Dietary factors and microRNA-binding site polymorphisms in the IL13 gene: risk and prognosis analysis of colorectal cancer

Long-term dietary intake influences the structure and activity of microorganisms residing in the human gut. The immune response and gut microbiota have a mutual influence on the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study examines the association of gut microbiota–related dietary factors and polymorphisms in the microRNA-binding site of the interleukin 13 gene (IL13) with the risk and prognosis of CRC. Three polymorphisms (rs847, rs848, and rs1295685) were selected for genotyping in a case–control study (513 cases, 572 controls), and 386 CRC patients were followed up. Two dietary factors closely related with gut microbiota (allium vegetables, overnight meal) were significantly associated with CRC development. Although the three SNPs showed no statistically significant associations with the risk and prognosis of CRC, a significant antagonistic interaction was found between rs848 (G–T) and allium vegetable intake (ORi (odds ratio of interaction), 0.92; 95% CI (confidence interval): 0.86, 0.99; P = 0.03); moreover, significant combined and synergistic interactions were observed for all three SNPs and overnight meal intake. This is the first report of significant combined and interactive effects between dietary factors and polymorphisms in the microRNA binding site of IL13 in CRC and may provide direct guidance on intake of allium vegetable and overnight meals for individuals with specific genetic variants of IL13 to modify their susceptibility to CRC.