounds, with a focus on whole and minimally processed foods. 

Journal Reference – (N.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(24)00255-1#%20