Occurrence of colorectal aberrant crypt foci depending on age and dietary patterns of patients

Marek Kowalczyk,Dariusz Mucha,Ewa Zieliński,Marcin Orłowski,Waldemar Kurpiewski,Iwona Kowalczyk,Agnieszka Pedrycz,Krzysztof Zinkiewicz,Piotr Siermontowski

doi:10.1186/s12885-018-4100-8

Abstract

BackgroundAberrant crypt foci (ACF) are commonly considered the early pre-cancerous lesions that can progress to colorectal cancer (CRC). The available literature data reveal that age, dietary factors and lifestyle can affect the development of several dozen percentages of malignant tumours, including CRC. In the present study, an attempt was made to assess the incidence and growth dynamics of ACF and to determine whether the type of diet affected the development and number of AFC.MethodsColonoscopy combined with rectal mucosa staining with 0.25% methylene blue was performed in 131 patients. On the day of examination, each patient completed a questionnaire regarding epidemiological data. According to their numbers, colorectal ACF were divided into three groups. The findings were analysed statistically. The Student’s t test and the U test were applied in order to determine the significance of differences of means and frequency of events in both groups. Statistica 7.1 and Excel 2010 were used.ResultsThe single ACF occur in the youngest individuals (ACF < 5). Since the age of 38 years, the number of ACF gradually increases to show a decreasing tendency since the age of 60 years. The number of 5 < ACF < 10 occurs slightly later, since the age of 50 years, and dynamically increases reaching the maximum at the age of 62 years, subsequently the increase is proportional. ACF > 10 occur at a more advanced age (55 years) and their number gradually increases with age. The maximum number is observed at the age of 77 years.In individuals not using high-fibre diets and with high intake of red meat, the probability of higher numbers of ACF increases. The probability of higher numbers of ACF (5 < ACF10) was observed in patients with colon diverticula. In patients with higher BMI, the number of ACF is higher.ConclusionAge significantly affects the number of colorectal ACF. The types of foods consumed can considerably increase the risk of colorectal ACF, which is particularly visible in individuals who do not regularly use high-fibre diets, those obese and with colon diverticula.

Highlights

Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are commonly considered the early pre-cancerous lesions that can progress to colorectal cancer (CRC)
Colorectal ACF are commonly considered the early pre-cancerous lesions that can progress to colorectal cancer
The incidence of ACF in the study population correlates with the incidence of CRC in the entire population (Fig. 1)

Summary

Introduction

Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are commonly considered the early pre-cancerous lesions that can progress to colorectal cancer (CRC). The available literature data reveal that age, dietary factors and lifestyle can affect the development of several dozen percentages of malignant tumours, including CRC. Colorectal ACF are commonly considered the early pre-cancerous lesions that can progress to colorectal cancer. According to the literature data, large geographical differences in the incidence of colorectal cancer result from environmental and dietary factors or lifestyle [2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9]. The literature findings demonstrate that age, dietary factors and lifestyle are likely to affect the development of even several dozen percentages of malignant cancers [4, 5]. It is generally believed that diets rich in animal fat and red meat increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers while diets rich in fresh fruit and vegetables distinctly reduce this risk [4,5,6]

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Conclusion