DNA damage has been extensively studied as a potentially helpful tool in assessing and preventing cancer, having been widely associated with the deregulation of DNA damage repair (DDR) genes and with an increased risk of cancer. Adipose tissue and tumoral cells engage in a reciprocal interaction to establish an inflammatory microenvironment that enhances cancer growth by modifying epigenetic and gene expression patterns. Here, we hypothesize that 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1)—a DNA repair enzyme—may represent an attractive target that connects colorectal cancer (CRC) and obesity. In order to understand the mechanisms underlying the development of CRC and obesity, the expression and methylation of DDR genes were analyzed in visceral adipose tissue from CRC and healthy participants. Gene expression analysis revealed an upregulation of OGG1 expression in CRC participants (p < 0.005) and a downregulation of OGG1 in normal-weight healthy patients (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the methylation analysis showed the hypermethylation of OGG1 in CRC patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, expression patterns of OGG1 were found to be regulated by vitamin D and inflammatory genes. In general, our results showed evidence that OGG1 can regulate CRC risk through obesity and may act as a biomarker for CRC.
β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) serves as an alternative cellular fuel during states of low glucose availability, such as fasting or carbohydrate restriction, when the body shifts to using fats and ketone bodies for energy. While BHB has shown potential metabolic benefits, its mechanisms of action in the context of obesity are not fully understood. In this study, we examined the effects of BHB supplementation on subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) metabolism in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. Adult male mice were first fed a high-fat diet for six weeks, followed by a standard diet with or without BHB supplementation for an additional six weeks. BHB supplementation led to significant body weight loss independent of food intake. This weight reduction was associated with decreased adipocyte differentiation, reflected by reduced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) protein levels and lower uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression, indicating altered SAT function. Transcriptomic analysis of SAT revealed upregulation of genes involved in fatty acid activation and transport (e.g., Slc27a2, Plin5, Acot4, Acsm3, Rik). Functional enrichment highlighted the activation of the PPAR signaling pathway and enrichment of peroxisomal components in the BHB group. Together, these results suggest that BHB promotes lipid remodeling in SAT, enhancing fatty acid metabolism while suppressing thermogenic pathways, and thus may represent a novel mechanism contributing to adiposity reduction and metabolic improvement.