Normal and cancerous cells are suggested to have differential utilization of fatty acids and ketone bodies, which could be exploited in cancer therapy. The present study examined the effect of 3-hydroxybutyric acid (3-HBA), which is a ketone body generating acetyl-CoA, and lauric acid (LAA, C12:0), which is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid translocated to mitochondria in a carnitine-independent manner to produce acetyl-CoA, on the energy metabolism of mouse CT26 colon cancer cells. In CT26 cells expressing 3-HBA and LAA transporters, 3-HBA and LAA reduced cell proliferation, mitochondrial volume and lactate production, and increased oxidative stress, particularly in low-glucose conditions. Concurrent treatment with 3-HBA and LAA under glucose starvation had a synergistic effect on cell growth inhibition. In addition, LAA and LAA + 3-HBA promoted an imbalance in the expression of enzymes in the electron transport chain. These findings suggested that treatment with 3-HBA and/or LAA during glucose starvation may reprogram energy metabolism and decrease the proliferation of cancer cells.
Keywords: 3-hydroxybutiryic acid; lauric acid; mitochondria; oxidative stress.