(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;
