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Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer Risk and Prevalence by Stool DNA Integrity Detection
Published on: June 8, 2020
Plasma enterolignan concentrations and colorectal cancer risk in a nested case-control study
Anneleen Kuijsten1, Peter C H Hollman, Hendriek C Boshuizen
1Centre for Nutrition and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|January 15, 2008
Summary
Plasma enterolactone and enterodiol, compounds found in the body, did not show a direct link to colorectal cancer risk. However, risk was modified by sex, body mass index, and smoking status in this prospective study.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition and Cancer Epidemiology
- Molecular Epidemiology of Cancer
- Biphenolic Compounds and Health
Background:
- Enterolignans are biphenolic compounds with potential biological activities influencing carcinogenesis.
- Previous research suggests a possible role for enterolignans in cancer prevention.
- Understanding the association between enterolignan levels and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma enterolactone and enterodiol concentrations and the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
- To explore potential modifications of this association by factors such as sex, body mass index, and smoking status.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving over 35,000 participants aged 20-59 years in the Netherlands.
- 160 colorectal cancer cases were identified over a 7.5-year follow-up period.
- Plasma enterodiol and enterolactone levels were measured and analyzed in relation to CRC risk, with adjustments for known risk factors and interaction analyses.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between plasma enterodiol or enterolactone concentrations and overall colorectal cancer risk.
- Plasma enterolactone showed a modified association with CRC risk by sex and body mass index, with increased risk in women and individuals with high BMI.
- Plasma enterodiol association with CRC risk was modified by smoking status, showing increased risk among current smokers.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support the hypothesis that higher plasma enterodiol or enterolactone concentrations are associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.
- Specific subgroups, including women, individuals with high BMI, and current smokers, may experience modified risks related to enterolignan levels.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interactions between enterolignans, lifestyle factors, and colorectal cancer development.

