Metabolic syndrome, its components, and gastrointestinal cancer risk: a meta-analysis of 31 prospective cohorts and Mendelian randomization study

The multifaceted role of agents counteracting metabolic syndrome: A new hope for gastrointestinal cancer therapy

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined by the presence of at least three of five clinical parameters including abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and hypertension. Major features describing MetS have been recognized risk factors for cancer onset, with an alarming impact on gastrointestinal (GI) tumors. Intriguingly, therapeutic administration of drugs to improve glycemic control and dyslipidemia (including metformin, statins) has been shown to have a preventive role in the development and in prognosis improvement of several cancer types. Overall, these observations highlight the key role of altered metabolism prevalently in cancer risk development and unveil anti-MetS agent repurposing potential beyond their conventional pharmacological action. The objective of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about the antitumor activity of anti-diabetic and anti-lipemic agents in GI cancer onset and progression. Here, pre-clinical evidence of their therapeutic potential and of their integration in novel compelling therapeutic strategies will be discussed. Possible clinical outcomes of these novel therapeutic combined protocols specifically dedicated to GI cancer patients will be put under the spotlight. In the future, these novel therapeutic options should be considered to improve conventional chemotherapy response and prognosis of this group of patients.

Lipids, lipid-lowering drug target genes and pancreatic cancer: a Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant tumor with a low survival rate. Lipid modifiers show potential for PC therapy, but evidence is lacking.

AIM

This Mendelian randomization (MR) study aimed to explore the relationship between lipid traits, and lipid-lowering drug target genes with PC risk.

METHOD

Genetic instrumental variables associated with lipid traits and lipid-lowering drug target genes were used to perform MR analyses of PC risk. MR estimation was based on genome-wide association study data from two large sample sets, and the MR results were meta-analyzed to assess their impact on PC risk. To ensure the reliability of lipid-modifying drug targets, we conducted a Summary Data-based Mendelian Randomization (SMR) analysis. Additionally, a two-step MR analysis was employed to explore potential mediating effects.

RESULTS

In two independent datasets, HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) inhibition was statistically associated with a lower risk of PC (OR 0.50, [95% CI 0.25-1.00]; p = 0.0453). The results were further supported by SMR analysis, which showed a similar association (OR 0.51, [95% CI 0.28-0.96]; p = 0.0369). Mediation analysis revealed that 11.69% of the protective effect of HMGCR inhibitors on PC is mediated through lower BMI levels. No significant effect of lipid traits and the other eight lipid-lowering drug targets on PC risk was found.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that HMGCR may be a potential drug target for the treatment or prevention of PC, providing important insights into the use of lipid-targeted drugs in PC therapy.

Impact of metabolic dysfunction severity in steatotic liver disease and its interaction with liver fibrosis on all-cause mortality and multiple hepatic and extra-hepatic outcomes

BACKGROUND

In metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and in MASLD with alcohol consumption (MetALD), we investigated the effect of severity of metabolic dysfunction on incident major adverse liver outcomes (MALO), major cardiovascular events (MACE), obesity-related cancers, and all-cause mortality (ACM).

METHODS

SLD was identified among 502,381 UK Biobank participants using the Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) (>36 vs.<30). Metabolic syndrome (MetS) traits and MetS (≥3 traits) using MASLD/MetALD criteria. Cox regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios and 95%CIs [aHR(95%CIs)] of MASLD or MetALD plus 1 to 5 MetS traits with incident MALO, MACE, obesity-related cancers and 5-year/10-year incidence rates versus reference (no SLD/MetS traits).

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 148 to 149 months. Comparing MASLD with one versus five MetS traits, respectively, to the reference; for MALO, [aHRs (95%CIs)] were 2.27 (1.03-5.00) and 9.19 (4.98-16.95); for MetALD, aHRs were 1.65 (0.53-5.11) and 8.54 (3.65-19.95) respectively. For MACE, with MASLD; aHRs were 1.51 (1.19-1.92) and 4.81 (4.06-5.69) respectively; with MetALD, aHRs were 1.46 (1.00-2.13) and 4.64 (3.51-6.14) respectively. For obesity-related cancers; with MASLD, aHRs were 1.04 (0.87-1.23) and 1.46 (1.29-1.66) respectively; with MetALD, aHRs were 1.01 (0.79-1.29) and 1.51 (1.24-1.83) respectively. 5-year and 10-year incidence rates also increased progressively with increasing MetS traits. Combining SLD, MetS and high liver fibrosis risk (defined by FIB-4 ≥ 2.67) was strongly associated with MALO in both MASLD and MetALD (aHRs 27.48, (17.72-42.61); 43.36, 20.53-91.58 respectively).

CONCLUSION

In MASLD or MetALD, the numbers of MetS traits markedly influence risk and incidence of liver-related outcomes, MACE, obesity-related cancers and ACM.

Integrating Mendelian randomization and multi-transcriptomic analyses to unveil the genetic association risk of regulatory T cell-mediated free cholesterol and gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Evidence from observational studies suggests an association between free cholesterol and gastric cancer. Immune cells play a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment of gastric cancer, and free cholesterol can influence immune cells in various ways, thereby impacting gastric cancer. The mechanisms by which free cholesterol regulates and activates the immune response to exert antitumor effects, as well as the causal relationship between free cholesterol and gastric cancer, remain unclear.

METHODS

We employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the causal relationship between 233 metabolites and gastric cancer. Additionally, we validated our findings using data from GWAS databases of similar traits. Using publicly available genetic data, we analyzed the causal relationship between 731 types of immune cells and gastric cancer. Furthermore, we explored the mediating role of regulatory T cells in the causal relationship between free cholesterol and gastric cancer through multivariable Mendelian randomization. Finally, we validated our results using data from the TCGA database and single-cell sequencing data.

FINDINGS

We found a causal relationship between free cholesterol levels and gastric cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 0.89, confidence interval [CI] = 0.81-0.98, P < 0.05). We also observed a causal relationship between free cholesterol levels and regulatory T cells (odds ratio [OR] = 0.86, confidence interval [CI] = 0.75-0.98, P < 0.05), and between regulatory T cells and gastric cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04, confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.07, P < 0.05). Additionally, our multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis indicated that regulatory T cells mediate the causal relationship between free cholesterol levels and gastric cancer. Furthermore, through single-cell sequencing analysis and data analysis from the TCGA database, we found that the expression of the free cholesterol uptake protein LDLR is negatively correlated with Treg infiltration, which further influences the occurrence and development of gastric cancer.

INTERPRETATION

Our analysis indicates a causal relationship between free cholesterol levels and gastric cancer, with regulatory T cells acting as mediators. Modulating free cholesterol levels to influence regulatory T cells may offer new insights and prospects for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer.

Multidimensional Assessment of Psychiatric Adverse Events Related to Proton Pump Inhibitors: A Real-World, Pharmacovigilance Study

INTRODUCTION

Limited research has been conducted on the association between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) use and psychiatric adverse events (AEs), leaving the understanding of PPIs-related psychiatric AEs in real-world settings unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to identify psychiatric AEs highly relevant to five commonly prescribed PPIs and to delve into the clinical characteristics of the population experiencing psychiatric AEs, as well as the time-to-onset pattern of the reported AEs.

METHODS

We performed disproportionality analysis to evaluate the PPI-related psychiatric AEs risk signal using data from the FDA adverse event reporting system. Linkage disequilibrium score regression, high-definition likelihood, and Bidirectional MR analyses were employed to evaluate genetic correlations and causality for the pairwise traits between indications for PPI therapy and three common psychiatric disorders.

RESULTS

Psychiatric AEs were reported in 12.83% of all AE reports on PPIs. Disproportionality analysis identified multiple PPI-related psychiatric AE risk signals such as depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and sleep disorder, with Omeprazole exhibiting the highest number of positive signals and cases (N = 386) and Rabeprazole the fewest (N = 28). Notably, we detected positive signals for suicide or self-injury-related AEs in three types of PPIs. Significant genetic correlations were revealed in peptic ulcer with major depressive disorder, peptic ulcer with schizophrenia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with major depressive disorder. Bidirectional MR analyses identified significant causal relationships between MDD and peptic ulcer, and a potential bidirectional causal association between GERD and MDD.

CONCLUSIONS

PPI-related psychiatric AEs may represent a non-negligible portion of overall PPI-related AEs. It is recommended to monitor and evaluate the safety of long-term PPI use in relation to psychiatric AEs.

Association Between Biologics and Janus Kinase Inhibitors With Inflammatory Bowel Disease as Paradoxical Reactions: A Real-World Assessment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

With limited evidence connecting paradoxical inflammatory bowel disease (paradoxical IBD) to the newest biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors, our study aims to investigate the occurrence of paradoxical IBD induced by these agents in treating other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). We aim to identify associated risk signals, the primary affected population, and the risk profile changes over time.

METHODS

We performed disproportionality analysis to evaluate paradoxical IBD risk signals using data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System. Stratification analyses according to IBD subtype, age, gender, and agents' indications were performed. Weibull shape parameter (WSP) test was conducted to assess paradoxical IBD risk changes over time. Linkage disequilibrium score regression and Mendelian Randomization were employed to evaluate genetic correlations and causality between these agents' indications (i.e., non-IBD IMIDs) and IBD.

RESULTS

This study included 3296 patients reporting 3407 occurrences of paradoxical IBD following using these agents as primary suspects. Among TNF blockers, consistent positive signals for paradoxical IBD were noted: Adalimumab (n = 1983, ROR [95%CI] = 1.55 [1.47-1.63]), Infliximab (n = 545, ROR [95%CI] = 2.12 [1.95-2.32]), Certolizumab Pegol (n = 342, ROR [95%CI] = 1.9 [1.71-2.12]), and Golimumab (n = 154, ROR [95%CI] = 1.64 [1.4-1.93]). Ustekinumab, an IL-12 and IL-23 antagonist, also showed a strong positive signal (n = 155, ROR [95%CI] = 2.03 [1.73-2.39]). Conversely, Upadacitinib, Tofacitinib (Janus kinase inhibitors), and Risankizumab (IL-23 antagonist) exhibited insignificant associations with paradoxical IBD. Crohn's disease (CD) is the mainly developing form. WSP analysis identified two temporal patterns of paradoxical IBD: early failure and random failure types. Significant genetic correlations between three IMIDs and IBD were uncovered, with psoriasis specifically found to causally elevate CD risk.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies paradoxical IBD as a consistent positive signal across multiple IMID agents, predominantly manifesting as CD, potentially aiding in timely detection and therapeutic decision-making.

Risk Factors and Prevention of Cancer and CVDs: A Chicken and Egg Situation

Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are the two primary causes of mortality worldwide. Although traditionally regarded as distinct pathologies, they share numerous pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors, including chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic dysregulation. Notably, several cancers have been identified as closely linked to cardiovascular diseases, including lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers, as well as hematological malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Additionally, renal and pancreatic cancers exhibit a significant association with cardiovascular complications, partly due to shared risk factors and the cardiotoxic effects of cancer therapies. Addressing the overlapping risk factors through lifestyle modifications-such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and cessation of smoking and alcohol-has proven effective in reducing both CV and oncological morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, even in patients with established cancer, structured interventions targeting physical activity, nutritional optimization, and smoking cessation have been associated with improved outcomes. Beyond lifestyle modifications, pharmacological strategies play a crucial role in the prevention of both diseases. Several cardiovascular medications, including statins, aspirin, beta-blockers, and metformin, exhibit pleiotropic effects that extend beyond their primary indications, demonstrating potential anti-neoplastic properties in preclinical and observational studies. Recently, novel therapeutic agents have garnered attention for their possible cardioprotective and metabolic benefits. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), initially developed for managing type 2 diabetes, have shown CV and renal protective effects, alongside emerging evidence of their role in modulating cancer-related metabolic pathways. Inclisiran, a small interfering RNA targeting PCSK9, effectively lowers LDL cholesterol and may contribute to reducing CV risk, with potential implications for tumor biology. Additionally, sacubitril/valsartan, an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, has revolutionized heart failure management by improving hemodynamic parameters and exerting anti-inflammatory effects that may have broader implications for chronic disease prevention. Given the intricate interplay between CVD and cancer, further research is essential to clarify the exact mechanisms linking these conditions and assessing the potential of CV therapies in cancer prevention. This review aims to examine shared risk factors, consider the role of pharmacological and lifestyle interventions, and emphasize crucial epidemiological and mechanistic insights into the intersection of CV and oncological health.

Global trends in esophageal cancer and metabolic syndrome research: bibliometric analysis and visualization from 1995 to 2024

PURPOSE

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) plays a key role in the progression of esophageal cancer (EC), yet few studies have comprehensively explored research trends on this topic. To fill this gap, this study analyzes global research developments, hotspots, and collaborations related to MetS and EC.

METHODS

A total of 1008 publications from 1995 to 2024 were analyzed using bibliometric tools like VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package 'bibliometrix', drawing from the Web of Science Core Collection.

RESULTS

The analysis includes contributions from 5,183 researchers at 1500 institutions across 85 countries, with publications appearing in 411 journals. The United States, China, and the United Kingdom are leading in both publication volume and research impact. Karolinska Institutet emerged as a prominent contributor to this body of work. Key journals include the Diseases of the Esophagus and Gastroenterology. Main areas cover metabolic factors, metabolic surgery, adipokines, lifestyle risk factors, cirrhosis & portal hypertension. Emerging trends focus on "metabolic syndrome and EC risk", "inflammation and adipokines", "bariatric surgery and EC prevention", "post-surgical outcomes", "early detection strategies".

CONCLUSION

As the first comprehensive bibliometric study on MetS and EC, this research highlights metabolism-related factors driving EC progression. Future research should focus on clarifying MetS-EC mechanisms and developing prevention and treatment strategies.

Global, Regional, and National Burden of Primary Liver Cancer Attributable to Metabolic Risks: An Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2021

INTRODUCTION

The global burden of metabolic diseases is increasing, but estimates of their impact on primary liver cancer are uncertain. We aimed to assess the global burden of primary liver cancer attributable to metabolic risk factors, including high body mass index (BMI) and high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, between 1990 and 2021.

METHODS

The total number and age-standardized rates of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from primary liver cancer attributable to each metabolic risk factor were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2021. The metabolic burden trends of liver cancer across regions and countries by sociodemographic index (SDI) and sex were estimated. The annual percentage changes in age-standardized DALYs rate were also calculated.

RESULTS

Globally, in 2021, primary liver cancer attributable to high BMI and/or high FPG was estimated to have caused 59,970 deaths (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 20,567-104,103) and 1,540,437 DALYs (95% UI 540,922-2,677,135). The age-standardized rates of death and DALYs were 0.70 (95% UI 0.24-1.21) and 17.64 (95% UI 6.19-30.65) per 100,000 person-years. A consistent global rise in liver cancer attributable to metabolic risks was observed from 1990 to 2021, with high BMI identified as the major contributing risk factor. The highest burden of deaths and DALYs of liver cancer consistently occurred in high SDI countries, while the fastest growth trends were observed in low-middle SDI countries. The burdens of high levels of BMI and FPG were higher in men than in women.

DISCUSSION

Primary liver cancer attributable to high BMI and/or high FPG imposes an increasingly substantial clinical burden on global public health, particularly in high SDI countries. Rapid growth trends are also found in middle SDI countries.

Association of the Number of Concurrent Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors with Textbook Outcomes Following Liver Resection for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

There is little information regarding the impact of the number of concurrent metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors on the textbook outcomes (TO) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following liver resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from patients who underwent liver resection between 2015 and 2023 in a multicenter database were retrospectively reviewed (N = 3156). According to the guidelines, MetS risk factors include obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

RESULTS

In this study, 2056 (65.1%) patients achieved TO. The incidence of TO was 63.1% in patients with ≥ 1 MetS risk factor, which was lower than that in patients without any MetS risk factors (67.5%, P = 0.011). As the number of MetS risk factors increased, the probability of not achieving TO gradually increased. The non-TO rates in patients with no, 1, 2, and ≥ 3 MetS risk factors were 32.5%, 35.9%, 37.6% and 40.2%, respectively (Ptrend = 0.005). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed that the number of MetS risk factors (0 as a reference; 1, OR 1.220, 95% CI 1.029-1.447, P = 0.022; 2, OR 1.397, 95% CI 1.113-1.755, P = 0.004; ≥ 3, OR 1.647, 95% CI 1.197-2.264, P = 0.002) independently contributed to non-TO in patients with HCC after liver resection. Both the 5-year recurrence-free survival (TO: 50.7% versus non-TO: 43.9%, P < 0.001) and overall survival rates (TO: 71.0% versus non-TO: 58.7%, P < 0.001) of TO patients were significantly better than those of non-TO patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Concurrent MetS risk factors can adversely impact TO achievement in patients with HCC after liver resection. The more risk factors patients have, the less likely they are to achieve TO.

Metabolic syndrome and cancer risk: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study of European ancestry

BACKGROUND

The relationship between Metabolic Syndrome and cancer remains controversial. The authors aimed to assess the association between Metabolic Syndrome and cancer risk at different locations using a Mendelian randomization approach.

METHODS

The authors extracted single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MetS and its components from public databases for populations of European ancestry. Causal effects were estimated using inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger, weighted median, and MR-PRESSO. Sensitivity analyses were performed using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO, leave-one-out analysis, and funnel plots. In addition, the authors calculated the Statistical power. Finally, the authors applied the False Discovery Rate (FDR) to correct our results.

RESULTS

IVW methods showed that Genetically predicted Metabolic Syndrome may be a potential risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma ( P =0.031, P-FDR=0.093). Metabolic Syndrome was not causally associated with cancers at other sites (lung, thyroid, breast, prostate, kidney, bladder, colorectal, esophagus, and stomach). In further analyses, WC may increase the risk of lung ( P =0.003, P-FDR=0.018), and esophageal ( P =0.011, P-FDR=0.066) cancers and decrease the risk of prostate cancer ( P =0.006, P-FDR=0.001). Furthermore, hypertension may reduce the risk of Hepatic cancer ( P =0.014, P-FDR=0.084).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that genetically predicted Metabolic Syndrome may increase the risk of some cancers. Prevention and treatment of Metabolic Syndrome may help to prevent the development of related cancers.

Serum urea concentration and risk of 16 site-specific cancers, overall cancer, and cancer mortality in individuals with metabolic syndrome: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

The relationship between serum urea concentration and cancer in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum urea concentration and 16 site-specific cancers, overall cancer incidence, and cancer mortality in individuals with MetS.

METHODS

We analysed the data of 108,284 individuals with MetS obtained from the UK Biobank. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the association between serum urea concentration at recruitment and cancer. The Benjamini-Hochberg correction was used to account for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Over the median follow-up period of 11.86 years, 18,548 new incident cases of cancer were documented. There were inverse associations of urea concentration with overall cancer incidence, and the incidence of oesophageal and lung cancers, with respective hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) [HR (95% CI)] for the highest (Q4) vs lowest (Q1) urea quartiles of 0.95 (0.91-0.99), 0.68 (0.50-0.92), and 0.76 (0.64-0.90). However, high serum urea concentrations increased the male prostate cancer risk (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.02-1.30). Although the Cox model indicated a protective effect of higher urea levels against stomach (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.45-0.98; p = 0.040; FDR 0.120) and colorectal cancer (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.74-0.99; p = 0.048; FDR 0.123), no strong evidence of association was found after applying the Benjamin-Hochberg correction. Moreover, across the median follow-up period of 13.77 years for cancer mortality outcome, 5034 cancer deaths were detected. An "L-shaped" nonlinear dose-response relationship between urea concentration and cancer mortality was discovered (p-nonlinear < 0.001), and the HR (95% CI) for urea concentration Q4 vs Q1 was 0.83 (0.77-0.91).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum urea concentration can be considered as a valuable biomarker for evaluating cancer risk in individuals with MetS, potentially contributing to personalised cancer screening and management strategies.

Interplay of Cardiometabolic Syndrome and Biliary Tract Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis with Gender-Specific Insights

BTC overall incidence is globally increasing. CCA, including its subtypes, is a form of BTC. MetS, obesity, MASLD, and diabetes are all linked to CCA in interconnected ways. The link between obesity and CCA is less well-defined in Eastern countries as compared to Western. Although more research is needed to determine the relationship between MASLD and extrahepatic CCA (eCCA), MASLD may be a concurrent risk factor for intrahepatic CCA, particularly in populations with established or unidentified underlying liver disease. Interestingly, the risk of biliary tract cancer (BTC) seemed to be higher in patients with shorter diabetes durations who were not treated with insulin. Therefore, early detection and prevention of chronic liver disease, as well as additional intervention studies, will undoubtedly be required to determine whether improvements to MetS, weight loss, and diabetes therapy can reduce the risk and progression of BTC. However, further studies are needed to understand how reproductive hormones are involved in causing BTC and to develop consistent treatment for patients. Finally, it is critical to carefully assess the cardiological risk in BTC patients due to their increased intrinsic cardiovascular risk, putting them at risk for thrombotic complications, cardiovascular death, cardiac metastasis, and nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis. This review aimed to provide an updated summary of the relation between the abovementioned cardio-metabolic conditions and BTC.

Exploring the association between metabolic syndrome, its components and subsequent cancer incidence: A cohort study in Catalonia

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MS) has emerged as a significant global health concern. The relationship between MS and the risk of cancer doesn't seem clear, whether examining by components or in combination. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between MS, its components, and the overall risk of cancer, including the risk of 13 specific cancer types.

METHODS

We included 3,918,781 individuals aged 40 years or older sourced from the SIDIAP database between 2008 and 2017. Cox models were employed with MS components and their combinations. A subsample was created using a matched cohort (by age and sex). Incidence curves were computed to determine the time elapsed between the date of having 1-5 MS components and cancer incidence, compared to matched participants with no MS components, which showed that individuals who had one MS component experienced a greater incidence of cancer over 5 and 10 years than individuals with no MS, and the incidence rose with an increase in the number of MS components.

RESULTS

Individuals exposed to MS components were diagnosed with cancer earlier than those who were not exposed to them. In the Cox model, HDL (HR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.41-1.52) and Glycemia (HR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.37-1.44) were the individual combinations with the highest risk of overall cancer. In combinations with two components, the highest HR was HDL+Glycemia (HR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.45-1.59) and Glycemia+HBP (HR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.45-1.50). In combinations with three components, the highest HR was HDL+Glycemia+HBP (HR 1.58, 95% CI: 1.55-1.62).

CONCLUSION

In summary, having one or more MS components raises the risk of developing at least 11 cancer types and these risk differ according to type of component included. Some sex differences are also observed. Our findings suggest that implementing prevention measures aimed at specific MS components may lower the risk of various cancer types.

Integrated multi-omics analyses revealed the association between rheumatoid arthritis and colorectal cancer: MYO9A as a shared gene signature and an immune-related therapeutic target

BACKGROUND

Our study aims to explore the relationship, shared gene signature, and the underlying mechanisms that connect rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to assess the causality between RA and CRC. Summary statistic data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) leveraging eQTL data was employed to identify the CRC-related causal genes. Integrated analyses of single-cell RNA sequencing and bulk RNA sequencing were employed to comprehensively investigate the shared gene signature and potential mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of both RA and CRC. Predictive analysis of the shared hub gene in CRC immunotherapy response was performed. Pan-cancer analyses were conducted to explore the potential role of MYO9A in 33 types of human tumors.

RESULTS

MR analysis suggested that RA might be associated with a slight increased risk of CRC (Odds Ratio = 1.04, 95% Confidence Interval = 1.01-1.07, P = 0.005). SMR analysis combining transcriptome analyses identified MYO9A as a causal gene in CRC and a shared gene signature in both RA and CRC. MYO9A may contribute to tumor suppression, while downregulation of MYO9A may impact CRC tumorigenesis by disrupting epithelial polarity and architecture, resulting in a worse prognosis in CRC. Additionally, MYO9A shows promise as a powerful predictive biomarker for cancer prognosis and immunotherapy response in CRC. Pan-cancer analyses demonstrated MYO9A may have a protective role in the occurrence and progression of various human cancers.

CONCLUSION

RA might be associated with a slight increased risk of CRC. MYO9A is a shared gene signature and a potential immune-related therapeutic target for both CRC and RA. Targeting the MYO9A-mediated loss of polarity and epithelial architecture could be a novel therapeutic approach for CRC.

Influence of metabolic syndrome on prognosis of patients with surgically treated esophageal cancer: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been related to the increased incidence of esophageal cancer (EC). The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of MetS on prognosis of patients with surgically treated EC in a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

An extensive search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang, and CNKI to identify relevant cohort studies. Random-effects models were employed to combine the findings, taking into account the potential influence of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Seven cohort studies involving 4332 patients with stage I-III EC who received surgical resection were included. At baseline, 608 (14.0%) patients had MetS. Pooled results suggested that MetS were associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications (risk ratio [RR]: 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03 to 1.64, p = 0.03; I2 = 0%). However, the overall survival (RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.75 to 1.52, p = 0.71; I2 = 80%) and progression-free survival (RR: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.53 to 3.00, p = 0.59; I2 = 80%) were not significantly different between patients with and without MetS. Subgroup analyses suggested that the results were not significantly modified by study design (prospective or retrospective), histological type of EC (squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma), or diagnostic criteria for MetS (p values indicating subgroup difference all > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although MetS may be associated with a moderately increased risk of postoperative complications in patients with EC under surgical resection, the long-term survival may not be different between patients with and without MetS.