Transient elastography with controlled attenuation parameter for the diagnosis of colorectal polyps in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND The severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and lipid metabolism are related to the occurrence of colorectal polyps.Liver-controlled attenuation parameters(liver-CAPs)have been established to predict the prognosis of hepatic steatosis patients.AIM To explore the risk factors associated with colorectal polyps in patients with NAFLD by analyzing liver-CAPs and establishing a diagnostic model.METHODS Patients who were diagnosed with colorectal polyps in the Department of Gastroenterology of our hospital between June 2021 and April 2022 composed the case group,and those with no important abnormalities composed the control group.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to predict the diagnostic efficiency.Differences were considered statistically significant when P<0.05.RESULTS The median triglyceride(TG)and liver-CAP in the case group were significantly greater than those in the control group(mmol/L,1.74 vs 1.05;dB/m,282 vs 254,P<0.05).TG and liver-CAP were found to be independent risk factors for colorectal polyps,with ORs of 2.338(95%CI:1.154–4.733)and 1.019(95%CI:1.006–1.033),respectively(P<0.05).And there was no difference in the diagnostic efficacy between liver-CAP and TG combined with liver-CAP(TG+CAP)(P>0.05).When the liver-CAP was greater than 291 dB/m,colorectal polyps were more likely to occur.CONCLUSION The levels of TG and liver-CAP in patients with colorectal polyps are significantly greater than those patients without polyps.Liver-CAP alone can be used to diagnose NAFLD with colorectal polyps.

Association between triglyceride-glucose index and colorectal polyps:A retrospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Colorectal polyps(CPs)are frequently occurring abnormal growths in the colorectum,and are a primary precursor of colorectal cancer(CRC).The triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index is a novel marker that assesses metabolic health and insulin resistance,and has been linked to gastrointestinal cancers.AIM To investigate the potential association between the TyG index and CPs,as the relation between them has not been documented.METHODS A total of 2537 persons undergoing a routine health physical examination and colonoscopy at The First People's Hospital of Kunshan,Jiangsu Province,China,between January 2020 and December 2022 were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study.After excluding individuals who did not meet the eligibility criteria,descriptive statistics were used to compare characteristics between patients with and without CPs.Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between the TyG index and the prevalence of CPs.The TyG index was calculated using the following formula:Ln[triglyceride(mg/dL)×glucose(mg/dL)/2].The presence and types of CPs was determined based on data from colonoscopy reports and pathology reports.RESULTS A nonlinear relation between the TyG index and the prevalence of CPs was identified,and exhibited a curvilinear pattern with a cut-off point of 2.31.A significant association was observed before the turning point,with an odds ratio(95% confidence interval)of 1.70(1.40,2.06),P<0.0001.However,the association between the TyG index and CPs was not significant after the cut-off point,with an odds ratio(95% confidence interval)of 0.57(0.27,1.23),P=0.1521.CONCLUSION Our study revealed a curvilinear association between the TyG index and CPs in Chinese individuals,suggesting its potential utility in developing colonoscopy screening strategies for preventing CRC.

Long-term outcomes after endoscopic removal of malignant colorectal polyps:Results from a 10-year cohort

BACKGROUND Choosing an optimal post-polypectomy management strategy of malignant colorectal polyps is challenging,and evidence regarding a surveillance-only strategy is limited.AIM To evaluate long-term outcomes after endoscopic removal of malignant colorectal polyps.METHODS A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate outcomes after endoscopic removal of malignant colorectal polyps between 2010 and 2020.Residual disease rate and nodal metastases after secondary surgery and local and distant recurrence rate for those with at least 1 year of follow-up were invest-igated.Event rates for categorical variables and means for continuous variables with 95%confidence intervals were calculated,and Fisher’s exact test and Mann-Whitney test were performed.Potential risk factors of adverse outcomes were RESULTS In total,135 lesions(mean size:22.1 mm;location:42%rectal)from 129 patients(mean age:67.7 years;56%male)were enrolled.The proportion of pedunculated and non-pedunculated lesions was similar,with en bloc resection in 82%and 47%of lesions,respectively.Tumor differentiation,distance from resection margins,depth of submucosal invasion,lymphovascular invasion,and budding were reported at 89.6%,45.2%,58.5%,31.9%,and 25.2%,respectively.Residual tumor was found in 10 patients,and nodal metastasis was found in 4 of 41 patients who underwent secondary surgical resection.Univariate analysis identified piecemeal resection as a risk factor for residual malignancy(odds ratio:1.74;P=0.042).At least 1 year of follow-up was available for 117 lesions from 111 patients(mean follow-up period:5.59 years).Overall,54%,30%,30%,11%,and 16%of patients presented at the 1-year,3-year,5-year,7-year,and 9-10-year surveillance examinations.Adverse outcomes occurred in 9.0%(local recurrence and dissemination in 4 patients and 9 patients,respectively),with no difference between patients undergoing secondary surgery and surveillance only.CONCLUSION Reporting of histological features and adherence to surveillance colonoscopy needs improvement.Long-term adverse outcome rates might be higher than previously reported,irrespective of whether secondary surgery was performed.

Metformin administration in prevention of colorectal polyps in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

BACKGROUND Colorectal polyps are frequently observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(DM),posing a significant risk for colorectal cancer.Metformin,a widely prescribed biguanidine drug for type 2 DM,has been suggested to have potential chemoprophylactic effects against various cancers.AIM To explore the correlation between colorectal polyps and metformin use in type 2 DM patients.METHODS Type 2 DM patients were categorized into polyp and non-polyp groups.Following this,all patients were categorized into the type 2 DM-metformin,type 2 DM-non-metformin,and non-type 2 DM groups.Based on the baseline colonoscopy results,we performed pairwise comparisons of the incidence of colorectal polyps among the three groups.Additionally,we analyzed the relationship between colorectal polyps and the duration of metformin use and between the size and number of polyps and metformin use.Simultaneously,we focused on the specific pathological types of polyps and analyzed their relationship with metformin use.Finally,we compared the incidence of polyps between metformin and non-metformin groups according to the interval colonoscopy results.RESULTS The rate of metformin use in patients with colorectal polyps was 0.502 times that of patients without colorectal polyps[odds ratio(OR)=0.502,95%confidence interval(CI):0.365-0.689;P<0.001].The incidence of colorectal polyps did not differ significantly between the type 2 DM-metformin and non-type 2 DM groups(P>0.05).Furthermore,the correlations between the duration of metformin use and the incidence of colorectal polyps and between the size and number of polyps and metformin use were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Metformin use did not affect the incidence of colorectal polyps during interval colonoscopy(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Metformin use and colorectal polyp incidence in type 2 DM patients showed a negative correlation,independent of the hypoglycemic effect of metformin.

Mucosa color and size may indicate malignant transformation of chicken skin mucosa-positive colorectal neoplastic polyps

BACKGROUND Lipid metabolism reprogramming is suspected to exist in pre-cancerous lesions,including colorectal adenoma.Screening colonoscopy frequently reveals chicken skin mucosa(CSM;white or yellow-white speckled mucosa)surrounding colo-rectal polyps,caused by macrophages engulfing and accumulating the lipids decomposed by colon cells or adjacent tumors.CSM-positive colorectal polyps are associated with various diseases;however,their prognosis varies greatly.Cold snare polypectomy is commonly used to resect lesions up to 10 to 15 mm in diameter without signs of submucosal invasion but is controversial for CSM-positive colorectal polyps.Improved imaging is required to diagnose and treat CSM-positive colorectal polyps.METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 177 patients with CSM-positive colorectal polyps diagnosed using endoscopy.All patient-related information was extracted from the Goldisc soft-clinic DICOM system or electronic medical record system.Based on the pathological results,patients were classified as non-neoplastic polyps(five juvenile polyps),neoplastic polyps,non-invasive high-grade neoplasia(NHGN),or submucosal invasive carcinoma(SM stage cancer).We analyzed and compared the clinical features,suspected risk factors for malignant transformation of neoplastic polyps,and early infiltration of sub-mucosal carcinoma.RESULTS The diameters of NHGN and SM polyps were much smaller than those of neoplastic polyps.Most NHGN polyps had a deeper red mucosal color.On logistic regression analyses,diameter and deeper red mucosal color were independent risk factors for malignant transformation of neoplastic polyps.Type 1 CSM was more common in high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and SM;type 2 CSM was more common in neoplastic polyps.Logistic regression analyses revealed no significant differences in the malignant transformation of neoplastic polyps or early submucosal invasion of CSM-positive colorectal cancer.Changes in the CSM mucosa surrounding neoplastic polyps and submucosal invasion of colorectal cancer disappeared within 12 months.No tumor recurrence was found during either partial or complete endoscopic resection of the CSM.CONCLUSION CSM-positive colorectal polyps>1 cm in diameter or with deeper red mucosa may be related to NHGN.Resection of CSM surrounding colorectal adenomas did not affect tumor recurrence.

Characteristics and risk factor analyses of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia in older patients with colorectal polyps

BACKGROUND According to the degree of intradermal neoplasia in the colorectal exhalation,it can be divided into two grades:Low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(LGIN)and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(HGIN).Currently,it is difficult to accurately diagnose LGIN and HGIN through imaging,and clinical diagnosis depends on postoperative histopathological diagnosis.A more accurate method for evaluating HGIN preoperatively is urgently needed in the surgical treatment and nursing intervention of colorectal polyps.AIM To explore the characteristics and risk factors of HGIN in older patients with colorectal polyps.METHODS We selected 84 older patients diagnosed with HGIN as the HGIN group(n=95 colonic polyps)and 112 older patients diagnosed with LGIN as the LGIN group(n=132 colonic polyps)from Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University.The endoscopic features,demographic characteristics,and clinical manifestations of the two patient groups were compared,and a logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for HGIN in these patients.RESULTS The HGIN group was older and had a higher number of sigmoid colon polyps,rectal polyps,pedunculated polyps,polyps≥1.0 cm in size,polyps with surface congestion,polyps with surface depression,and polyps with villous/tubular adenomas,a higher proportion of patients with diabetes and a family history of colorectal cancer,patients who experienced rectal bleeding or occult blood,patients with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)and cancer antigen 199(CA199),and lower nutritional levels and higher frailty levels.The polyp location(in the sigmoid colon or rectum),polyp diameter(≥1.0 cm),pathological diagnosis of(villous/tubular adenoma),family history of colorectal cancer,rectal bleeding or occult blood,elevated serum CEA and CA199 levels,lower nutritional levels and higher frailty levels also are independent risk factors for HGIN.CONCLUSION The occurrence of high-grade neoplastic transformation in colorectal polyps is closely associated with their location,size,villous/tubular characteristics,family history,elevated levels of tumor markers,and lower nutritional levels and higher frailty levels.

Distinct gut microbiomes in Thai patients with colorectal polyps

BACKGROUND Colorectal polyps that develop via the conventional adenoma-carcinoma sequence[e.g.,tubular adenoma(TA)]often progress to malignancy and are closely associated with changes in the composition of the gut microbiome.There is limited research concerning the microbial functions and gut microbiomes associated with colorectal polyps that arise through the serrated polyp pathway,such as hyperplastic polyps(HP).Exploration of microbiome alterations asso-ciated with HP and TA would improve the understanding of mechanisms by which specific microbes and their metabolic pathways contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis.AIM To investigate gut microbiome signatures,microbial associations,and microbial functions in HP and TA patients.METHODS Full-length 16S rRNA sequencing was used to characterize the gut microbiome in stool samples from control participants without polyps[control group(CT),n=40],patients with HP(n=52),and patients with TA(n=60).Significant differences in gut microbiome composition and functional mechanisms were identified between the CT group and patients with HP or TA.Analytical techniques in this study included differential abundance analysis,co-occurrence network analysis,and differential pathway analysis.RESULTS Colorectal cancer(CRC)-associated bacteria,including Streptococcus gallolyticus(S.gallolyticus),Bacteroides fragilis,and Clostridium symbiosum,were identified as characteristic microbial species in TA patients.Mediterraneibacter gnavus,associated with dysbiosis and gastrointestinal diseases,was significantly differentially abundant in the HP and TA groups.Functional pathway analysis revealed that HP patients exhibited enrichment in the sulfur oxidation pathway exclusively,whereas TA patients showed dominance in pathways related to secondary metabolite biosynthesis(e.g.,mevalonate);S.gallolyticus was a major contributor.Co-occurrence network and dynamic network analyses revealed co-occurrence of dysbiosis-associated bacteria in HP patients,whereas TA patients exhibited co-occurrence of CRC-associated bacteria.Furthermore,the co-occurrence of SCFA-producing bacteria was lower in TA patients than HP patients.CONCLUSION This study revealed distinct gut microbiome signatures associated with pathways of colorectal polyp development,providing insights concerning the roles of microbial species,functional pathways,and microbial interactions in colorectal carcinogenesis.

Artificial intelligence for characterization of diminutive colorectal polyps:A feasibility study comparing two computer-aided diagnosis systems

BACKGROUND Artificial intelligence(AI)has potential in the optical diagnosis of colorectal polyps.AIM To evaluate the feasibility of the real-time use of the computer-aided diagnosis system(CADx)AI for ColoRectal Polyps(AI4CRP)for the optical diagnosis of diminutive colorectal polyps and to compare the performance with CAD EYE^(TM)(Fujifilm,Tokyo,Japan).CADx influence on the optical diagnosis of an expert endoscopist was also investigated.METHODS AI4CRP was developed in-house and CAD EYE was proprietary software provided by Fujifilm.Both CADxsystems exploit convolutional neural networks.Colorectal polyps were characterized as benign or premalignant and histopathology was used as gold standard.AI4CRP provided an objective assessment of its characterization by presenting a calibrated confidence characterization value(range 0.0-1.0).A predefined cut-off value of 0.6 was set with values<0.6 indicating benign and values≥0.6 indicating premalignant colorectal polyps.Low confidence characterizations were defined as values 40%around the cut-off value of 0.6(<0.36 and>0.76).Self-critical AI4CRP’s diagnostic performances excluded low confidence characterizations.RESULTS AI4CRP use was feasible and performed on 30 patients with 51 colorectal polyps.Self-critical AI4CRP,excluding 14 low confidence characterizations[27.5%(14/51)],had a diagnostic accuracy of 89.2%,sensitivity of 89.7%,and specificity of 87.5%,which was higher compared to AI4CRP.CAD EYE had a 83.7%diagnostic accuracy,74.2%sensitivity,and 100.0%specificity.Diagnostic performances of the endoscopist alone(before AI)increased nonsignificantly after reviewing the CADx characterizations of both AI4CRP and CAD EYE(AI-assisted endoscopist).Diagnostic performances of the AI-assisted endoscopist were higher compared to both CADx-systems,except for specificity for which CAD EYE performed best.CONCLUSION Real-time use of AI4CRP was feasible.Objective confidence values provided by a CADx is novel and self-critical AI4CRP showed higher diagnostic performances compared to AI4CRP.

Ability of lactulose breath test results to accurately identify colorectal polyps through the measurement of small intestine bacterial overgrowth

BACKGROUND While colorectal polyps are not cancerous,some types of polyps,known as adenomas,can develop into colorectal cancer over time.Polyps can often be found and removed by colonoscopy;however,this is an invasive and expensive test.Thus,there is a need for new methods of screening patients at high risk of developing polyps.AIM To identify a potential association between colorectal polyps and small intestine bacteria overgrowth(SIBO)or other relevant factors in a patient cohort with lactulose breath test(LBT)results.METHODS A total of 382 patients who had received an LBT were classified into polyp and non-polyp groups that were confirmed by colonoscopy and pathology.SIBO was diagnosed by measuring LBTderived hydrogen(H)and methane(M)levels according to 2017 North American Consensus recommendations.Logistic regression was used to assess the ability of LBT to predict colorectal polyps.Intestinal barrier function damage(IBFD)was determined by blood assays.RESULTS H and M levels revealed that the prevalence of SIBO was significantly higher in the polyp group than in the non-polyp group(41%vs 23%,P<0.01;71%vs 59%,P<0.05,respectively).Within 90 min of lactulose ingestion,the peak H values in the adenomatous and inflammatory/hyperplastic polyp patients were significantly higher than those in the non-polyp group(P<0.01,and P=0.03,respectively).In 227 patients with SIBO defined by combining H and M values,the rate of IBFD determined by blood lipopolysaccharide levels was significantly higher among patients with polyps than those without(15%vs 5%,P<0.05).In regression analysis with age and gender adjustment,colorectal polyps were most accurately predicted with models using M peak values or combined H and M values limited by North American Consensus recommendations for SIBO.These models had a sensitivity of≥0.67,a specificity of≥0.64,and an accuracy of≥0.66.CONCLUSION The current study made key associations among colorectal polyps,SIBO,and IBFD and demonstrated that LBT has moderate potential as an alternative noninvasive screening tool for colorectal polyps.

Is endoscopic mucosal resection-precutting superior to conventional methods for removing sessile colorectal polyps?

We reviewed a study that reported a comparative analysis of the effects of endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)precutting and conventional EMR for removing non-pedunculated,10-20 mm sized colorectal polyps.We identified some statistical deficiencies in this study.In addition,we believe that the differences between the treatments failed to achieve significance,and therefore,further analysis is required.

Endoscopic treatment of scarred polyps with a non-thermal device(Endorotor):A review of the literature

Endoscopic resection(ER)of colorectal polyps has become a daily practice in most endoscopic units providing a colorectal cancer screening program and requires the availability of local experts and high-end endoscopic devices.ER procedures have evolved over the past few years from endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)to more advanced techniques,such as endoscopic submucosal dissection and endo-scopic full-thickness resection.Complete resection and disease eradication are the ultimate goals of ER-based techniques,and novel devices have been developed to achieve these goals.The EndoRotor®Endoscopic Powered Resection System(Interscope Medical,Inc.,Northbridge,Massachusetts,United States)is one such device.The EndoRotor is a powered resection tool for the removal of alimentary tract mucosa,including post-EMR persistent lesions with scarring,and has both CE Mark and FDA clearance.This review covers available published evidence documenting the usefulness of EndoRotor for the management of recurrent colorectal polyps.

Analysis of large datasets for identifying molecular targets in intestinal polyps and metabolic disorders

Background:The interrelation between intestinal polyps,metabolic syndrome(MetS),and colorectal cancer(CRC)is a critical area of study.This research focuses on pinpointing potential molecular targets to understand the link between intestinal polyp formation,metabolic irregularities,and CRC progression.Methods:We examined clinical samples from patients with intestinal polyps coexisting with MetS and compared them with samples from patients with standard intestinal polyps.Transcriptome sequencing and public database analysis were employed to identify significant pathways and genes.These targets were then validated through immunohistochemistry(IHC).Following the RNA interference of key target expression,a series of experiments,including the cell counting kit-8 assay,colony formation,wound healing,and Transwell assays,were conducted.Results:Comparative analysis revealed 75 up-regulated and 61 down-regulated differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in the MetS polyp group vs.the control.Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment suggested these DEGs were primarily associated with cell cycle and mitosis.Integration with comparative toxicogenomics database(CTD)and the cancer genome atlas(TCGA)databases highlighted 44 key CRC-related genes.Protein interaction networks indicated connections of purkinje cell protein 4(PCP4),olfactomedin 1(OLFM1),fibronectin 1(FN1),and transforming growth factor beta 3(TGF-β3)with the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)pathway.Tumor correlation studies suggested higher risk associations with FN1,PCP4,and TGF-β3,while OLFM1 was identified as a lower risk gene.Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a decrease in OLFM1 in MetS-associated intestinal polyps.Upon interference with OLFM1 in polyp epithelial cells,there was a significant enhancement in cell proliferation,colony formation,and cell migration and invasion capabilities.Conclusion:Our study highlights a significant decrease in OLFM1 expression in MetS-associated intestinal polyps.And,this reduction in OLFM1 is associated with enhanced cell proliferation,colony formation,and increased cell migration and invasion capabilities.These findings underscore the reduced OLFM1 expression in MetS-associated intestinal polyps may play a crucial role in promoting tumorigenic processes in colorectal pathology.Further research on OLFM1 may provide valuable insights into understanding and targeting MetS-associated intestinal polyps.

Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and colorectal polyp/colorectal cancer

Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)plays an important role in the development of gastric cancer,although its association to colorectal polyp(CP)or colorectal cancer(CRC)is unknown.In this issue of World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery,Zhang et al investigated the risk factors for H.pylori infection after colon polyp resection.Importantly,the researchers used R software to create a prediction model for H.pylori infection based on their findings.This editorial gives an overview of the association between H.pylori and CP/CRC,including the clinical significance of H.pylori as an independent risk factor for CP/CRC,the underlying processes of H.pylori-associated carcinogenesis,and the possible risk factors and identification of H.pylori.

Risk of colorectal polyps in patients with sporadic gastric polyps:A case-control study

AIM:To assess the risk of colonic polyps,adenomas and advanced neoplastic lesions(ANL) in patients with sporadic gastric polyps,especially those with fundic gland polyps(FGP).METHODS:Clinical records of patients who had performed an upper and a lower digestive endoscopy between September 2007 and August 2008 were retrospectively analyzed.A case-control study was carried out,calling patients with gastric polyps as 'cases' and patients without gastric polyps as 'controls'.The risk of colonic polyps,adenomas and ANL(villous component ≥ 25%,size ≥ 10 mm,or high grade dysplasia) was assessed [odds ratio(OR) and its corresponding 95%CI].RESULTS:Two hundred and forty seven patients were analyzed:78 with gastric polyps(cases) and 169 without gastric polyps(controls).Among the cases,the majority of gastric polyps were FGP(80%,CI:69-88) and hyperplastic(20%,CI:12-31);25% had colonic polyps(25% hyperplastic and 68% adenomas,from which 45% were ANL).Among the controls,20% had colonic polyps(31% hyperplastic and 63% adenomas,from which 41% were ANL).The patients with sporadic FGP had an OR of 1.56(CI:0.80-3.04) for colonic polyps,an OR of 1.78(CI:0.82-3.84) for colonic adenomas,and an OR of 0.80(CI:0.21-2.98) for ANL.Similar results were found in patients with gastric polyps in general.CONCLUSION:The results of this study did not show more risk of colorectal adenomas or ANL neither in patients with sporadic gastric polyps nor in those with FGP.

Recurrence after endoscopic piecemeal mucosal resection for large sessile colorectal polyps

AIM: To evaluate the safety and outcomes of endoscopic piecemeal mucosal resection (EPMR) for large sessile colorectal polyps. METHODS: The patients enrolled in this study were 47 patients with 50 large sessile polyps (diameter, 2 cm or greater) who underwent EPMR using a submucosal saline injection technique between December 2002 and October 2005. All medical records, including characteristics of the patients and polyps, complications, and recurrences, were retrospectively reviewed. The first follow-up endoscopic examination was performed at 3-6 mo after initial endoscopic resection, and the second at 12 mo postEPMR. Subsequent surveillance colonoscopic examinations were individualized, taking risk factors into account. RESULTS: The patients were 23 men and 24 women,with a mean age of 60 years. Mean polyp size was 30.1 mm. Of 50 polyps identified, 34 (68%) were benign and 16 (32%) were malignant. There were 6 (12%) cases with EPMR-related bleeding: 5 intra-procedural and 1 early post-procedural bleeding. All bleeding episodes were managed by endoscopic clipping or argon beam coagulation. There were no perforations. Recurrence was identified in 5 cases (12.2%): 4 local recurrences detected at 3 mo post-EPMR and 1 local recurrence detected at 14 mo post-EPMR. The recurrence rate after EPMR was 3.1% for benign polyps and 33.3% for malignant polyps (P < 0.05). Median follow-up time was 37 mo. CONCLUSION: EPMR is safe, but should be applied carefully in malignant polyps. Close follow-up endoscopic examinations are necessary for early detection of recurrence.

Serum IL-6, TNFα and CRP levels in Greek colorectal cancer patients: Prognostic implications

AIM: The significance of preoperative serum IL-6, TNFα and CRP levels in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been fully elucidated. Our intention was to investigate their role and identify their prognostic significance. METHODS: The IL-6, TNFa and CRP levels were measured in 74 CRC patients and the relationships between their elevations and both the clinicopathological factors and prognosis of patients were investigated. Serum concentrations of human IL-6 and TNFα were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CRP was measured by an immunoturbinometric method. RESULTS: Median IL-6, TNFα and CRP levels were significantly higher in CRC patients than in normal controls. High levels of serum IL-6, TNFα and CRP were correlated with larger tumor size. Furthermore, high IL-6 and high CRP levels were associated with reduced overall survival. CONCLUSION: Serum IL-6, TNFα and CRP levels definitely increase in CRC patients. Pre-operative serum elevation of IL-6 and CRP was thus found to be predictor of the prognosis of CRC patients. The clinical value of TNFα in CRC needs to be further investigated.

Removal of diminutive colorectal polyps: A prospective randomized clinical trial between cold snare polypectomy and hot forceps biopsy

AIMTo compare the efficacy and safety of cold snare polypectomy (CSP) and hot forceps biopsy (HFB) for diminutive colorectal polyps.METHODSThis prospective, randomized single-center clinical trial included consecutive patients &#x02265; 20 years of age with diminutive colorectal polyps 3-5 mm from December 2014 to October 2015. The primary outcome measures were en-bloc resection (endoscopic evaluation) and complete resection rates (pathological evaluation). The secondary outcome measures were the immediate bleeding or immediate perforation rate after polypectomy, delayed bleeding or delayed perforation rate after polypectomy, use of clipping for bleeding or perforation, and polyp retrieval rate. Prophylactic clipping after polyp removal wasn&#x02019;t routinely performed.RESULTSTwo hundred eight patients were randomized into the CSP (102), HFB (106) and 283 polyps were evaluated (CSP: 148, HFB: 135). The en-bloc resection rate was significantly higher with CSP than with HFB [99.3% (147/148) vs 80.0% (108/135), P &#x0003c; 0.0001]. The complete resection rate was significantly higher with CSP than with HFB [80.4% (119/148) vs 47.4% (64/135), P &#x0003c; 0.0001]. The immediate bleeding rate was similar between the groups [8.6% (13/148) vs 8.1% (11/135), P = 1.000], and endoscopic hemostasis with hemoclips was successful in all cases. No cases of perforation or delayed bleeding occurred. The rate of severe tissue injury to the pathological specimen was higher HFB than CSP [52.6% (71/135) vs 1.3% (2/148), P &#x0003c; 0.0001]. Polyp retrieval failure was encountered CSP (7), HFB (2).CONCLUSIONCSP is more effective than HFB for resecting diminutive polyps. Further long-term follow-up study is required.

Colonoscopy surveillance for high risk polyps does not always prevent colorectal cancer

AIM To determine the frequency and risk factors for colorectal cancer(CRC) development among individuals with resected advanced adenoma(AA)/traditional serrated adenoma(TSA)/advanced sessile serrated adenoma(ASSA). METHODS Data was collected from medical records of 14663 subjects found to have AA, TSA, or ASSA at screening or surveillance colonoscopy. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease or known genetic predisposition for CRC were excluded from the study. Factors associated with CRC developing after endoscopic management of high risk polyps were calculated in 4610 such patients who had at least one surveillance colonoscopy within 10 years following the original polypectomy of the incident advanced polyp. RESULTS84/4610(1.8%) patients developed CRC at the polypectomy site within a median of 4.2 years(mean 4.89 years), and 1.2%(54/4610) developed CRC in a region distinct from the AA/TSA/ASSA resection site within a median of 5.1 years(mean 6.67 years). Approximately, 30%(25/84) of patients who developed CRC at the AA/TSA/ASSA site and 27.8%(15/54) of patients who developed CRC at another site had colonoscopy at recommended surveillance intervals. Increasing age; polyp size; male sex; right-sided location; high degree of dysplasia; higher number of polyps resected; and piecemeal removal were associated with an increased risk for CRC developmentat the same site as the index polyp. Increasing age; right-sided location; higher number of polyps resected and sessile endoscopic appearance of the index AA/TSA/ASSA were significantly associated with an increased risk for CRC development at a different site. CONCLUSION Recognition that CRC may develop following AA/TSA/ASSA removal is one step toward improving our practice efficiency and preventing a portion of CRC related morbidity and mortality.

Association of Helicobacter pylori infection with colorectal polyps and malignancy in China

BACKGROUND Gastric Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is related to chronic gastritis,gastroduodenal ulcer,and gastric malignancies;whether this infection is related to colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer(CRC),remains debatable.AIM To investigate the relationship between gastric H.pylori infection and the risk of colorectal polyps and CRC.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 3872 patients with colorectal polyps who underwent colonoscopy and pathological diagnosis.We also analyzed 304 patients with primary CRC.The characteristics of these patients were compared with those of the control group,which included 2362 patients with the normal intestinal mucosa.All subjects completed a 14C-urea breath test,bidirectional gastrointestinal endoscopy,and a biopsy on the same day.Data on the number,size,location,and pathology of the polyps,the location,and pathology of the CRC,the detection of H.pylori,and the incidence of H.pylori-associated atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia were obtained.A logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between gastric infection due to H.pylori,and the incidence of colorectal polyps and CRC.RESULTS The prevalence of H.pylori infection was higher in the multiple polyps group than in the solitary polyp group and the control group[95%confidence interval(CI)=1.02-1.31,P=0.03;95%CI:2.12-2.74,P<0.001].The patients with adenomatous polyps had a higher incidence of H.pylori infection than patients with non-adenomatous polyps[59.95%vs 51.75%,adjusted odds ratio(OR)=1.41,95%CI:1.24-1.60,P<0.01].Patients with H.pylori-associated atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia were at high risk of CRC(adjusted OR=3.46,95%CI:2.63-4.55,P<0.01;adjusted OR=4.86,95%CI:3.22-7.34,P<0.01,respectively).The size and location of the polyps,the histopathological characteristics and the location of CRC were not related to H.pylori infection.CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that the incidence of gastric H.pylori infection and H.pylori-associated atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia elevates the risk of colorectal polyps and CRC.

Predicting the presence of adenomatous polyps during colonoscopy with National Cancer Institute Colorectal Cancer Risk-Assessment Tool

AIM To evaluate the National Cancer Institute(NCI)Colorectal Cancer(CRC)Risk Assessment Tool as a predictor for the presence of adenomatous polyps(AP) found during screening or surveillance colonoscopy.METHODS This is a retrospective single center observational study.We collected data of adenomatous polyps in each colonoscopy and then evaluated the lifetime CRC risk.We calculated the AP prevalence across risk score quintiles,odds ratios of the prevalence of AP across risk score quintiles,area under curves(AUCs)and Youden’s indexes to assess the optimal risk score cut off value for AP prevalence status.RESULTS The prevalence of AP gradually increased throughout the five risk score quintiles:i.e.,27.63%in the first and 51.35%in the fifth quintile.The odd ratios of AP prevalence in the fifth quintile compared to the first and second quintile were 2.76[confidence interval(CI):1.71-4.47]and 2.09(CI:1.32-3.30).The AUC for all patients was 0.62(CI:0.58-0.66).Youden’s Index indicated the optimal risk score cutoff value discriminating AP prevalence status was 3.60.CONCLUSION Patients with the higher NCI risk score have higher risk of AP and subsequent CRC;therefore,measures to increase the effectiveness of CRC detection in these patients include longer withdrawal time,early surveillance colonoscopy,and choosing flexible colonoscopy over other CRC screening modalities.