Distinct Metabolic Profiles are Associated with Colorectal Adenomas and Serrated Polyps

Prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC) by colonoscopy is recommended according to age and personal/familial history. Metabolic alterations are associated with colorectal adenomas, but data are scarce regarding serrated polyps and advanced polyps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between metabolic alterations and colorectal polyp type and advanced polyps.

A case-control study was conducted among consecutive subjects, 40 to 70 years old, who underwent screening/diagnostic colonoscopy from 2010 to 2015. Subjects who were treated for diabetes, who had a family/personal history of CRC, and who were at high risk for CRC were excluded. Participants underwent anthropometric, laboratory, and ultrasonographic evaluations and a medical and lifestyle interview. Polyps were histologically classified as adenomatous or serrated polyps and divided into advanced and non-advanced categories.

The study included 828 participants (58.4 ± 6.6 years, 50.4% men). Abdominal obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.20-2.30), hypertension (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.03-2.09), and a high glycosylated hemoglobin percentage (HbA1c%) (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.06-2.34) were independently associated with colorectal adenomas, whereas a high triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL) ratio was independently associated with serrated polyps (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.32-4.03). A combination of three metabolic alterations was strongly associated with colorectal polyps.

Abdominal obesity, hypertension, and a high HbA1c% are independently associated with adenomas, whereas a high TG/HDL ratio is associated with serrated polyps. These parameters are easily accessible in clinical practice and may help define high-risk groups for CRC.