Association between polyunsaturated fatty acids in adipose tissue and mortality of colorectal cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: Nutritional intake and dysregulation of fatty acid metabolism play a role in the progression of various tumors, but the consumption of fatty acids is difficult to assess accurately with dietary questionnaires. Biomarkers can objectively assess intake, storage and bioavailability. OBJECTIVE: We studied the association between the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (good indicator of dietary intake over 2-3 years) and all-cause mortality. METHODS: In the multicenter AGARIC study, samples from 203 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) undergoing curative surgery, were harvested from subcutaneous adipose tissue, which were then analyzed for PUFA composition. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 45 months, 76 patients died. These patients were more often men (72.4% versus 57.5%, P = 0.04), diabetic (32.9% versus 13.4%, P = 0.001), old (median: 74.5 versus 66.6 years, P < 0.001) and with high alcohol consumption (47.4% versus 30.7%, P = 0.005). An increased risk of death was observed with higher levels of 20:2 ω-6 (hazard ratiotertile3 vstertile1 (HRT3vsT1) 2.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-4.42; p-trend = 0.04), 22:4 ω-6 (HRT3vsT1 = 3.52; 95% CI = 1.51-8.17; p-trend = 0.005), and 22:5 ω-6 (HRT3vsT1 = 3.50; 95% CI = 1.56-7.87; p-trend = 0.002). Conversely, the risk of death seemed lower when higher concentrations of 18:3 ω-6 (HRT3vsT1 = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.27-0.99; p-trend = 0.04) and the essential fatty acid, α-linolenic acid 18:3 ω-3 (HRT3vsT1 = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.24-0.93; p-trend = 0.03) were observed. CONCLUSION: The risk of death was increased in CRC patients with higher concentrations of certain ω-6 PUFAs and lower concentrations of α-linolenic acid in their subcutaneous adipose tissue. These results reflect dietary habits and altered fatty acid metabolism. Our exploratory results warrant confirmation in larger studies with further exploration of the mechanisms involved.

Long-term outcomes of robotic ventral mesh rectopexy for external rectal prolapse.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays in Europe, laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy is the gold standard treatment of external rectal prolapse (ERP). The benefits of robot ventral mesh rectopexy (RVMR) are not clearly defined. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the long-term results of RVMR. The secondary objective was to determine predictive factors of recurrence. DESIGN: Monocentric, retrospective study. Data, both pre-operative and peri-operative, were collected, and follow-up data were assessed prospectively by a telephone questionnaire. The study was performed in a tertiary referral center. METHODS: Between August 2007 and August 2017, we evaluate all consecutive patients who underwent RVMR for ERP by three different surgeons. The primary outcome was the recurrence rate perceived by patients. Secondary outcome were functional results based on Knowles-Eccersley-Scott-Symptom score for constipation and Wexner score for incontinence, compared before and after surgery. RESULTS: During the study period 96 patients (86 women) underwent RVMR. The mean age was 62.3 years (range 16-90). Twelve patients had a history of ERP repair. Sixty-nine patients were analyzed for long-term outcomes with a mean follow-up of 37 months (range 2.3-92 months). Recurrence rate was 12.5%. After surgery, constipation was significantly reduced: 44 patients were constipated before surgery versus 23 after surgery. Six patients described de novo constipation (6.25%). Fecal incontinence was significantly reduced: 59 patients were incontinent before surgery versus 14 after surgery. No predictive factor for recurrence was identified after multivariate analysis. No mesh related complications were related. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, RVMR presents good long-term functional result and a recurrence rate similar to LVMR as published in the literature. The rate of mesh related complications seems lower.

Fatty acid composition of adipose tissue and colorectal cancer: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Unlike experimental results, epidemiologic studies that used dietary questionnaires were not convincing as regards the relations between dietary fatty acids (FAs) and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). The FA composition of adipose tissue, which is considered to be an indicator of dietary intake over 2-3 y because of the slow turnover rate, appears promising but has so far been rarely used to explore the relation between CRC and exogenous or endogenously produced FAs. OBJECTIVE: In this case-control study, we aimed to investigate associations between risk of CRC and the FA composition of subcutaneous adipose tissue and product-to-precursor ratios as indexes of enzymatic activities. DESIGN: From 2008 to 2011, we recruited 203 cases with newly diagnosed CRC and elective surgery with a curative intent and 223 control subjects with planned abdominal surgery for benign disease and no history of CRC or polyp resection. During surgery, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were optimally collected, stored, and analyzed by using high-performance gas chromatography. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate ORs for CRC in relation to individual FAs divided into tertiles according to the FA distribution in controls. RESULTS: After adjustment, significant positive associations with CRC risk were observed in highest compared with lowest tertiles of 16:1n-9 (OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.00, 3.06; P-trend = 0.045), 20:3n-6 (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.01, 3.17; P-trend = 0.038), 22:5n-3 (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.06, 3.12; P-trend = 0.023), and the ratio of 18:2n-6 to 18:3n-3 (OR: 2.34; 95% CI: 1.37, 3.98; P-trend = 0.001). Significant inverse associations were observed for 18:3n-3 (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.81; P-trend = 0.007). Several product-to-precursor ratios showed significant differences between cases and controls in particular ratios that reflected elongase 2/5 activity. CONCLUSIONS: CRC patients presented higher concentrations of some FAs but lower concentrations of α-linolenic acid in their subcutaneous adipose tissue than did controls. These results may reflect both dietary patterns and altered FA metabolism but require mechanistic explorations.

A case-control study of pre-operative levels of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and other potential inflammatory markers in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation is a key feature of colorectal cancer (CRC), meaning that inflammatory biomarkers may be useful for its diagnosis. In particular, high neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) expression has been reported in CRC. Thus, we investigated whether serum NGAL and NGAL/MMP-9 could be potential biomarkers for the early detection of CRC. Concurrently, we studied other inflammatory biomarkers such as soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 and 2 (sTNFR-1, sTNFR-2), and C reactive protein (CRP). METHODS: The AGARIC multicenter case-control study was performed in eastern France and included patients admitted for elective surgery either for a priori non-metastatic incident CRC (n=224) or for benign causes (n=252). Pre-operative serum levels of NGAL, NGAL/MMP-9, sTNFR-1, sTNFR-2 and CRP were measured. RESULTS: Median values of serum NGAL, NGAL/MMP-9, sTNFR-1, sTNFR-2 and CRP were significantly higher in CRC patients than in controls. Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis provided relatively poor values of area under the curve, ranging from 0.65 to 0.58. Except for NGAL/MMP-9, all biological parameters were strongly correlated in CRC cases and, less strongly in controls. Multivariate odds ratio (OR) of CRC comparing the extreme tertiles of serum NGAL was 2.76 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.59-4.78; p<0.001),. Lower but significant multivariate associations were observed for sTNFR-1, and sTNFR-2: OR=2.44 (95% CI : 1.34-4.45, p=0.015) and 1.93 (95% : CI 1.12-3.31), respectively. No independent association was found between case-control status and NGAL/MMP-9. Among CRC cases, maximal tumor size was an independent determinant of serum NGAL (p=0.028) but this association was reduced after adjustment for CRP (p=0.11). CONCLUSION: Despite a significant increase in serum NGAL and other inflammatory markers among CRC patients, our findings suggest that they may not be suitable biomarkers for the diagnosis and especially early detection of CRC.

Preoperative adipocytokines as a predictor of surgical infection after colorectal surgery: a prospective survey.

BACKGROUND: Infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality after colorectal surgery. Obesity is a well-known risk factor for wound infection, but it does not seem to increase the risk of other infectious complications. The aim of this study was to look for a relationship between the fatty tissue metabolism measured by adipocytokine levels and the risk of postoperative infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Preoperative plasma levels of eight adipocytokines, cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery between June 2008 and June 2011. Information about epidemiological and clinical characteristics was obtained for each patient. All infections in the 30 days following surgery were recorded. RESULTS: Among the 174 patients included, 49 (28 %) presented with a postoperative infection: 41 surgical site infections and 8 other infections. Preoperative leptin, insulin and CRP were significantly higher in patients with postoperative infection (p = 0.025, p = 0.020 and p = 0.044, respectively), but only leptin was predictive of infection in multivariate analysis (odds ratio (OR) = 1.89, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.18-3.03, p = 0.008). The predictive value of leptin was slightly lower for surgical site infection (OR = 1.65, 95 % CI 1.06-2.55, p = 0.025). Leptin levels were independent of the other adipocytokine levels but not of the body mass index. CONCLUSION: Although markers of inflammation and insulin resistance are also related to the onset of surgical infection, leptin correlates more closely with the risk of infection than does any other factor. However, its effect could be partially mediated by the body mass index.

Long-term outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy for rectal prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy for total rectal prolapse is safe and feasible. Small series proved clinical and functional short-term results comparable with conventional laparoscopy. No long-term results have been reported yet. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of the study was to evaluate long-term functional and anatomic results of robot-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy. The secondary objective was to evaluate the learning curve of this procedure. DESIGN: Monocentric study data, both preoperative and perioperative, were collected prospectively, and follow-up data were assessed by a telephone questionnaire. SETTINGS: The study was performed in an academic center by 3 different surgeons. PATIENTS: We evaluated all of the consecutive patients who underwent a robot-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy between June 2002 and August 2010. INTERVENTION: Rectopexy was performed with 2 anterolateral meshes or with 1 ventral mesh, and in 9 patients a sigmoidectomy was associated with rectopexy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The actuarial recurrence rate was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: During the study period, 77 patients underwent a robot-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy, and the mean age was 59.9 years (range, 23-90 y). Average operating time was 223 minutes (range, 100-390 min); the learning curve was completed after 18 patients were seen. Two patients died of causes unrelated to surgery at 5 and 24 months. There were 5 conversions (6%) to open procedure. Overall morbidity was low and concerned only 8 patients (10.4%). Mean follow-up time was 52.5 months (range, 12-115 mo). Recurrences have been observed in 9 patients (12.8%). Preoperatively, 24 (34%) of the patients had constipation. Postoperatively, constipation disappeared for 12 (50%) of 24 and constipation appeared for 11 (24%) of 46 patients. Fecal incontinence decreased after surgery from Wexner score 10.5 to 5.1 of 20. LIMITATIONS: There was a lack of standardization of the surgical procedure. The study was monocentric. Seven patients (9%) were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term results of robot-assisted laparoscopic rectopexy are satisfying. Further studies comparing robot-assisted and conventional laparoscopy, including cost-effectiveness, are needed.