The D1822V APC polymorphism interacts with fat, calcium, and fiber intakes in modulating the risk of colorectal cancer in Portuguese persons.
BACKGROUND
Both genetic and environmental factors affect the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC).


OBJECTIVE
We aimed to examine the interaction between the D1822V polymorphism of the APC gene and dietary intake in persons with CRC.


METHODS
Persons with CRC (n = 196) and 200 healthy volunteers, matched for age and sex in a case-control study, were evaluated with respect to nutritional status and lifestyle factors and for the D1822V polymorphism.


RESULTS
No significant differences were observed in energy and macronutrient intakes. Cases had significantly (P < 0.05) lower intakes of carotenes, vitamins C and E, folate, and calcium than did controls. Fiber intake was significantly (P = 0.004) lower in cases than in controls, whereas alcohol consumption was associated with a 2-fold risk of CRC. In addition, cases were significantly (P = 0.001) more likely than were controls to be sedentary. The homozygous variant for the APC gene (VV) was found in 4.6% of cases and in 3.5% of controls. Examination of the potential interactions between diet and genotype found that a high cholesterol intake was associated with a greater risk of colorectal cancer only in noncarriers (DD) of the D1822V APC allele (odds ratio: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.76). In contrast, high fiber and calcium intakes were more markedly associated with a lower risk of CRC in patients carrying the polymorphic allele (DV/VV) (odds ratio: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.94 for fiber; odds ratio: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.93 for calcium) than in those without that allele.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest a significant interaction between the D1822V polymorphism and the dietary intakes of cholesterol, calcium, and fiber for CRC risk.
Guerreiro
Catarina S
CS
Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal. catarina.guerreiro@estesl.ipl.pt
Cravo
Marília L
ML
Brito
Miguel
M
Vidal
Pedro M
PM
Fidalgo
Paulo O
PO
Leitão
Carlos N
CN
D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D004032:Diet; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002149:Energy Intake; D017491:Genes, APC; D006801:Humans; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011174:Portugal; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D014815:Vitamins