Gene Links Obesity, Colon Cancer
Reported October 02, 2008
(Ivanhoe Newswire) — A startling new genetic finding links obesity and colon cancer.
Studies found genetic links to obesity and other genetic influences on colon cancer risk. But in this newest study, researchers have linked the same genetic variation to both obesity and colon cancer, a finding that could lead to greater accuracy in testing.
Researchers found those who inherit a common variation of the gene ADIPOQ — a gene that results in the formation of a fat hormone called adiponectin — also carry up to 30 percent reduced risk of colon cancer. Patients who do not carry the ADIPOQ gene variant or those who have unhealthy levels of adiponectin in their blood may be at an increased risk of developing colon cancer.
Other research has linked adiponectin to diabetes, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease and influencing cell growth in colonic tissues. Based on their findings, researchers hope to perform further studies on patients without the ADIPOQ variant to see if they benefit from cancer-prevention lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
SOURCE: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2008;