Distinct Metabolic Profiles are Associated with Colorectal Adenomas and Serrated Polyps

The role of BMI, serum lipid profile molecules and their derivative indexes in colorectal polyps

Objectives

To investigate the role of body mass index (BMI), serum lipid profile molecules and their derivative indexes in colorectal polyps.

Methods

A total of 352 individuals who underwent colonoscopy at our center were included in this retrospective analysis. Of these, 247 patients without evident abnormalities (control group), while 105 patients diagnosed with colorectal polyps (patient group). Serum lipid profile molecules and their derivative indexes were then compared between the two groups.

Results

The patient group exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (TC) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) compared to the control group (p<0.05). In males, the patient group displayed elevated levels of ApoB and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio compared to the control group (p<0.05). Additionally, the triglycerides (TG) and TG/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) ratios were significantly higher in the multiple polyps group than in the single polyp group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the HDL-C and HDL-C/ApoA1 ratio levels were higher in the adenomatous polyp group when compared to the non-adenomatous polyp group (p<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that total cholesterol (TC), TG, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), TC/HDL-C ratio, TG/HDL-C ratio and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio were risk factors for the occurrence of colorectal polyps (p<0.05). ROC curve analyses revealed that TC, ApoB, and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio were associated with colorectal polyps. No significant difference in BMI between the two groups (p>0.05).

Conclusions

The incidence and progression of colorectal polyps are linked to serum lipid molecules and their derivative indexes. Dyslipidemia may increase the risk of colorectal polyps, potentially leading to colorectal cancer (CRC).

El papel del IMC, las moléculas del perfil lipídico sérico y sus índices derivados en los pólipos colorrectales

Objetivos

Investigar el papel del IMC, las moléculas del perfil lipídico en suero y los cocientes lipoproteicos en los pólipos colorrectales.

Métodos

En un análisis retrospectivo, se incluyó a 352 sujetos sometidos a una colonoscopia en nuestro centro, de los cuales 247 no mostraron ninguna alteración evidente (grupo control), mientras que 105 recibieron un diagnóstico de uno o múltiples pólipos (grupo de pacientes). Se compararon las moléculas del perfil lipídico sérico y los cocientes lipoproteicos de los dos grupos.

Resultados

El grupo de pacientes mostró niveles significativamente mayores de colesterol total (CT) y apolipoproteína B (ApoB) que el grupo de control (p<0,05). Entre los hombres, el grupo de pacientes mostró niveles de ApoB y una relación ApoB/ApoA1 superiores a los del grupo de control (p<0,05). Así mismo, los niveles de triglicéridos (TG) y la relación TG/C-HDL (colesterol de lipoproteínas de alta densidad) fueron significativamente más elevados en el grupo de pólipos múltiples que en el de un solo pólipo (p<0,05). Además, los niveles de C-HDL y la relación C-HDL/ApoA1 fueron más altos en el grupo con pólipos adenomatosos que en el de no adenomatosos (p<0,05). El análisis de regresión logística múltiple identificó al CT, TG, LDL-C y a los cocientes CT/C-HDL, TG/C-HDL y C-LDL/C-HDL como factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de pólipos colorrectales (p<0,05). Los análisis de la curva ROC revelaron una asociación entre el CT, la ApoB, y la relación ApoB/ApoA1 y los pólipos colorrectales. Por otro lado, no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el IMC entre los dos grupos (p>0,05).

Conclusiones

La incidencia y evolución de los pólipos colorrectales están relacionados con las moléculas del perfil lipídico en suero y los cocientes lipoproteicos de las mismas. La dislipidemia podría incrementar el riesgo de desarrollar pólipos colorrectales, pudiendo derivar posteriormente en el desarrollo de cáncer colorrectal (CRC).

Nonalcoholic or metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and colorectal polyps: evidence from meta-analysis and two-sample Mendelian randomization

Introduction

Nonalcoholic or metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (NAFLD or MAFLD) and colorectal polyps are chronic conditions strongly linked to lifestyle factors. However, the precise causal link between NAFLD or MAFLD and the development of colorectal polyps is not yet fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the association between NAFLD or MAFLD and the risk of colorectal polyps based on a meta-analysis and two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases were searched for eligible studies to be included in the meta-analysis. We conducted a thorough search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to identify eligible studies prior to 22 March 2024. Subgroup analyses were performed based on sex, age, and geographical region. Causality between NAFLD/MAFLD and colorectal polyps was explored by using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.

Results

Based on an analysis of 17 studies encompassed within this meta-analysis, a significant correlation was identified between the presence of NAFLD/MAFLD and elevated incidence of colorectal polyps (NAFLD: OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.43-1.73, I2 = 38%, p = 0.06; MAFLD: OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.40-2.00, I2 = 77%, p = 0.002). However, current evidence does not support a causal relationship between NAFLD/MAFLD and the prevalence of colorectal polyps (OR = 0.9998315, 95% CI: 0.9987566-1.000907, P = 0.7587638).

Conclusion

NAFLD/MAFLD demonstrated a significant positive correlation with an elevated risk of developing colorectal polyps. However, the MR analysis suggested that no causal relationship existed between NAFLD/MAFLD and colorectal polyps. Therefore, further research is required to identify the underlying mechanism of causal link between these diseases.

Worldwide productivity and research trend of publications concerning intestinal polyps: A bibliometric study

There is a significant relationship between intestinal polyps and colorectal cancer, and in recent years, research on intestinal polyps has been rapidly developing around the world. However, there is still a lack of adequate quantification and analysis of publications in this field. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of publications related to intestinal polyps over the past 20 years. To enhance the understanding of current research hotspots and potential trends, and to point out the direction of future research. Publications related to intestinal polyps were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded in Web of Science Core Collection. the Bibliometric online analysis platform (https://bibliometric.com/app), the Bibliometrix Package, and the CiteSpace are used for bibliometric analysis and visualization, including the overall range of annual output and annual citations, country-region analysis, author and institution analysis, core journal analysis, reference and keyword analysis. Prior to 2017, the amount of research on intestinal polyps was slow to grow, but it picked up speed after that year. In 1019 journals, 4280 papers on intestinal polyps were published in English. The journal with the highest productivity was Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (189, 4.42%). United States (1124, 26.26%), which is also the hub of collaboration in this subject, was the most productive nation. Mayo Clinic (n = 70, 1.64%) is the most productive institution. Intestinal microbiota, endoscopic mucosal resection, gut microbiota, deep learning, tea polyphenol, insulin resistance and artificial intelligence were current hot subjects in the field. Studies of intestinal polyps increased significantly after 2017. The United States contributed the largest number of publications. Countries and institutions were actively cooperating with one another. artificial intelligence is currently an emerging topic.

Enhanced SREBP2-driven cholesterol biosynthesis by PKCλ/ι deficiency in intestinal epithelial cells promotes aggressive serrated tumorigenesis

The metabolic and signaling pathways regulating aggressive mesenchymal colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and progression through the serrated route are largely unknown. Although relatively well characterized as BRAF mutant cancers, their poor response to current targeted therapy, difficult preneoplastic detection, and challenging endoscopic resection make the identification of their metabolic requirements a priority. Here, we demonstrate that the phosphorylation of SCAP by the atypical PKC (aPKC), PKCλ/ι promotes its degradation and inhibits the processing and activation of SREBP2, the master regulator of cholesterol biosynthesis. We show that the upregulation of SREBP2 and cholesterol by reduced aPKC levels is essential for controlling metaplasia and generating the most aggressive cell subpopulation in serrated tumors in mice and humans. Since these alterations are also detected prior to neoplastic transformation, together with the sensitivity of these tumors to cholesterol metabolism inhibitors, our data indicate that targeting cholesterol biosynthesis is a potential mechanism for serrated chemoprevention.

Metabolic risk factors link unhealthy lifestyles to the risk of colorectal polyps in China

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of global cancer-related deaths, and its precursor lesions are colorectal polyps (CAP). The study aimed to explore the effect of combinations of unhealthy lifestyles on CAP and investigate the mediation role of metabolic disorder in this process. A total of 1299 adults were recruited from a hospital in Jiangsu, China, including 811 cases and 488 adults without diseases. The information on demographic characteristics and lifestyles was collected through questionnaires and the medical record system. Serum biochemical parameters were determined using the automatic biochemical analyzer. Adjusted regression analysis showed that unhealthy lifestyles, including smoking, overnight meals, daily water intake, staying up late, and exercise associated with the risk of CAP. Furthermore, metabolic biomarkers, including BMI, triglycerides, and uric acid, were associated with the risk of CAP. Also, unhealthy lifestyle scores were positively associated with BMI, triglycerides, and CAP. The mediation effect of metabolic biomarkers, such as BMI and triglycerides on the association of unhealthy lifestyle scores with CAP was significant. Available data demonstrate the adverse effect of combinations of unhealthy lifestyle factors on CAP, and metabolic disorders to potentially mediate the association of unhealthy lifestyles with the risk of CAP.

The relationship between serum lipid levels and colorectal serrated lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To clarify the relationship between colorectal serrated lesions and serum lipid levels, and provide a scientific basis for the identification and early clinical prevention and treatment of populations that are at risk for colorectal serrated lesions.

Methods: Studies comparing serum lipid levels in patients with colorectal serrated lesions and controls were searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China Biomedical Literature Database, CNKI, Wanfang Database, and VIP Database. Relevant literature was screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean and standard deviation of the serum lipid levels in patients and controls were extracted from the included literature. The combined weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Review Manager 5.0 software to evaluate the relationship between serum lipid levels and colorectal serrated lesions. Publication bias of the included studies was evaluated by the Egger test.

Results: Twenty-three studies were included, comprising 2,063 patients and 63,909 controls. The serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in the case group was significantly lower than in the control group (WMD = −0.122 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.170–0.073). Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and serum triglyceride levels in the case group were significantly higher than in the control group, and the WMDs were 0.180 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.061–0.299), 0.155 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.038–0.273), and 0.241 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.181–0.302), respectively.

Conclusion: Colorectal serrated lesions may be related to blood lipid levels. Hyperlipidemia might be a risk factor for colorectal serrated lesions.

Artificial intelligence-assisted colonoscopy: A prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of polyp detection

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence (AI) assistance has been considered as a promising way to improve colonoscopic polyp detection, but there are limited prospective studies on real-time use of AI systems.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing colonoscopy at six centers. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to conventional colonoscopy (control group) or AI-assisted colonoscopy (AI group). AI assistance was our newly developed AI system for real-time colonoscopic polyp detection. Primary outcome is polyp detection rate (PDR). Secondary outcomes include polyps per positive patient (PPP), polyps per colonoscopy (PPC), and non-first polyps per colonoscopy (PPC-Plus).

RESULTS

A total of 2352 patients were included in the final analysis. Compared with the control, AI group did not show significant increment in PDR (38.8% vs. 36.2%, p = 0.183), but its PPC-Plus was significantly higher (0.5 vs. 0.4, p < 0.05). In addition, AI group detected more diminutive polyps (76.0% vs. 68.8%, p < 0.01) and flat polyps (5.9% vs. 3.3%, p < 0.05). The effects varied somewhat between centers. In further logistic regression analysis, AI assistance independently contributed to the increment of PDR, and the impact was more pronounced for male endoscopists, shorter insertion time but longer withdrawal time, and elderly patients with larger waist circumference.

CONCLUSION

The intervention of AI plays a limited role in overall polyp detection, but increases detection of easily missed polyps; ChiCTR.org.cn number, ChiCTR1800015607.

Metabolic syndrome and colorectal adenoma risk: A systematic review and meta‑analysis

OBJECTIVE

Whether metabolic syndrome is a risk factor of colorectal adenoma has spurred debate. We systematically meta-analyzed all clinical studies associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS)/metabolic components and colorectal adenoma risk and quantified the dose-response association between them, aiming to provide more clues for better decision-making.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library through June 2020 for clinical studies of MetS and colorectal adenoma risk. RevMan 5.3 software and STATA 12.0 software were employed for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies representing 44,336 participants were eligible for analysis. The overall meta-analysis showed that MetS patients had increased risk of colorectal adenoma (OR: 1.39, 95% CI 1.24-1.57; P < 0.05). Dose-response analysis presented that every increased number of Mets components was associated with a 8% increment of colorectal adenoma risk(OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04-1.11). Subgroup analysis by age revealed a higher colorectal adenoma risk in MetS patients 50 years or older (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.21-1.76; P < 0.0001), rather than MetS patients younger than 50 years old (OR 1.23; 95% CI 0.95-1.59; P = 0.11).When stratified by sex, the analysis revealed a higher risk of colorectal adenoma in male MetS patients (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.15-1.53; P = 0.0001), rather than females (OR 1.65; 95% CI 0.90-3.02; P = 0.10). The analysis split by adenoma location showed that the right colon (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.04-1.75; P = 0.03), instead of the left colon (OR 1.16; 95% CI 0.84-1.59; P = 0.37) or rectum(OR 1.26; 95% CI 0.89-1.78; P = 0.20), was the predilection site associated with increased colorectal adenoma risk in MetS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our meta-analysis showed that MetS was associated with a higher risk of colorectal adenoma. MetS patients, especially old (≥50 years) male patients, should be a risk population for colorectal adenoma screening so that they can benefit from behavioural interventions that can help prevent the development of colorectal cancer.

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.

Glycosylated Hemoglobin as an Age-Specific Predictor and Risk Marker of Colorectal Adenomas in Non-Diabetic Adults

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is a risk factor for colorectal neoplasms. The association between the level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the risk of colorectal adenomas (CRAs) in non-diabetic adults needs to be investigated.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed on non-diabetic adults with normal HbA1c level who underwent colonoscopy between January 2010 and December 2016 during health check-ups in our hospital in China. The association between HbA1c level and CRAs was assessed by multiple logistic regression models stratified by age group (<40, ≥40 and <50, and ≥50 years old). The age group-specified thresholds for HbA1c on elevated risk of CRAs were estimated using the piecewise logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among the 2,764 subjects, 445 (16.1%) had CRA. The prevalence of CRA varied across the three age groups. A higher HbA1c level was found to be significantly associated with increased CRA risk in the 40-50 years group (odds ratio [OR]=1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-2.78, p=0.035) after adjusting for other related factors, while this association was borderline significant among the 50 years and older group (OR=1.57, 95% CI 0.97-2.54, p=0.067). Based on the piecewise logistic regression analysis results, the thresholds for HbA1c on elevated risk of CRA were 5.44% for the 40-50 years group and 4.81% for the 50 years and older group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher levels of HbA1c, even within the normal range, were associated with elevated CRA risk among non-diabetic adults. The threshold effects of HbA1c on the risk of CRA varied across different age groups, and early screening colonoscopy might be needed for individuals in their 40s and with HbA1c levels ≥5.44%.

Modeling of the immune response in the pathogenesis of solid tumors and its prognostic significance

BACKGROUND

Tumor initiation and subsequent progression are usually long-term processes, spread over time and conditioned by diverse aspects. Many cancers develop on the basis of chronic inflammation; however, despite dozens of years of research, little is known about the factors triggering neoplastic transformation under these conditions. Molecular characterization of both pathogenetic states, i.e., similarities and differences between chronic inflammation and cancer, is also poorly defined. The secretory activity of tumor cells may change the immunophenotype of immune cells and modify the extracellular microenvironment, which allows the bypass of host defense mechanisms and seems to have diagnostic and prognostic value. The phenomenon of immunosuppression is also present during chronic inflammation, and the development of cancer, due to its duration, predisposes patients to the promotion of chronic inflammation. The aim of our work was to discuss the above issues based on the latest scientific insights. A theoretical mechanism of cancer immunosuppression is also proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

Development of solid tumors may occur both during acute and chronic phases of inflammation. Differences in the regulation of immune responses between precancerous states and the cancers resulting from them emphasize the importance of immunosuppressive factors in oncogenesis. Cancer cells may, through their secretory activity and extracellular transport mechanisms, enhance deterioration of the immune system which, in turn, may have prognostic implications.

Body fatness over the life course and risk of serrated polyps and conventional adenomas

Serrated polyps (SPs) and conventional adenomas represent 2 distinct groups of colorectal premalignancy. The influence of early life adiposity on risk of these precursors remains unclear. Within the Nurses' Health Study, the Nurses' Health Study 2, and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, we assessed body fatness during childhood using 9-level somatotype and obtained weight and body mass index (BMI) in adulthood. We used multivariable-adjusted logistic regression to examine the association of SPs and conventional adenomas with body fatness in early childhood (age 5), late childhood (age 10), early adulthood (age 18/21) and middle adulthood (baseline) and weight change during early-to-middle adulthood. During 18-20 years of follow-up, we documented 8,697 SPs and 10,219 conventional adenomas in 132,514 women; 2,403 SPs and 4,495 conventional adenomas in 29,207 men. We found a modest positive association of adiposity in early and late childhood with risk of SPs and conventional adenomas, with odds ratios ranging from 1.12 to 1.18 for comparison of extreme somatotypes groups. The associations were attenuated after adjusting for adulthood BMI but remained significant for conventional adenomas. No association with early life body fatness was found in men. Adulthood body fatness and weight change during early-to-middle adulthood showed positive relationships with SPs and conventional adenomas in both women and men, with stronger associations observed for SPs (p_{heterogeneity}  < 0.0001). Our findings indicated a potential role in development of colorectal cancer precursors of childhood body fatness in women, and early-to-middle adulthood weight gain and attained adiposity in both sexes.

Molecular Aspects of Colorectal Adenomas: The Interplay among Microenvironment, Oxidative Stress, and Predisposition

The development of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multistep process initiated by a benign polyp that has the potential to evolve into in situ carcinoma through the interactions between environmental and genetic factors. CRC incidence rates are constantly increased for young adult patients presenting an advanced tumor stage. The majority of CRCs arise from colonic adenomas originating from aberrant cell proliferation of colon epithelium. Endoscopic polypectomy represents a tool for early detection and removal of polyps, although the occurrence of cancers after negative colonoscopy shows a significant incidence. It has long been recognized that the aberrant regulation of Wingless/It (Wnt)/β-Catenin signaling in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer is supported by its critical role in the differentiation of stem cells in intestinal crypts and in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. For this review, we will focus on the development of adenomatous polyps through the interplay between renewal signaling in the colon epithelium and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The current knowledge of molecular pathology allows us to deepen the relationships between oxidative stress and other risk factors as lifestyle, microbiota, and predisposition. We underline that the chronic inflammation and ROS production in the colon epithelium can impair the Wnt/β-catenin and/or base excision repair (BER) pathways and predispose to polyp development. In fact, the coexistence of oxidative DNA damage and errors in DNA polymerase can foster C>T transitions in various types of cancer and adenomas, leading to a hypermutated phenotype of tumor cells. Moreover, the function of Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) protein in regulating DNA repair is very important as therapeutic implication making DNA damaging chemotherapeutic agents more effective in CRC cells that tend to accumulate mutations. Additional studies will determine whether approaches based on Wnt inhibition would provide long-term therapeutic value in CRC, but it is clear that APC disruption plays a central role in driving and maintaining tumorigenesis.

Correlation between Colon Polyps and Metabolic Syndrome and HP Infection Status

Background

This study investigated the relationships among the characteristics of colon polyps and potential risk factors, including metabolic condition, CEA level, uric acid level, and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection status.

Method

Clinical data from patients who received colonoscopy were collected and analyzed, including patients' gender, age, polyp pathology, metabolic syndrome (MS) status, CEA level, uric acid level, and Hp infection status. Patients were divided into a polyp group and a control group based on whether they presented with colon polyps. Then, clinical data were compared between the two groups to identify any differences between the groups and their relationships to colon polyps.

Result

Compared with the control group, the polyp group had significant differences in patient gender, body mass index (BMI), waistline, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose level, blood lipid level, and uric acid level (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in LDL and CEA levels (p > 0.05). Patients with MS or a uric acid level > 340 mg/dl had a greater tendency to develop colon polyps but this was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The incidence of colon polyps may be associated with MS and uric acid levels, but further studies are warranted to confirm this conclusion.

Synchronous colorectal carcinoma: predisposing factors and characteristics

AIM

Whether some diseases are related to the occurrence of synchronous colorectal carcinoma (sCRC) is unknown. Investigating the risk factors and presentation of sCRC could aid in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The prognosis of sCRC compared with that of solitary CRC remains unclear.

METHODS

A total of 17 093 CRC patients were recruited between 1st January 1995 and 31th December 2016. The risk factors of sCRC development were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The effect of sCRC on survival was analysed using the multivariate Cox regression model.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sCRC was 5.6% in this study. The independent risk factors of sCRC development were advanced age (P < 0.001), male sex (P < 0.001), hereditary cancer (P < 0.001), hypertension (P < 0.001) and liver cirrhosis (P = 0.024). Compared with solitary CRC, a higher number of patients with sCRC presented with an abnormal carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level (P = 0.011), anaemia (P < 0.001) and hypoalbuminemia (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that sCRC was a significant factor for poor survival in patients at TNM Stage I [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.86; P < 0.001], Stage II (HR = 1.65; P < 0.001) and Stage III (HR = 1.40; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to hypertension and liver cirrhosis, other risk factors for sCRC were identified in this study. The prognosis of patients with sCRC was significantly worse than that of those with solitary CRC through TNM Stages I to III. Anaemia, abnormal CEA and hypoalbuminemia were more commonly seen in patients with sCRC.

Potential impact of Helicobacter pylori-related metabolic syndrome on upper and lower gastrointestinal tract oncogenesis

Both Helicobacter pylori infection and metabolic syndrome present significant global public health burdens. Metabolic syndrome is closely related to insulin resistance, the major underlying mechanism responsible for metabolic abnormalities, and Helicobacter pylori infection has been proposed to be a contributing factor. There is growing evidence for a potential association between Helicobacter pylori infection and insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and related morbidity, including abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, all of which increase mortality related to cardio-cerebrovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and malignancies. More specifically, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and hyperinsulinemia have been associated with upper and lower gastrointestinal tract oncogenesis. Apart from cardio-cerebrovascular, degenerative diseases and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a number of studies claim that Helicobacter pylori infection is implicated in metabolic syndrome-related Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma development, gastric and duodenal ulcers and gastric oncogenesis as well as lower gastrointestinal tract oncogenesis. This review summarizes evidence on the potential impact of Helicobacter pylori-related metabolic syndrome on gastroesophageal reflux disease-Barrett's esophagus-esophageal adenocarcinoma, gastric atrophy-intestinal metaplasia-dysplasia-gastric cancer and colorectal adenoma-dysplasia-colorectal cancer sequences. Helicobacter pylori eradication might inhibit these oncogenic processes, and thus further studies are warranted.