Adipokines and obesity are associated with colorectal polyps in adult males: a cross-sectional study.
BACKGROUND
Obesity 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.


METHODS
To 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).


RESULTS
41% 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).


CONCLUSIONS
Obese 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.
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America.
Sarah S
SS
Comstock
College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America.
Kari
K
Hortos
College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America ; Tri-County Gastroenterology, Professional Corporation, Clinton Township, Michigan, United States of America.
Bruce
B
Kovan
College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America.
Sarah
S
McCaskey
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America.
Dorothy R
DR
Pathak
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America ; College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America.
Jenifer I
JI
Fenton
D000236:Adenoma / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology; D018256:Adenomatous Polyps / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications*; D054392:Adipokines / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications*; D055105:Waist Circumference
D054392:Adipokines