Adipokines and Obesity Are Associated with Colorectal Polyps in Adult Males: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

BackgroundObesity increases the risk of colon cancer. It is also known that most colorectal cancers develop from adenomatous polyps. However, the effects of obesity and adipokines on colonic polyp formation are unknown.MethodsTo determine if BMI, waist circumference or adipokines are associated with colon polyps in males, 126 asymptomatic men (48–65 yr) were recruited at time of colonoscopy, and anthropometric measures as well as blood were collected. Odds ratios were determined using polytomous logistic regression for polyp number (0 or ≥3) and polyp type (no polyp, hyperplastic polyp, tubular adenoma).Results41% of the men in our study were obese (BMI ≥30). The odds of an obese individual having ≥3 polyps was 6.5 (CI: 1.3–33.0) times greater than those of a lean (BMI<25) individual. Additionally, relative to lean individuals, obese individuals were 7.8 (CI: 2.0–30.8) times more likely to have a tubular adenoma than no polyp. As BMI category increased, participants were 2.9 (CI: 1.5–5.4) times more likely to have a tubular adenoma than no polyps. Serum leptin, IP-10 and TNF-α were significantly associated with tubular adenoma presence. Serum leptin and IP-10 were significantly associated with increased likelihood of ≥3 polyps, and TNF-α showed a trend (p = 0.09).ConclusionsObese men are more likely to have at least three polyps and adenomas. This cross-sectional study provides evidence that colonoscopy should be recommended for obese, white males.

Association of Insulin-Related Serum Factors with Colorectal Polyp Number and Type in Adult Males

“…As previously published (11), 57 (45%) of the 126 participants had at least one polyp, and 23 (18%) had ≥ 3 polyps. 37 (29.4%) of the participants had a tubular adenoma.…”

“…At the time of enrollment, immediately prior to routine colonoscopy, written informed consent was obtained and clinical metadata on subject co-morbidities, current medications, and family history were collected. Anthropometric measures were taken to calculate BMI and to record waist circumference (11). Also at the time of enrollment, venous blood was drawn, and serum was isolated by standard procedures and stored at −80°C.…”

Plasma phospholipids, non-esterified plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids and oxylipids are associated with BMI

“…Healthy males (n=126, > 96% Caucasian) ranging from 48–65 years of age were screened and recruited as previously reported [15]. Participants were weighed and measured by trained staff.…”

Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

“…Subjects with metabolic syndrome, which includes obesity, diabetes, and pulmonary disease, are at a higher risk for advanced neoplasms found during colonoscopy [30]. In a case-control study of 126 asymptomatic men recruited at colonoscopy, the risk of adenoma directly correlated with BMI and elevated circulating adipokines, suggesting that these obesity-related hormones may influence the development of polyps [31]. In addition to the abundance of clinical data correlating obesity and CRC, there is genetic data linking the two diseases; an international study evaluating the correlation of genetic polymorphisms in obesity-related genes with the incidence of CRC found that two genes had polymorphisms significantly associated with risk of CRC [32].…”