TNF and colorectal carcinoma: Thus, α-ketoglutarate not only exhibited immunomodulatory effects mediated via the downregulation of IL-6, IL-22, TNF-α, and IL-1β cytokines but also minimized the frequency of opportunistic pathogens (Escherichia and Enterococcus), while it increased the populations of Akkermansia, Butyricicoccus, Clostridium, and Ruminococcus, suggesting that dietary α-ketoglutarate intervention may protect against inflammation-related CRC [109].