Carbohydrate intake in the etiology of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Diet may have a role in the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease. In previous studies, the associations between increased intakes of carbohydrates, sugar, starch, and inflammatory bowel disease are inconsistent. However, few prospective studies have investigated the associations between these macronutrients and incident Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

A total of 401,326 men and women were recruited between 1991 and 1998. At recruitment, dietary intakes of carbohydrate, sugar, and starch were measured using validated food frequency questionnaires. The cohort was monitored identifying participants who developed incident CD or UC. Cases were matched with 4 controls, and odds ratios were calculated for quintiles of total carbohydrate, sugar, and starch intakes adjusted for total energy intake, body mass index, and smoking.

RESULTS

One hundred ten participants developed CD, and 244 participants developed UC during follow-up. The adjusted odds ratio for the highest versus the lowest quintiles of total carbohydrate intake for CD was 0.87, 95% CI = 0.24 to 3.12 and for UC 1.46, 95% CI = 0.62 to 3.46, with no significant trends across quintiles for either (CD, P trend = 0.70; UC, P trend = 0.41). Similarly, no associations were observed with intakes of total sugar (CD, P trend = 0.50; UC, P trend = 0.71) or starch (CD, P trend = 0.69; UC, P trend = 0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of associations with these nutrients is in agreement with many case-control studies that have not identified associations with CD or UC. As there is biological plausibility for how specific carbohydrates could have an etiological role in inflammatory bowel disease, future epidemiological work should assess individual carbohydrates, although there does not seem to be a macronutrient effect.

Diffusion-weighted imaging and magnetic resonance proton spectroscopy following preterm birth

AIM

To study the associations between magnetic resonance proton spectroscopy (MRS) data and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) from the preterm brain with developmental outcome at 18 months corrected age and clinical variables.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective observational cohort study of 67 infants born before 35 weeks gestational age who received both magnetic resonance imaging of the brain between 37 and 44 weeks corrected gestational age and developmental assessment around 18 months corrected age.

RESULTS

No relationships were found between ADC values and MRS results or outcome. MRS ratios involving N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) from the posterior white matter were associated with "severe" and "moderate to severe" difficulties, and fine motor scores were significantly lower in participants with a visible lactate doublet in the posterior white matter. The presence of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was the only clinical factor related to NAA ratios.

CONCLUSION

Altered NAA levels in the posterior white matter may reflect subtle white matter injury associated with neuro-developmental difficulties, which may be related to a PDA. Further work is needed to assess the longer-term neuro-developmental implications of these findings, and to study the effect of PDAs on developmental outcome in later childhood/adolescence.

Statin use is associated with reduced risk of histologic subtypes of esophageal cancer: a nested case-control analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Most patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) or squamous cell cancer (ESCC) present with advanced, incurable disease. Statins have reported anti-carcinogenic effects and may be chemoprotective. We investigated the association between regular use of statins and the main histologic subtypes of esophageal malignancy (EAC, esophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma, and ESCC) in the UK general population.

METHODS

We identified all individuals in the UK General Practice Research Database diagnosed with esophageal cancer from 2000 through 2009. Patients were linked to the National Cancer Registry to confirm histologic subtypes. Each patient was matched with up to 4 controls for age, sex, and practice. We performed a nested case-control analysis using conditional logistic regression to estimate the risk of each subtype with regular statin use, adjusted for body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, and concomitant use of medications.

RESULTS

In total, 581 participants with EAC, 213 with esophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma, and 332 with ESCC were matched to 2167, 783, and 1242 controls, respectively. Regular statin use was inversely associated with development of EAC (odds ratio = 0.58; 95% confidence interval: 0.39-0.87) (with significant dose and duration responses) and esophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma (odds ratio = 0.29; 95% confidence interval: 0.09-0.92) (with high-dose use only). Statin use for 1-4 years was inversely associated with ESCC (odds ratio = 0.51; 95% confidence interval: 0.27-0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

In a nested case-control analysis of a UK population-based cohort, statin use was inversely associated with histologic subtypes of esophageal cancer. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to determine whether statins have chemopreventive effects in high-risk groups.

The differential effects of statins on the risk of developing pancreatic cancer: a case-control study in two centres in the United Kingdom

INTRODUCTION

There are plausible biological mechanisms for how statins may prevent pancreatic cancer, although the evidence from epidemiological studies in the general population is conflicting. This study aims to clarify whether statins exert their effects in specific sub-groups, namely, gender, smoking status and diabetes.

METHODS

A matched case-control study was conducted in patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and a group of dermatology patients of similar ages and gender, diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma. Participants' medical records were reviewed for information on statin use prior to diagnosis. Odds ratios and 95 % CIs for the development of pancreatic cancer were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Subgroup analysis was performed in men, women, smokers and those with type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-two cases (median age 71 years, range 48-73 years, 51 % women) and 504 controls were identified, of which 23 % of cases were regular statin users versus 21 % of controls. In the general study population there was no association between pancreatic cancer and regular statin use (OR 0.82, 95 % CI 0.53-1.23, p = 0.33). However, in male smokers, regular statin use was associated with significantly reduced odds of pancreatic cancer compared to male smokers not prescribed a statin (OR 0.11, 95 % CI 0.01-0.96, p = 0.05). In patients with type 2 diabetes statins use was not associated with reduced odds (OR 0.92, 95 % CI 0.35-2.45, p = 0.80), with no gender effects.

CONCLUSIONS

In male smokers, statins may reduce the odds of pancreatic cancer. Statin use should be measured in aetiological studies of pancreatic cancer but analysed in specific sub-groups. Future work should investigate statins as chemopreventative agents in this high risk sub-group.

Dietary antioxidants and the aetiology of pancreatic cancer: a cohort study using data from food diaries and biomarkers

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the dietary antioxidants vitamins C and E, selenium and zinc decrease the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, for the first time using 7-day food diaries, the most accurate dietary methodology in prospective work.

DESIGN

23,658 participants, aged 40-74 years, recruited into the EPIC-Norfolk Study completed 7-day food diaries which recorded foods, brands and portion sizes. Nutrient intakes were calculated in those later diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and in 3970 controls, using a computer program with information on 11,000 foods. Vitamin C was measured in serum samples. The HRs of developing pancreatic cancer were estimated across quartiles of intake and thresholds of the lowest quartile (Q1) against a summation of the three highest (Q2-4).

RESULTS

Within 10 years, 49 participants (55% men), developed pancreatic cancer. Those eating a combination of the highest three quartiles of all of vitamins C and E and selenium had a decreased risk (HR=0.33, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.84, p<0.05). There were threshold effects (Q2-4 vs Q1) for selenium (HR=0.49, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.93, p<0.05) and vitamin E (HR=0.57, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.09, p<0.10). The HRs of quartiles for antioxidants, apart from zinc, were <1, but not statistically significant. For vitamin C, there was an inverse association with serum measurements (HR trend=0.67, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.91, p=0.01), but the threshold effect from diaries was not significant (HR=0.68, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.26).

CONCLUSION

The results support measuring antioxidants in studies investigating the aetiology of pancreatic cancer. If the association is causal, 1 in 12 cancers might be prevented by avoiding the lowest intakes.

CT of the neonatal head

Computed tomography (CT) is used less often than other techniques on neonatal units. However, in the acute setting, CT can be invaluable in diagnosing or excluding potentially life-threatening conditions and guiding initial management in neonates. Common indications for scanning include trauma, suspected non-accidental injury, infection, or an acute hypoxic or metabolic event. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the normal neonatal head at CT and compare this to the common pathological abnormalities. Several key features of each condition will be highlighted. It is important to note that some pathological conditions can have overlapping features at CT and, therefore, the clinical history and additional investigations are also of key importance in determining the diagnosis.

Serological markers predict inflammatory bowel disease years before the diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan antibodies (ASCAs) have been detected in the serum of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) and their unaffected family members. The aim of this study was to establish the value of serological markers as predictors of UC and CD.

DESIGN

Individuals who developed CD or UC were identified from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. At recruitment, none of the participants had a diagnosis of CD or UC. For each incident case, two controls were randomly selected matched for centre, date of birth, sex, date of recruitment and time of follow-up. Serum of cases and controls obtained at recruitment were analysed for ASCA IgG, ASCA IgA, perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (pANCA), antibodies against Escherichia coli outer membrane porin C (OmpC) and flagellin CBir1. Conditional logistic regression was used to determine risk of CD and UC. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to test accuracy.

RESULTS

A total of 77 individuals were diagnosed with CD and 167 with UC after a mean follow-up of 4.5 (SD 3.2) and 4.4 (SD 3.1) years following blood collection, respectively. Combinations of pANCA, ASCA, anti-CBir1 and anti-OmpC were most accurate in predicting incident CD and UC (area under curve 0.679 and 0.657, respectively). The predictive value of the combination of markers increased when time to diagnosis of CD or UC decreased.

CONCLUSION

A panel of serological markers is able to predict development of CD and UC in individuals from a low-risk population.

Systematic review: potential preventive effects of statins against oesophageal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) has risen dramatically in recent decades, and its prognosis remains extremely poor. There is emerging evidence that statins may prevent OAC.

AIM

To systematically review both the experimental and epidemiological evidence to determine whether statins reduce the risk of developing OAC.

METHODS

Relevant laboratory and epidemiological studies were identified by systematically searching the PUBMED and EMBASE electronic databases for data on statins and oesophageal cancer (OC). The evidence was assessed according to the nine Bradford Hill criteria (BHC) of causality. Pooled effect sizes (ES) were calculated for the risk of OC with prior statin use.

RESULTS

Many of the BHC were supported including: 'plausible biological mechanisms', 'coherence', 'strong associations', 'consistency', 'biological gradient', 'analogy' and 'temporality'. Three experimental studies reported that statins inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis and may limit metastatic potential in OAC cell lines. Fixed effects meta-analysis of two prospective studies in Barrett's oesophagus cohorts, involving 1382 participants, showed an ES of 0.53 (95% CI = 0.36-0.78, P = 0.001, I(2)  = 0%) for risk of OAC with prior statin use. Meta-analysis of three prospective studies in general population cohorts, involving 35 214 participants, showed an ES of 0.86 (95% CI = 0.78-0.94, P = 0.001, I(2)  = 0%) for risk of OC with prior statin use. The most important criterion, 'experiment', is as yet unfulfilled as to date there are no clinical trials which investigate this hypothesis.

CONCLUSION

There is some evidence that statins may protect against the development of OAC, although to be conclusive, data from randomised clinical trials are required.

An MR-compatible neonatal incubator

OBJECTIVES

To develop a neonatal MR-compatible incubator for transporting babies between a neonatal intensive care unit and an MRI unit that is within the same hospital but geographically separate.

METHODS

The system was strapped to a standard MR-compatible patient trolley, which provides space for resuscitation outside the incubator. A constant-temperature exothermic heat pad was used to maintain temperature together with a logging fluoro-optic temperature monitor and alarm system. The system has been designed to accommodate standard knee-sized coils from the major MR manufacturers. The original incubator was constructed from carbon fibre, but this required modification to prevent radiofrequency shading artefacts due to the conducting properties of the carbon fibre. A high-tensile polyester material was used, which combined light weight with high impact strength. The system could be moved onto the patient bed with the coils and infant in place by one technologist.

RESULTS

Studies in eight neonatal patients produced high quality 1.5 T MR images with low motion artefacts. The incubator should also be compatible with imaging in 3 T MR systems, although further work is required to establish this. Images were acquired using both rapid and high-resolution sequences, including three-dimensional volumes, proton spectra and diffusion weighting.

CONCLUSION

The incubator provides a safe, quiet environment for neonates during transport and imaging, at low cost.

Preventing bowel cancer: an insight for clinicians

Worldwide, colorectal cancer causes 610,000 deaths annually with 38,000 new cases diagnosed in the UK and 16,000 deaths each year. The prognosis is directly related to the staging of the cancer at diagnosis, with an overall 5-year survival rate of approximately 50%. However, for localized disease the figure is much higher at 90%, although unfortunately many cancers present at an advanced stage. Importantly, there is the potential to reduce the incidence because most tumours arise from premalignant adenomatous polyps, which if detected and removed interrupts the adenoma-adenocarcinoma sequence. In addition, identifying colorectal cancer at an early stage can impact on the mortality rates for this neoplasm. The current screening options for bowel cancer include analysis of stool for occult blood and endoscopic assessments of the colorectum, including flexible sigmoidoscopy and full colonoscopy. The aim of this review is to present information on the natural history of colorectal cancer, the evaluation of the different screening modalities and the current faecal occult blood screening program within the UK National Health Service, and to discuss how dietary factors and aspirin may affect aetiology.

The reasons for discontinuation of infliximab treatment in patients with Crohn's disease: a review of practice at NHS teaching hospital

Introduction. There is little information on the reasons for discontinuing infliximab treatment in patients with Crohn's disease. The aim of this study was to document these reasons to determine if any were preventable which would allow patients to continue the therapy. Aims & Methods. A review of the medical notes was conducted at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on patients with Crohn's disease treated with infliximab between 2002-2008 to determine the reasons for stopping it. Results. A total of 65 patients were identified who had treatment with infliximab, of whom 23 (35.3%) had their therapy stopped. The reasons for discontinuation of infliximab in the 23 patients were: 47.8% side effects, 17.4% refractory disease, 13.0% achieved remission and did not receive long-term maintenance treatment, 4.34% pregnancy, 4.34% death, and unknown 13.0%. Conclusions. The main reasons for the discontinuation of infliximab were side effects rather than a lack of clinical response.

Aspirin in the aetiology of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: a European prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Aspirin has detrimental effects on the gastrointestinal tract mucosa and may play a role in the aetiology of inflammatory bowel disease.

AIM

To investigate if the regular use of aspirin is associated with the development of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) using, for the first time, a prospective cohort study design.

METHODS

A total of 135,780 men and women in Europe, aged 30-74years, were recruited into the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study. Participants completed questionnaires at baseline detailing their regular aspirin use and were then followed up to identify those who developed either incident CD or UC. Each case was matched with four controls and odds ratios (OR) were calculated, adjusting for cigarette smoking. Potential interactions between aspirin and smoking were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 35 participants developed CD and a further 84 were diagnosed with UC. Regular aspirin intake was positively associated with the risk of developing CD (OR=6.14, 95% CI=1.76-21.35). In those who took aspirin and smoked there was no detectable increased risk of CD (OR=0.30, 95% CI=0.03-3.08). No association was found between regular aspirin use and UC (OR=1.29, 95% CI=0.67-2.46).

CONCLUSIONS

A strong positive association between regular aspirin use and CD, but not UC, was observed. The data suggest that regular aspirin use should be measured in epidemiological work on CD. If such findings are consistent in other work then aspirin may affect the development of CD in a middle-aged to elderly population.

An association between dietary arachidonic acid, measured in adipose tissue, and ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Dietary arachidonic acid, an n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-6 PUFA), might be involved in the etiology of ulcerative colitis (UC). We performed a prospective cohort study to determine whether high levels of arachidonic acid in adipose tissue samples (which reflects dietary intake) are associated with UC.

METHODS

We analyzed data collected from 57,053 men and women in the EPIC-Denmark Prospective Cohort Study from 1993 to 1997. Adipose tissue biopsy samples were collected from gluteal regions at the beginning of the study, the cohort was monitored over subsequent years, and participants who developed UC were identified. A subcohort of 2510 randomly selected participants were used as controls. Concentrations of arachidonic acid were measured in adipose tissue samples. In the analysis, arachidonic acid levels were divided into quartiles; relative risks (RR) were calculated and adjusted for smoking, use of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and levels of n-3 PUFAs.

RESULTS

A total of 34 subjects (56% men) developed incident UC at a median age of 58.8 years (range, 50.0-69.0 years). Those in the highest quartile for arachidonic acid concentrations in adipose tissue had an RR for UC of 4.16 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56-11.04); a trend per 0.1% increase in arachidonic acid of 1.77 in RR was observed (95% CI: 1.38-2.27). The fraction attributed the highest levels of arachidonic acid was 40.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with the highest relative concentrations of arachidonic acid in adipose tissue have a significantly greater risk of developing UC. Dietary modifications might therefore prevent UC or reduce disease symptoms.

Rectal laterally spreading tumors successfully treated in two steps by endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic mucosal resection

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an advanced technique of therapeutic endoscopy alternative to endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for superficial gastrointestinal neoplasms >2 cm. ESD allows for the direct dissection of the submucosa and large lesions can be resected en bloc. ESD is not limited by resection size, increases histologically complete resection rates and may reduce the local recurrence. Nevertheless, the technique is time-consuming, technically demanding and associated with a high complication rate. To reduce the risk of complications, different devices and technical advances have been proposed with conflicting results and, still, ESD en bloc resections of huge lesions are associated with increased complications.

CASE PRESENTATION

We successfully used a combined ESD/EMR technique for huge rectal laterally spreading tumors (LSTs). ESD was used for circumferential resection of 2/3 of the lesion followed by piecemeal resection (2-3 pieces) of the central part of the tumour. In all three patients we obtained the complete dissection of the polyp and the complete histological evaluation in absence of complications and recurrence at 6 months' follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

In the treatment of rectal LSTs, the combined treatment - ESD/EMR resection may be considered a suitable therapeutic option, indicated in selected cases as an alternative to surgery, in which the two techniques are neither reliable nor safe separately. However, to confirm our results, larger trials with longer follow up are required together with improvement of the technique and of the technical devices.

Once-only flexible sigmoidoscopy screening in prevention of colorectal cancer: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and has a high mortality rate. We tested the hypothesis that only one flexible sigmoidoscopy screening between 55 and 64 years of age can substantially reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality.

METHODS

This randomised controlled trial was undertaken in 14 UK centres. 170 432 eligible men and women, who had indicated on a previous questionnaire that they would accept an invitation for screening, were randomly allocated to the intervention group (offered flexible sigmoidoscopy screening) or the control group (not contacted). Randomisation by sequential number generation was done centrally in blocks of 12, with stratification by trial centre, general practice, and household type. The primary outcomes were the incidence of colorectal cancer, including prevalent cases detected at screening, and mortality from colorectal cancer. Analyses were intention to treat and per protocol. The trial is registered, number ISRCTN28352761.

FINDINGS

113 195 people were assigned to the control group and 57 237 to the intervention group, of whom 112 939 and 57 099, respectively, were included in the final analyses. 40 674 (71%) people underwent flexible sigmoidoscopy. During screening and median follow-up of 11.2 years (IQR 10.7-11.9), 2524 participants were diagnosed with colorectal cancer (1818 in control group vs 706 in intervention group) and 20 543 died (13 768 vs 6775; 727 certified from colorectal cancer [538 vs 189]). In intention-to-treat analyses, colorectal cancer incidence in the intervention group was reduced by 23% (hazard ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.70-0.84) and mortality by 31% (0.69, 0.59-0.82). In per-protocol analyses, adjusting for self-selection bias in the intervention group, incidence of colorectal cancer in people attending screening was reduced by 33% (0.67, 0.60-0.76) and mortality by 43% (0.57, 0.45-0.72). Incidence of distal colorectal cancer (rectum and sigmoid colon) was reduced by 50% (0.50, 0.42-0.59; secondary outcome). The numbers needed to be screened to prevent one colorectal cancer diagnosis or death, by the end of the study period, were 191 (95% CI 145-277) and 489 (343-852), respectively.

INTERPRETATION

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a safe and practical test and, when offered only once between ages 55 and 64 years, confers a substantial and longlasting benefit.

FUNDING

Medical Research Council, National Health Service R&D, Cancer Research UK, KeyMed.

Increased consumption of fatty and lean fish reduces serum C-reactive protein concentrations but not inflammation markers in feces and in colonic biopsies

Fish consumption is associated with a reduced colorectal cancer risk. A possible mechanism by which fish consumption could decrease colorectal cancer risk is by reducing inflammation. However, thus far, intervention studies investigating both systemic and local gut inflammation markers are lacking. Our objective in this study was to investigate the effects of fatty and lean fish consumption on inflammation markers in serum, feces, and gut. In an intervention study, participants were randomly allocated to receive dietary advice (DA) plus either 300 g of fatty fish (salmon) or 300 g of lean fish (cod) per week for 6 mo, or only DA. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured pre- and postintervention (n = 161). In a subgroup (n = 52), we explored the effects of the fish intervention on fecal calprotectin and a wide range of cytokines and chemokines in fecal water and in colonic biopsies. Serum CRP concentrations were lower in the salmon (-0.5 mg/L; 95% CI -0.9, -0.2) and cod (-0.4 mg/L; 95% CI -0.7, 0.0) groups compared with the DA group. None of the inflammation markers in fecal water and colonic biopsies differed between the DA group and the groups that consumed extra fish. In conclusion, increasing salmon or cod consumption for 6 mo resulted in lower concentrations of the systemic inflammation marker CRP. However, exploratory analysis of local markers of inflammation in the colon or feces did not reveal an effect of fish consumption.

Evaluation of a computer program ('disect') to consolidate anatomy knowledge: a randomised-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The teaching of anatomy to medical undergraduates continues to develop. Medical imaging can accurately demonstrate anatomy. 'disect' is a computer program which manipulates and reconstructs real CT images in 3-D.

AIM

To implement and assess a novel computer-based imaging resource.

METHODS

Third-year undergraduate medical students at the University of East Anglia were randomised to different methods of delivering the program - either self-directed use or guided use with worksheets. Knowledge of gastro-intestinal anatomy was assessed using a 20-item test. Attitudes to using 'disect' were evaluated using Likert scales.

RESULTS

Most students reported the program was easy to use and a valuable resource for learning anatomy. There was no difference in scores between guided use and self-directed use (10.7 marks versus 10.6 marks, p = 0.52). Students who undertook the anatomy special study module, which involved dissection of the digestive system, performed best (12.8 marks versus 9.9 marks, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Students can adequately use a computer program to see major anatomical structures derived from CT scans. Students reported that learning anatomy can be aided by the imaging-based resource. Learning anatomy is a multi-modal activity and packages like 'disect' can enhance learning by supplementing current teaching methods.

Is learning anatomy facilitated by computer-aided learning? A review of the literature

BACKGROUND

There is ongoing debate concerning the best way to teach anatomy. Computer-assisted learning (CAL) is one option for teaching anatomy and these resources are increasingly available.

AIMS

To assess the use of such resources in undergraduate medical student anatomy tuition.

METHOD

Literature review.

RESULTS

Eight quantitative studies were found and these tended to report favourably. Though these educational packages can show improvement in knowledge, the studies tended to cover small areas of anatomy or were assessed in short courses. There were also several assessments of learner's attitudes to CAL which tended to report favourably in terms of educational satisfaction and enjoyment.

CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to show that these resources have a true place for replacing traditional methods in teaching anatomy. Further research should be conducted to determine how to use these resources in conjunction with current teaching methods or how their use can be integrated into the current anatomy curriculum.

Fish consumption and markers of colorectal cancer risk: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Diet is a major factor in the etiology of colorectal cancer, with high fish consumption possibly decreasing colorectal cancer risk, as was shown in several observational studies. To date, no intervention trials have examined the possible beneficial effects of fish intake on colorectal cancer risk.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to investigate the effects of a 6-mo intervention with oil-rich or lean fish on apoptosis and mitosis within the colonic crypt.

DESIGN

In a multicenter, randomized, controlled intervention trial, patients with colorectal polyps, inactive ulcerative colitis, or no macroscopic signs of disease were recruited (n = 242) and randomly allocated to receive dietary advice plus either 300 g oil-rich fish (salmon) per week (n = 82), 300 g lean fish (cod) per week (n = 78), or only dietary advice (DA) (n = 82). Apoptosis and mitosis were measured in colonic biopsy samples collected before and after intervention (n = 213).

RESULTS

The total number of apoptotic cells per crypt did not increase in the salmon or cod group: -0.10 (95% CI: -0.36, 0.16) and -0.06 (95% CI: -0.32, 0.20), respectively, compared with the DA group. The total number of mitotic cells per crypt decreased nonsignificantly in the salmon group (-0.87; 95% CI: -2.41, 0.68) and in the cod group (-1.04; 95% CI: -2.62, 0.53) compared with the DA group. Furthermore, the distribution of mitosis within the crypt did not significantly change in either group.

CONCLUSION

An increase in the consumption of either oil-rich or lean fish to 2 portions weekly over 6 mo does not markedly change apoptotic and mitotic rates in the colonic mucosa. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00145015.