Metabolic syndrome and colorectal neoplasms: An ominous association

Risk of Colorectal Cancer among Patients with One or Multiple Metabolic Syndrome Components

Background/Objectives: Dysfunctions of metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been identified as a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, current colon cancer guidelines do not classify patients with MetS as high risk, thereby leaving these individuals vulnerable. Consequently, we explored the relationship between MetS, its individual components, and the development of CRC in a cohort of patients with MetS to assess the necessity for CRC screening in these individuals. Methods: This study included patients ages 18 and older that received a service from the Marshall-Health (MH) practice plan, Cabell-Huntington Hospital (CHH), MU/JCESOM's Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center (ECCC), or the University of Kentucky HealthCare (UKHC) system between 2010 and 2018. We implemented log-binomial regression models to assess the individual and collective effects of MetS components after adjusting other CRC risk factors. Results: Given that CRC prevalence increases in the older population (aged 65 years and above), and that multiple components of MetS are observed within the same population, we analyzed the concurrent impact of all MetS components on CRC. Log-binomial regression models were implemented to assess the risk of CRC due to MetS components after adjusting other risk factors. Conclusions: We identified specific components that markedly increased CRC risk, suggesting that individuals with these components should be prioritized for early screening. These findings could significantly influence early CRC screening protocols, with the ultimate aim to reduce mortality associated with the disease.

Visceral Fat Thickness, Serum Adiponectin, and Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Colorectal Adenomas

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Most cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) arise from adenomatous polyps. Identifying risk factors for colorectal adenoma (CRA) is critical for CRC prevention. Emerging evidence suggests a link between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and an elevated risk of CRA and CRC, potentially mediated by visceral obesity and adiponectin (APN). We aimed to evaluate the association between different markers of visceral obesity, serum APN, MetS, and the presence of CRA.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Clinical Center of Vojvodina, involving 120 patients, aged 40-75 years, who underwent colonoscopy between January 2022 and January 2023. Sixty patients with CRA were compared to 60 controls with normal colonoscopy findings. Visceral fat thickness (VFT) was measured using ultrasound (US), and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was used to assess visceral fat area (VFA). Serum APN levels, anthropometric measures, and MetS components were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients with CRA had significantly higher VFT measured by US (p < 0.05), but no significant differences were found in VFA measured by BIA, waist circumference (WC), or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). MetS was significantly more prevalent in the CRA group (55% vs. 31.6%, p < 0.05), and logistic regression confirmed MetS as a significant predictor of CRA presence (OR = 2.6). Serum APN levels were inversely correlated with visceral fat measurements and MetS (p < 0.01), but no significant difference in APN levels was observed between patients with and without CRA.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the importance of VFT measured by US and the presence of MetS as significant factors associated with CRA.

Genetic prediction of the relationship between metabolic syndrome and colorectal cancer risk: a Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Despite a growing body of observational studies indicating a potential link between metabolic syndrome and colorectal cancer, a definitive causal relationship has yet to be established. This study aimed to elucidate the causal relationship between metabolic syndrome and colorectal cancer through Mendelian randomization.

METHODS

We screened for instrumental variables associated with metabolic syndrome and its diagnostic components and with colorectal cancer through the use of a genome-wide association study database, and conducted a preliminary Mendelian randomization analysis. To corroborate the dependability of our conclusions, an additional dataset was used for replication analysis in a Mendelian randomization method, which was further integrated with a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Preliminary analysis using the inverse variance weighted method revealed positive correlations between metabolic syndrome (OR [95% CI] = 1.37[1.15-1.63], P = 5.02 × 10-4) and waist circumference (OR [95% CI] = 1.39[1.21-1.61], P = 7.38 × 10-6) and the risk of colorectal cancer. Replication analysis also revealed the same results: metabolic syndrome (OR [95% CI] = 1.24[1.02-1.51], P = 0.030) and waist circumference (OR [95% CI] = 1.23[1.05-1.45], P = 0.013). The meta-analysis results further confirmed the associations between metabolic syndrome (OR [95% CI] = 1.31[1.15-1.49], P < 0.001) and waist circumference (OR [95% CI] = 1.32[1.18-1.47], P < 0.001) and colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that metabolic syndrome increases the risk of CRC, particularly in patients with abdominal obesity.

Obesity and early-onset colorectal cancer risk: emerging clinical evidence and biological mechanisms

Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is defined as diagnosed at younger than 50 years of age and indicates a health burden globally. Patients with EOCRC have distinct risk factors, clinical characteristics, and molecular pathogenesis compared with older patients with CRC. Further investigations have identified different roles of obesity between EOCRC and late-onset colorectal cancer (LOCRC). Most studies have focused on the clinical characteristics of obesity in EOCRC, therefore, the mechanism involved in the association between obesity and EOCRC remains inconclusive. This review further states that obesity affects the carcinogenesis of EOCRC as well as its development and progression, which may lead to obesity-related metabolic syndrome, intestinal dysbacteriosis, and intestinal inflammation.

Association between Atherosclerosis and High-Risk Colorectal Adenomas based on Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index and Ankle-Brachial Index

Background/Aims

Colorectal adenomas are precancerous lesions that may lead to colorectal cancer. Recent studies have shown that colorectal adenomas are associated with atherosclerosis. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) are noninvasive methods for evaluating atherosclerosis. This study examined the association between atherosclerosis and high-risk colorectal adenomas based on the CAVI and ABI.

Methods

The data of patients aged ≥50 years who had a colonoscopy and CAVI and ABI measurements from August 2015 to December 2021 at the Kangwon National University Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. After the colonoscopy, subjects were divided into no, overall, and high-risk (size ≥1 cm, high-grade dysplasia or villous adenoma, three or more adenomas) adenoma groups based on the pathology findings. The data were subjected to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

Among the 1,164 subjects, adenomas and high-risk adenomas were found in 613 (52.6%) and 118 (10.1%) patients, respectively. The rate of positive ABI (<0.9) and positive CAVI (≥9.0) were significantly higher in the high-risk adenoma group (22.0% and 55.9%) than in the no adenoma (12.3% and 39.6%) and the overall adenoma group (15.7% and 44.0%) (p=0.008 and p=0.006, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed a positive CAVI and smoking status to be significantly associated with high-risk adenoma with an odds ratio of 1.595 (95% confidence interval 1.055-2.410, p=0.027) and 1.579 (1.072-2.324, p=0.021), respectively.

Conclusions

In this study, a significant correlation between positive CAVI and high-risk adenomas was observed. Therefore, CAVI may be a significant predictor for high-risk colorectal adenoma.

The effect of aerobic and resistance exercise on the progression of colorectal cancer in an animal model

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of resistance and aerobic exercise on colorectal cancer (CRC) development in mice induced by azoxymethane (AOM) coupled with colitis.

METHODS

Forty animals induced with CRC were used, divided into five groups of eight animals each: sedentary; continuous aerobics; continuous anaerobic; aerobic PI; and anaerobic PI. AOM was administered to the animals in two doses of 10 mg/kg each over the course of two weeks, the first dose administered in the third week and the second administered in the fourth. For the colitis, three cycles of dextran sodium sulfate were administered for five days, separated by two weeks of water. The 14th week of the experiment saw the euthanasia, the removal of their colons, and the creation of microscopy slides for histological analysis.

RESULTS

Preneoplastic lesions developed in all five groups; there were no significant differences between them. However, in terms of inflammatory symptoms, mucosal ulceration was much more frequently in the exercise groups than in the sedentary group (p = 0.016). The number of polyps overall (p = 0.002), the distal region's polyp development (p = 0.003), and the proximal region's polyp development (p = 0.04) were all statistically different than sedentary group.

CONCLUSIONS

The study discovered no significant difference in disease activity index scores between groups, but there was a significant difference in the number of polyps and the presence of mucosal ulceration in the colon.

Comparison of some biochemical markers between early‐onset and late‐onset colorectal precancerous lesions: A single‐center retrospective study

Objective

Given that the onset of diseases including colorectal cancer precursors is affecting younger individuals and that obesity is an important risk factor for early‐onset, we conducted a study to explore the biochemical profile of differences in serum between early‐onset patients and late‐onset colorectal precancerous lesions.

Methods

A total of 1447 patients, including 469 early‐onset patients and 978 late‐onset patients, were enrolled from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University (FAHNU), of which there were 311 sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/P) and 1136 normal adenomas. The distribution of the included categorical variables was compared via Pearson's chi‐squared test, whereas continuous variables were compared by using the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test and anova.

Results

Compared with late‐onset patients, the levels of total bilirubin and HDL‐C were lower (p < 0.05), whereas triglyceride and uric acid levels were higher, in early‐onset patients. Interestingly, in the subgroup analysis, triglyceride and uric acid levels remained at higher levels, whereas HDL‐C remained at lower levels, in early‐onset patients than in late‐onset patients. Other characteristics, such as LDL‐C, drinking, γ‐GT, and the N/L ratio, were similar between the two groups. An additional analysis of the association of tumor size with markers showed that lower levels of HDL‐C and higher levels of uric acid were associated with increased tumor size (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Early‐onset CRC precursor cases exhibit higher levels of triglycerides and lower levels of HDL‐C than late‐onset cases. Additionally, levels of HDL‐C are negatively associated with tumor size, whereas uric acid was positively correlated with tumor size.

Self-reported Metabolic Risk Factor Associations with Adenomatous, Sessile Serrated, and Synchronous Adenomatous and Sessile Serrated Polyps

Studies have found a positive association between metabolic risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes, and adenomatous polyps (AP). However, fewer studies have assessed the association between sessile serrated polyps (SSP) or synchronous diagnosis of APs and SSPs (synch polyps). Study participants (N = 1,370; ages 40-85) undergoing screening colonoscopy were enrolled between August 2016 and February 2020. Self-reported metabolic risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and overweight/obesity, were evaluated for associations with new diagnoses of APs, SSPs, and synch polyps at the present colonoscopy. Average participant age was 60.73 ± 8.63 (SD) years; 56.7% were female and 90.9% white. In an assessment of individual metabolic risk factors, adjusted for age, sex, race, and smoking status, increased body mass index (BMI; overweight or obese vs. normal BMI of <25 kg/m2) was associated with an increased odds for new onset of colon APs (P trend < 0.001) as was a diagnosis of diabetes [adjusted conditional OR (aCOR) = 1.59 (1.10-2.29)]. No associations were seen between the metabolic risk factors and onset of SSPs. Being obese or hypertensive each increased the odds of new onset of synch polyps with aCOR values of 2.09 (1.01-4.32) and 1.79 (1.06-3.02), respectively. Self-reported risk factors may help assess polyp type risk. Because SSPs and synch polyps are rare, larger studies are needed to improve our understanding of the contribution of these factors to polyp risk. These data lead us to hypothesize that differences in observed metabolic risk factors between polyp types reflect select metabolic impact on pathways to colorectal cancer. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: Self-reported medical history provides valuable insight into polyp risk, potentially enabling the use of larger retrospective studies of colonoscopy populations to assess knowledge gaps. More aggressive colonoscopy screening, critical to colorectal cancer prevention, may be considered in populations of individuals with metabolic risk factors and modifiable lifestyle risk factors.

Metabolic syndrome, metabolic comorbid conditions and risk of early-onset colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

Factors that lead to metabolic dysregulation are associated with increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC diagnosed under age 50). However, the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and early-onset CRC remains unexamined.

DESIGN

We conducted a nested case-control study among participants aged 18-64 in the IBM MarketScan Commercial Database (2006-2015). Incident CRC was identified using pathologist-coded International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes, and controls were frequency matched. MetS was defined as presence of ≥3 conditions among obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia/type 2 diabetes, based on ICD-9-CM and use of medications. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

MetS was associated with increased risk of early-onset CRC (n=4673; multivariable adjusted OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.43), similar to CRC diagnosed at age 50-64 (n=14 928; OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.27). Compared with individuals without a metabolic comorbid condition, those with 1, 2 or ≥3 conditions had a 9% (1.09; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.17), 12% (1.12; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.24) and 31% (1.31; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.51) higher risk of early-onset CRC (ptrend <0.001). No associations were observed for one or two metabolic comorbid conditions and CRC diagnosed at age 50-64. These positive associations were driven by proximal (OR per condition 1.14; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.23) and distal colon cancer (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.18), but not rectal cancer (OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.97 to 1.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic dysregulation was associated with increased risk of early-onset CRC, driven by proximal and distal colon cancer, thus at least in part contribute to the rising incidence of early-onset CRC.

Metabolically Healthy Obesity Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Colorectal Adenoma Occurrence Diagnosed by Surveillance Colonoscopy

Background/Aims

The risk of recurrence of colorectal adenoma among obese individuals without metabolic abnormalities or in those with metabolically healthy obesity is largely unexplored. Therefore, we longitudinally investigated the risk of adenoma occurrence in individuals undergoing surveillance colonoscopy according to metabolic status and obesity.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 16,872 Korean adults who underwent their first screening colonoscopy between 2003 and 2012 and who then underwent follow-up colonoscopy until 2017. Participants were categorized into a metabolically healthy nonobese group (reference group), a metabolically healthy obese group, a metabolically abnormal nonobese group, and a metabolically abnormal obese group. Hazard ratios (HRs) for adenoma recurrence compared to the reference group were calculated in each group.

Results

During a median follow-up duration of 47.3 months (interquartile range, 35.6 to 58.9 months), 3,673 (21.8%) and 292 (1.73%) participants developed adenoma and advanced adenoma, respectively. When age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, family history of colorectal cancer, and baseline adenoma risk were adjusted, the risk of adenoma recurrence was increased in metabolically healthy obese individuals (HR, 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12 to 1.57) and metabolically abnormal obese individuals (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.30) but not in metabolically abnormal nonobese individuals (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.13).

Conclusions

In this study, metabolically healthy obese individuals and metabolically abnormal obese individuals exhibited increased risks of occurrence of colorectal adenoma diagnosed by surveillance colonoscopy. This finding implies that obesity itself, even without metabolic abnormalities, is associated with an increased risk of adenoma recurrence. ^{(Gut Liver} 2021;15-390⁾

The relationship between metabolic syndrome and the incidence of colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) according to the number of metabolic syndrome (MetS) components.

METHODS

Using health checkup and insurance claims data of 6,365,409 subjects, the occurrence of CRC according to stage of MetS by sex was determined from the date of the health checkup in 2009 until December 31, 2018.

RESULTS

Cumulative incidence rates (CIR) of CRC in men and women was 3.9 and 2.8 per 1000 (p < 0.001), respectively. CIR of CRC for the normal, pre-MetS, and MetS groups in men was 2.6, 3.9, and 5.5 per 1000 (p < 0.001) and CIR in women was 2.1, 2.9, and 4.5 per 1000 (p < 0.001), respectively. Compared with the normal group, the hazard ratio (HR) of CRC for the pre-MetS group was 1.25 (95% CI 1.17-1.33) in men and 1.09 (95% CI 1.02-1.17) in women, and the HR of CRC for the MetS group was 1.54 (95% CI 1.43-1.65) in men and 1.39 (95% CI 1.26-1.53) in women after adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that MetS is a risk factor for CRC in this study. Therefore, the prevention and active management of MetS would contribute to the prevention of CRC.

Impact of Metabolic Syndrome Diagnosis and Its Treatment on Survival of Colorectal Cancer Patients

Background

Epidemiologic findings on the effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its treatment on colorectal cancer (CRC) survival have been inconsistent and have not been previously studied in an Arab population such as the Omani population.

Patients and Methods

Data from the hospital records of 301 CRC patients treated in Sultan Qaboos University (SQUH), Oman, from 2006 to 2014 were analyzed retrospectively to determine the effects of MetS and its treatment on CRC survival. Overall survival (OS) by MetS status and by medications for MetS components management was compared with Cox proportional models.

Results

Of the 301 patients, 76 (25.2%) had MetS, 20.3% were on insulin, 23.9% were on metformin, 25.6% took statins, 17.9% were on either angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Whereas metformin (HR, 0.46, 95% CI, 0.25-0.84) and statins (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.35-0.96) had a protective effect on OS, insulin (HR 1.73, 95% CI, 1.02-2.97) had a detrimental effect. In subgroup analysis of diabetic subjects, a nonsignificant improvement in OS was observed in the metformin treated patients compared to those on other hypoglycemic agents (HR, 0.92, 95% CI, 0.55-1.55). Neither MetS nor antihypertensive drugs had any apparent effect on OS.

Conclusions

Our result suggests that, among CRC patients with MetS, taking metformin and statins may improve overall survival, whereas being on insulin may negatively impact CRC prognosis. Further studies are warranted to determine the exact mechanism through which metformin, statins, and insulin exert their effects on CRC survival.

Factors predicting the colorectal adenoma detection rate in colonoscopic screening of a Chinese population: A prospective study

Colorectal cancer has high incidence and mortality. Early diagnosis could increase patient survival, but early diagnosis has been poor in China for the past decades. The purpose of this study is to assess the polyp detection rate (PDR) and adenoma detection rate (ADR) by colonoscopy in a Chinese population, and to determine the risk factors for adenoma.This prospective study at Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital evaluated patients who underwent colonoscopy in September 2017 to February 2018. Basic information, exact insertion and withdrawal times, PDR, and ADR were assessed. Risk factors for colorectal adenoma in the adenoma-positive and adenoma-negative groups (based on pathology) were assessed by multivariable logistic regression analysis.A total of 1058 procedures with 767 polyps were analyzed. The overall PDR and ADR were 36.96% (391/1058) and 24.67% (261/1058), respectively. Occurrence of adenoma was associated with age, gender, body mass index (BMI), family history of colon cancer, personal history of adenoma, diabetes mellitus, and tobacco use. There was a significant association between withdrawal time and ADR (P < .001). In the multivariable analysis, age (OR = 1.041, 95%CI 1.028-1.055; P < .001), insertion time (OR = 0.999, 95%CI 0.998-1.000; P = .009), withdrawal time (OR = 1.009, 95%CI 1.007-1.011; P < .001), personal history of adenoma (OR = 2.572, 95%CI 1.115-5.932; P = .027), and diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.221, 95%CI 1.084-4.549; P = .029) were risk factors for colorectal adenoma detection.In a Chinese population, ADR increases with age, withdrawal time, a personal history of adenoma, and diabetes. Age, insertion and withdrawal times, and a personal history of adenoma may independently predict colorectal adenoma detection.

NADH dehydrogenase complex I is overexpressed in incipient metastatic murine colon cancer cells

Colon cancer is one of the most frequently occurring types of cancers in the world. Primary tumours are treated very efficiently, but the metastatic cases are known to have severe outcomes. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to obtain a greater understanding of the transformation of primary colon cancer cells into metastatic phenotypes. Small changes in protein expression provoke the metastatic phenotype transformation. More sensitive methods to detect small variations are required. A murine colon cancer cell line with metastatic characteristics in a very early phase was created in order to investigate the first steps of transformation using a murine liver metastasis model. The protein expression patterns of metastatic and non-metastatic cells were compared using the stable isotope labelling by amino acids in cell culture method in combination with mass spectrometry. Quantitative proteomics data indicated that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydride (NADH) dehydrogenase complex I was overexpressed in metastatic cells with respect to non-metastatic cells. Since the NADH dehydrogenase complex catalyses the oxidation of NADH to NAD⁺, the functionality of the complex was studied by measuring the amount of NADH. The results revealed that metastatic cells accumulate more NADH and reactive oxygen species. In addition, the mitochondrial membrane potential of metastatic cells was lower than that of non-metastatic cells, indicating that the activity of NADH dehydrogenase and the mitochondrial oxidative chain were decreased in metastatic cells. During the incipient transformation of primary cancer cells, NADH dehydrogenase complex I was overexpressed but then became inactive due to the Warburg effect, which inhibits mitochondrial activity. In the first step of transformation, the high energy demand required in an adverse environment is fulfilled by overexpressing components of the respiratory chain, a fact that should be considered for future anti-metastatic therapies.

Detrimental association between betel nut chewing and colorectal polyps in adult populations

Adverse systemic effect caused by betel nut had been reported for decades. Our aim was to determine whether betel nut had detrimental impact on the development of colorectal polyps in general population. Participants who attended health examinations at the Tri-Service General Hospital (TSGH) from 2010 to 2016 were included in the study. The habit of betel nut chewing was obtained from a self-reported questionnaire. Colorectal polyps were diagnosed by colonoscopies operated by experienced physicians. A logistic regression model was used for the association between betel nut chewing with the presence of colorectal polyps. After adjustment for pertinent information such as age, gender, biochemistry data and personal history, the odd ratios (ORs) of colorectal polyps among betel nut chewers was 1.49 (95%CI: 1.14–1.94). Besides, betel nut chewers in the higher percentage body fat (PBF) group had higher risk for developing colorectal polyps with ORs of 2.07 (95%CI:1.23–3.47). Subjects with habit of betel nut chewing were associated with an increased risk of colorectal polyps in Taiwanese general population. Screening for betel nut chewing history and encouraging cessation might offer improved quality of life. A further research for this association was warranted.

The combined effect of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome on colorectal carcinoma mortality: a retrospective in Chinese females

BACKGROUND

This research aimed to investigate whether metabolic syndrome (MetS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) had both individual and synergistic effects on the prognosis for female colorectal carcinoma (CRC) patients.

METHODS

The relationship between CRC prognosis and NAFLD as well as MetS was evaluated in 764 female participants. Based on the NAFLD level, patients were divided into significant NAFLD (SNAFLD), "moderate" and "severe" level, and non-SNAFLD, "non" and "mild" level. All the patients were categorized into four subgroups according to the status of SNAFLD and MetS and then a comparison of CRC prognosis among those four groups was performed.

RESULTS

NAFLD, SNAFLD, and MetS were independent factors for CRC-specific mortality with the adjustment of age and other confounders. The hazard ratio (HR) of CRC-specific mortality in MetS (+) SNAFLD (+) group was significantly higher than that in other three groups. Relative excess risk of interaction (RERI) was 2.203 with 95% CI ranged from 0.197 to 4.210, attributable proportion (AP) was 0.444 with range from 0.222 to 0.667, and synergy index (SI) of 2.256 with 95% CI from 1.252 to 4.065, indicating SNAFLD and MetS had a significant synergic effect on CRC-specific mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

SNAFLD and MetS are independent risk factors for CRC-specific mortality in females. Moreover, those two diseases have a synergistic effect on promoting CRC-specific mortality.

PGC-1α as a Biomarker of Physical Activity-Protective Effect on Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a significant public health concern. As a multistage and multifactorial disease, environmental and genetic factors interact at each stage of the process, and an individual's lifestyle also plays a relevant role. We set out to review the scientific evidence to study the need to investigate the role of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) gene as a biomarker of the physical activity's (PA) effect on colorectal cancer. PA is a protective factor against colorectal cancer and usually increases the expression of PGC-1α This gene has pleiotropic roles and is the main regulator of mitochondrial functions. The development of colorectal cancer has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction; in addition, alterations in this organelle are associated with colorectal cancer risk factors, such as obesity, decreased muscle mass, and the aging process. These are affected by PA acting, among other aspects, on insulin sensitivity and oxygen reactive species/redox balance. Therefore, this gene demands special attention in the understanding of its operation in the consensual protective effect of PA in colorectal cancer. A significant amount of indirect evidence points to PGC-1α as a potential biomarker in the PA-protective effect on colorectal cancer. The article focuses on the possible involvement of PGC-1α in the protective role that physical activity has on colorectal cancer. This is an important topic both in relation to advances in prevention of the development of this widespread disease and in its therapeutic treatment. We hope to generate an initial hypothesis for future studies associated with physical activity-related mechanisms that may be involved in the development or prevention of colorectal cancer. PGC-1α is highlighted because it is the main regulator of mitochondrial functions. This organelle, on one hand, is positively stimulated by physical activity; on the other hand, its dysfunction or reduction increases the probability of developing colorectal cancer. Therefore, we consider the compilation of existing information about the possible ways to understand the mechanisms of this gene to be highly relevant. This study is based on evidence of PGC-1α and physical activity, on PGC-1α and colorectal cancer, on colorectal cancer and physical activity/inactivity, and the absence of studies that have sought to relate all of these variables. Cancer Prev Res; 11(9); 523-34. ©2018 AACR.

Interaction of smoking and metabolic syndrome in increasing the recurrence risk of colorectal cancer in a Chinese male cohort: a retrospective study

Whether smoking and metabolic syndrome (MetS) can affect colorectal carcinoma (CRC) prognosis remains debatable. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the individual and combined effects of smoking and MetS on the prognosis of patients with localized CRC, including stage I to III disease. The relationship among smoking status, MetS, and CRC was assessed in 838 Chinese male patients. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to evaluate CRC prognosis adjusted for clinicopathological variables. Relative excess risk of interaction (RERI), attributable proportion (AP), and synergy index (SI) were used to evaluate additive interactions between smoking and MetS. The presence of MetS was an independent risk factor for low rates of recurrence-free survival (RFS) but not for overall survival (OS). However, smoking was independently associated with both poor RFS and OS. Furthermore, the recurrence risk for current smokers with MetS was 1.62 times as high as the sum of risks in patients exposed to each risk factor alone. In conclusion, current smoking habit is a risk factor for both recurrence and cancer-specific mortality in CRC patients, while MetS is an independent predictor for CRC recurrence. Furthermore, these two factors have an additive effect on the recurrence risk of CRC.

The metabolic syndrome as a risk factor for colorectal cancer

Objective. To evaluate the prognostic significance of metabolic syndrome (MS) in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) using various MS criteria in Novosibirsk population. Materials and Methods. The study was designed as nested case-control. Baseline population cohort (9360 men, women aged 4569) was examined in the HAPIEE project and followed-up during 11 years. The cases included all subjects, who had CRC during 11-year follow-up according to the Register of Cancer (n=99, M-52, M-47). The matched control group (2/1) was selected from HAPIEE cohort (n=198, m-104, w-94). The prospective study of CRC was supported by RSF. MS criteria were determined in accordance to VNOK (2009), IDF (2005), NCEP ATP III (2001). Statistical package SPSS v.11.0 was used. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between MS and risk of CRC. Results. Women with glucose levels 6.1 mmol/l had 3 times higher 11-year risk of CRC then those with glucose 6.1 mmol/l (OR=3.11; 95%CI:1.237.87, VNOK, 2009; OR=3.20; 95%CI:1.278.08, NCEP ATP III, 2001). Blood pressure (BP) 130/85 mmHg was associated with decreased risk of CRC in women and in both sexes, but the relationship became insignificant after controlling for antihypertensive treatment. Other components of the MS were not significantly associated with CRC risk. Conclusions. In studied sample the 11-year risk of developing CRC was significantly increased in women with elevated glucose levels. The negative relationship between elevated BP and the risk of CRC in women and both sexes became insignificant when adjusted for antihypertensive treatment; this finding requires further exploration.

Diabetes-induced mechanophysiological changes in the small intestine and colon

The disorders of gastrointestinal (GI) tract including intestine and colon are common in the patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). DM induced intestinal and colonic structural and biomechanical remodeling in animals and humans. The remodeling is closely related to motor-sensory abnormalities of the intestine and colon which are associated with the symptoms frequently encountered in patients with DM such as diarrhea and constipation. In this review, firstly we review DM-induced histomorphological and biomechanical remodeling of intestine and colon. Secondly we review motor-sensory dysfunction and how they relate to intestinal and colonic abnormalities. Finally the clinical consequences of DM-induced changes in the intestine and colon including diarrhea, constipation, gut microbiota change and colon cancer are discussed. The final goal is to increase the understanding of DM-induced changes in the gut and the subsequent clinical consequences in order to provide the clinicians with a better understanding of the GI disorders in diabetic patients and facilitates treatments tailored to these patients.

ADIPOQ rs266729 G/C gene polymorphism and plasmatic adipocytokines connect metabolic syndrome to colorectal cancer

Background: ADIPOQ gene, which encode for Adiponectin (APN), is sited on chromosome 3q27 and linked to a susceptibility locus for metabolic syndrome (MetS). The ADIPOQ rs266729 G/C gene polymorphism is significantly associated with low APN levels and linked to susceptibility to develop cancer. In addition, decreased APN serum levels are linked with tumor development and progression and inversely associated with markers of inflammation. Here, we investigate the influence of APN rs266729 G/C polymorphism on adipocytokine circulating levels and their association with MetS in colorectal cancer patients (CRC). Methods: Blood samples from 105 CRC patients (50 women and 55 men) with and without MetS were genotyped for APN rs266729 G/C polymorphism by TETRA ARMS PCR. ELISA assay was used to measure plasma levels of APN and inflammatory TNF-α cytokine. Biochemical and anthropometric parameters of MetS were also analyzed. Results: We found that CRC patients (N=75) with genotype rs266729G/C or carriers of G allele were associated with a significantly increased risk of MetS development (OR =2.9) compared to those with CC genotype (N=30). Also, CG/GG genotypes were associated with significantly lower plasma APN levels and higher TNF-α levels in comparison to CC genotype (P=0.034) and APN levels were decreased in relation to BMI increases (P=0.001). Conclusions: Our findings show that APN rs266729 G/C polymorphism is associated with lower APN levels in CRC patients, indicating that decreased circulating levels of APN may be a determinant risk factor for CRC in MetS patients.

The relationship of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome for colonoscopy colorectal neoplasm

Colorectal neoplasm is considered to have a strong association with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS), respectively. The relationship among NAFLD, MetS, and colorectal neoplasm was assessed in 1793 participants. Participants were divided into 4 groups based on the status of NAFLD and MetS. Relative excess risks of interaction (RERI), attributable proportion (AP), and synergy index (SI) were applied to evaluate the additive interaction. NAFLD and MetS were significantly correlated with colorectal neoplasm and colorectal cancer (CRC), respectively. The incidence of CRC in NAFLD (+) MetS (+) group was significantly higher than other 3 groups. The result of RERI, AP, and SI indicated the significant additive interaction of NAFLD and MetS on the development of CRC. NAFLD and MetS are risk factors for colorectal neoplasm and CRC, respectively. And NAFLD and MetS have an additive effect on the development of CRC.

How significant is the association between metabolic syndrome and prevalence of colorectal neoplasia?

The incidence and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and colorectal cancer (CRC) has been rising in developed countries. The association between these two diseases has been widely studied and reported. Less evidence is available about the relationship between MS and CRC precancerous lesions (adenomatous polyps, adenomas). The aim of this paper is to present an overview of our scientific understanding of that topic and its implication in clinical practice. One of the principal goals of current CRC secondary prevention efforts is to detect and remove the precancerous lesions in individuals with an average CRC risk to prevent the development of invasive cancer. MS is not currently considered a high-risk CRC factor and is therefore not included in the guidelines of organized screening programs. However, in light of growing scientific evidence, the approach to patients with MS should be changed. Metabolic risk factors for the development of adenomas and cancers are the same - obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus type 2. Therefore, the key issue in the near future is the development of a simple scoring system, easy to use in clinical practice, which would identify individuals with high metabolic risk of colorectal neoplasia and would be used for individual CRC secondary prevention strategies. Currently, such scoring systems have been published based on Asian (Asia-Pacific Colorectal Screening Score; APCS) and Polish populations.