Tumor Growth, Glycolytic and Cell Cycle Inhibitory Effects of Ketogenic Diet in Ehrlich Solid Tumor-Bearing Female Mice

Background: The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, its role in cancer is based on the premise that cancer cells exhibit a heightened dependence on glucose metabolism, termed the Warburg effect. Aim: the study aimed to investigate the impact of the ketogenic diet on cancer cell growth and proliferation in female mice with Ehrlich Solid Tumor (EST). Materials and Methods: Swiss female mice were divided into three groups (n=15): (G1) Healthy control mice fed with a balanced diet, (G2) EST mice fed with a balanced diet and (G3) EST mice fed with KD. Through the experiment, some biological parameters and tumor growth were monitored. Biochemical measures and aerobic glycolysis enzyme activities were measured. Also, cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry and histopathological examination were done. Results: The treatment of EST-bearing mice with KD demonstrated an inhibitory effect on tumor growth rate. This was evident through the modulation of blood glycemia, glycolytic enzyme activities and induction of cell cycle arrest. Conclusion: The results suggest a potential therapeutic strategy of KD to target the metabolic and angiogenic vulnerabilities of EST, providing a novel avenue for enhancing the efficacy of cancer treatment.