Associations of Human Colorectal Adenoma with Serum Biomarkers of Body Iron Stores, Inflammation and Antioxidant Protein Thiols

Association between serum iron status and the risk of colorectal cancer in US adults: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2001-2020

BACKGROUND

Maintaining iron homeostasis is crucial for preventing the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, Evidence regarding the correlation between serum iron status and CRC has been inconsistent. This population-based study aims to explore the potential association between serum iron status and CRC risk.

METHODS

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) registry spanning from 2001 to 2020, a cross-sectional study involving 9504 participants was performed to assess the relationship between serum iron status and CRC risk. The study encompassed men and women of various racial backgrounds, aged 20 to 80, from across the United States. Participants' characteristics were presented using mean or proportion. The possible risk factor for CRC was examined using both univariable and multivariable analysis. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CRC in accordance with each quantile increment in serum iron item levels.

RESULTS

After making full adjustment, our analysis did not reveal a statistically significant association between serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and the risk of CRC. While there was no statistically significant difference observed, an increasing ferritin concentration appeared to be associated with a decreased CRC risk when compared to the lowest quantile. Specifically, the ORs and 95% CIs for the second, third, and fourth quantiles (Q2, Q3, and Q4) versus the lowest quantile (Q1) were as follows: Q2 (vs. Q1) OR 0.403, 95% CI 0.063-2.568; Q3 (vs. Q1) OR 0.316, 95% CI 0.059-1.687; Q4 (vs. Q1) OR 0.250, 95% CI 0.050-1.258. However, this trend did not reach statistical significance (P for trend = 0.381).

CONCLUSION

Our analyze did not demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between serum iron status and the risk of CRC.

Genetic prediction of micronutrient levels and the risk of colorectal polyps: A mendelian randomization study

OBJECTIVE

Previous epidemiological and experimental studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the influence of human micronutrient levels on the risk of colorectal polyps (CP). In our study, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) investigation to probe the link between 13 human micronutrients (calcium, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, vitamins B-6, B-12, C, D, beta-carotene, iron, zinc, and copper) and the genetic susceptibility to CP.

METHODS

Summary statistics for CP (n = 463,010) were obtained from pan-European genome-wide association studies, and instrumental variables for 13 micronutrients were screened from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS). After selecting suitable instrumental variables, we performed a two-sample MR study, deploying sensitivity analyses to judge heterogeneity and pleiotropy, using inverse variance weighted methods as our primary estimation tool.

RESULTS

Our study identified that a genetic predisposition to elevated toenail and circulating selenium or serum β-carotene concentrations lowers the risk of CP occurrence. However, no statistically significant association was observed between the other 11 micronutrients and the risk of CP.

CONCLUSION

The study findings provide evidence that the micronutrient selenium and β-carotene may confer protective effects against the development of CP.

The influence of microbiota on ferroptosis in intestinal diseases

Ferroptosis is a distinctive form of iron-dependent necrotic cell death, characterized by excessive lipid peroxidation on cellular membranes and compromised cellular antioxidant defenses. Multiple metabolic pathways, including iron and lipid metabolism, as well as antioxidant systems, contribute to the execution of ferroptosis. The gut microbiota exerts regulatory effects on ferroptosis through its microbial composition, biological functions, and metabolites. Notably, most pathogenic bacteria tend to promote ferroptosis, thereby inducing or exacerbating diseases, while most probiotics have been shown to protect against cell death. Given microbiota colonization in the gut, an intimate association is found between intestinal diseases and microbiota. This review consolidates the essential aspects of ferroptotic processes, emphasizing key molecules and delineating the intricate interplay between gut microbiota and ferroptosis. Moreover, this review underscores the potential utility of gut microbiota modulation in regulating ferroptosis for the treatment of intestinal diseases.

Prognostic role of pretreatment serum ferritin concentration in lung cancer patients: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The association between pretreatment serum ferritin concentration (SFC) and long-term survival in lung cancer remains unclear now.

AIM

To identify the prognostic value of pretreatment SFC in lung cancer patients based on current evidence.

METHODS

The PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to May 29, 2022 for relevant studies. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) and the hazard ratios (HRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined to assess the predictive role of pretreatment SFC for long-term survival of lung cancer patients. The data were then extracted and assessed on the basis of the Reference Citation Analysis (https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com/).

RESULTS

Twelve retrospective studies involving 1654 patients were analyzed. The results manifested that increased pretreatment SFC was associated with worse OS (HR = 1.09, 95%CI: 1.03-1.15, P = 0.004). Subgroup analysis stratified by the country (China vs non-China) showed similar results. However, subgroup analysis stratified by tumor type revealed inconsistent results (lung cancer: HR = 1.39, P = 0.008; small cell lung cancer: HR = 1.99, P = 0.175; non-small cell lung cancer: HR = 1.03, P = 0.281).

CONCLUSION

Pretreatment SFC might serve as a promising prognostic indicator in lung cancer patients and elevated pretreatment SFC predicts worse prognosis. However, more high-quality studies with big sample sizes are still needed to further verify its prognostic value in lung cancer.