Colorectal adenoma is positively associated with insulin resistance and polyp’s VCAM-1 expression in humans

BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that insulin resistance (IR) is closely linked to colorectal cancer (CRC). Some studies have revealed that IR may be associated with metabolites in colonocytes and may play a proto-oncogenic role. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the relationship between colorectal adenoma and insulin resistance and its associated VCAM-1. METHOD 49 patients diagnosed with intestinal polyps between June 2019 and September 2021 at the Shandong Cancer Hospital were recruited in this study. Fasting insulin (Fins), fasting blood glucose (FBG), HOMA-IR, and polyp’s VCAM-1 mRNA levels were determined in these patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify independent predictors of the aggressive clinical behavior of polyps. RESULTS Patients with adenomatous polyps had significant higher levels of fasting insulin (Fins), fasting blood glucose (FBG), HOMA-IR, and polyp’s VCAM-1 mRNA than those with inflammatory polyps. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis indicated that HOMA-IR was an independent predictive factor for adenomatous polyps. Cross-tabulation and Pearson’s chi-square tests identified that adenomatous polyps had higher levels of VCAM-1 than inflammatory polyps. CONCLUSION Colorectal adenoma is positively associated with insulin resistance and polyp’s VCAM-1 expression, suggesting an important role of insulin resistance in the formation and progression of intestinal tumor.