[Relationship between inflammatory markers and the risk of colorectal cancer in Kailuan male cohort]

Objective: To investigate whether elevated levels of high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) and neutrophil (NE) at baseline are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer in Kailuan male cohort. Methods: Since May 2006, males from Kailuan cohort were included in this study. Information on demographics, medical history, anthropometry, hsCRP and NE were collectedat baseline for all subjects. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) of association between baseline hsCRP and NE and colorectal cancer risk. Results: By December 31, 2015, a total of 73 869 participants were enrolled in this study. During the follow-up, 336 incident colorectal cancer cases were identified. All participants were divided into three groups according to the level of hsCRP (<1 mg/L, 1-3 mg/L and >3 mg/L). The cumulative incidence of colorectal cancer were 456/10(5,) 510/10(5) and 746/10(5) in these 3 groups, respectively (χ(2)=10.79, P=0.005). Compared with participants with lower hsCRP levels (<1 mg/L), individuals with the highest hsCRP (>3 mg/L) levels had significant increased risks of colorectal cancer (HR=1.38, 95%CI: 1.05-1.81, P=0.020)after adjusting for age, gender, smoking, drinking, BMI, diabetes and income. Furthermore, subjects were divided into two groups according to the level of NE (≤ 4.08×10(9)/L and > 4.08×10(9)/L). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models indicated that there is no statistical significance of association between NE and colorectal cancer. Conclusions: Elevated levels of hsCRP at baseline might increase the risk of colorectal cancer in males.