Metabolic risk factors link unhealthy lifestyles to the risk of colorectal polyps in China

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of global cancer-related deaths, and its precursor lesions are colorectal polyps (CAP). The study aimed to explore the effect of combinations of unhealthy lifestyles on CAP and investigate the mediation role of metabolic disorder in this process. A total of 1299 adults were recruited from a hospital in Jiangsu, China, including 811 cases and 488 adults without diseases. The information on demographic characteristics and lifestyles was collected through questionnaires and the medical record system. Serum biochemical parameters were determined using the automatic biochemical analyzer. Adjusted regression analysis showed that unhealthy lifestyles, including smoking, overnight meals, daily water intake, staying up late, and exercise associated with the risk of CAP. Furthermore, metabolic biomarkers, including BMI, triglycerides, and uric acid, were associated with the risk of CAP. Also, unhealthy lifestyle scores were positively associated with BMI, triglycerides, and CAP. The mediation effect of metabolic biomarkers, such as BMI and triglycerides on the association of unhealthy lifestyle scores with CAP was significant. Available data demonstrate the adverse effect of combinations of unhealthy lifestyle factors on CAP, and metabolic disorders to potentially mediate the association of unhealthy lifestyles with the risk of CAP.