Non-digestible carbohydrates supplementation increases miR-32 expression in the healthy human colorectal epithelium: A randomized controlled trial

Colorectal cancer (CRC) risk is modulated by diet and there is convincing evidence of reduced risk with higher non‐digestible carbohydrates (NDCs) consumption. Resistant starch (RS), a NDC, positively modulates the expression of oncogenic microRNAs, suggesting that this could be a mechanism through which NDCs protect against CRC. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementation with two NDCs, RS, and polydextrose (PD), on microRNA expression in the macroscopically‐normal human rectal epithelium using samples from the DISC Study, a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled dietary intervention. We screened 1008 miRNAs in pooled post‐intervention rectal mucosal samples from participants allocated to the double placebo group and those supplemented with both RS and PD. A total of 111 miRNAs were up‐ or down‐regulated by at least twofold in the RS + PD group compared with the control group. From these, eight were selected for quantification in individual participant samples by qPCR, and fold‐change direction was consistent with the array for seven miRNAs. The inconsistency for miR‐133b and the lower fold‐change values observed for the seven miRNAs is probably because qPCR of individual participant samples is a more robust and sensitive method of quantification than the array. miR‐32 expression was increased by approximately threefold (P = 0.033) in the rectal mucosa of participants supplemented with RS + PD compared with placebo. miR‐32 is involved in the regulation of processes such as cell proliferation that are dysregulated in CRC. Furthermore, miR‐32 may affect non‐canonical NF‐κB signaling via regulation of TRAF3 expression and consequently NIK stabilization.

Is resistant starch protective against colorectal cancer via modulation of the WNT signalling pathway?

Epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests that non-digestible carbohydrates (NDC) including resistant starch are protective against colorectal cancer. These anti-neoplastic effects are presumed to result from the production of the SCFA, butyrate, by colonic fermentation, which binds to the G-protein-coupled receptor GPR43 to regulate inflammation and other cancer-related processes. The WNT pathway is central to the maintenance of homeostasis within the large bowel through regulation of processes such as cell proliferation and migration and is frequently aberrantly hyperactivated in colorectal cancers. Abnormal WNT signalling can lead to irregular crypt cell proliferation that favours a hyperproliferative state. Butyrate has been shown to modulate the WNT pathway positively, affecting functional outcomes such as apoptosis and proliferation. Butyrate's ability to regulate gene expression results from epigenetic mechanisms, including its role as a histone deacetylase inhibitor and through modulating DNA methylation and the expression of microRNA. We conclude that genetic and epigenetic modulation of the WNT signalling pathway may be an important mechanism through which butyrate from fermentation of resistant starch and other NDC exert their chemoprotective effects.