Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for colorectal adenoma in women

• Published in: Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition Vol. 51; no. 2; pp. 132 - 135
• Main Authors: Kim, Young-Ho, Park, Sue K., Lim, Yun Jeong, Kim, Jae J., Son, Hee Jung, Kim, Jeong Hwan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan SOCIETY FOR FREE RADICAL RESEARCH JAPAN 01.09.2012; the Society for Free Radical Research Japan
• Subjects: adenoma; homocysteine; Original; risk factors; homocysteine; risk factors; adenoma
• ISSN: 0912-0009; 1880-5086; 1880-5086
• DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.D-11-00025

Homocysteine is involved in a one-carbon transfer reaction, which is important for DNA synthesis and methylation. High level of plasma homocysteine, biochemical marker of folate status, is known to be a risk factor for cancer. However, it is inconclusive as to whether plasma homocysteine concentration can predict colorectal adenoma. We conducted a case-control study to determine whether hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for adenoma. Data from 1,039 subjects who underwent a colonoscopy and plasma homocysteine concentration determination during health examinations at single center over a two-year period were analyzed. The subjects were classified into two groups (422 adenoma and 617 controls). Subjects defined as having advanced adenomas were those with more than three adenomas, over 1 cm in size, high grade dysplasia, or villous components. Male, old age, high body mass index, low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, smoking, fasting glucose, and past history of colon polyps were significantly associated with adenoma according to multiple logistic regression. According to subgroup analysis by gender, plasma homocysteine concentration was not associated with adenoma in males; however, a high plasma homocysteine concentration significantly increased the risk of adenoma as well as advanced adenoma in females. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for colorectal adenoma in women.