Healthcare Professionals' Learning Needs and Perspectives on Essential Information in Genetic Cancer Care: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The increased demand for genetic testing and counseling necessitates healthcare professionals (HCPs) to improve their genetic competency through training programs. This systematic review identified HCPs' learning needs and their perspectives on essential information for families with hereditary cancer. METHODS: This review covered studies published from 2013 to 2024 across five databases. Data were analyzed using a content analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen studies involving 332 HCPs were analyzed. Most studies focused on the learning needs of physicians caring for families affected by Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer in North America and Europe. HCPs required training emphasizing practical counseling skills over the basics of genetics. Learning needs varied by profession: physicians needed training in assessing cancer risk and supporting decision-making in risk management; nurses required information on resources and the genetic care system; genetic counselors sought guidance on family communication and planning. Essential information identified for families included risk-reducing strategies, personalized cancer risk assessment, family implications, psychological issues, (cascade) genetic testing, and social concerns. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have implications for the development of training programs for HCPs, emphasizing the need for tailored training based on professions. Future research should explore the needs of HCPs caring for families with diverse hereditary cancers and cultural backgrounds.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Germline Pathogenic Variants in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: The genetic attribution for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been reported as 5%-10%. However, the incidence of germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in Korean PDAC patients has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, we studied to identify the risk factors and prevalence of PV for future treatment strategies in PDAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of 300 (155 male) patients with a median age of 65 years (range, 33 to 90 years) were enrolled in National Cancer Center in Korea. Cancer predisposition genes, clinicopathologic characteristics, and family history of cancer were analyzed. RESULTS: PVs were detected in 20 patients (6.7%, median age 65) in ATM (n=7, 31.8%), BRCA1 (n=3, 13.6%), BRCA2 (n=3), and RAD51D (n=3). Each one patient showed TP53, PALB2, PMS2, RAD50, MSH3, and SPINK1 PV. Among them, two likely PVs were in ATM and RAD51D, respectively. Family history of various types of cancer including pancreatic cancer (n=4) were found in 12 patients. Three patients with ATM PVs and a patient with three germline PVs (BRCA2, MSH3, and RAD51D) had first-degree relatives with pancreatic cancer. Familial pancreatic cancer history and PVs detection had a significant association (4/20, 20% vs. 16/264, 5.7%; p=0.035). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that germline PVs in ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, and RAD51D are most frequent in Korean PDAC patients and it is comparable to those of different ethnic groups. Although this study did not show guidelines for germline predisposition gene testing in patients with PDAC in Korea, it would be emphasized the need for germline testing for all PDAC patients.

Differences in Willingness to Undergo BRCA1/2 Testing and Risk Reducing Surgery among the General Public, Cancer Patients, and Healthcare Professionals: A Large Population-Based Survey.

We aimed to understand the decision-making process related to the willingness to undergo BRCA1/2 genetic testing, risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO), or risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) among the general public, cancer patients, and healthcare professionals in South Korea. In total, 3444 individuals (1496 from the general public, 1500 cancer patients, 108 clinicians, and 340 researchers) completed a survey addressing genetic testing and related risk management options in a hypothetical scenario. Differences in intent and associated factors for undergoing the above procedures or sharing test results were analyzed. Overall, 67% of participants were willing to undergo BRCA1/2 testing, with proportions of the general public (58%), cancer patients (70%), clinicians (88%), and researchers (90%). The willingness to undergo RRSO was highest among clinicians (58%), followed by among patients (38%), the general public (33%), and researchers (32%) (p < 0.001). Gender, age, education level, and household income were associated with willingness to undergo genetic testing, RRM, and RRSO (p < 0.05). The intent for undergo genetic testing, RRM, and RRSO were affected by many factors. Finally, 69% of the general public intended to share information with family, while this percentage was 92%, 91%, and 94% for patients, clinicians, and researchers, respectively (p < 0.05). These results highlight the requirement for developing targeted educational materials and counseling strategies for facilitating informed decision making.

Osteoporosis Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Colorectal Adenoma and High-Risk Adenoma: A Retrospective, Multicenter, Cross-Sectional, Case-Control Study.

Background/Aims: The protective effects of vitamin D and calcium on colorectal neoplasms are known. Bone mineral density (BMD) may be a reliable biomarker that reflects the long-term anticancer effect of vitamin D and calcium. This study aimed to evaluate the association between BMD and colorectal adenomas including high-risk adenoma. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional, case-control study was conducted among participants with average risk of colorectal cancer who underwent BMD and screening colonoscopy between 2015 and 2019. The main outcome was the detection of colorectal neoplasms. The variable under consideration was low BMD (osteopenia/osteoporosis). The logistic regression model included baseline demographics, components of metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease status, and aspirin and multivitamin use. Results: A total of 2,109 subjects were enrolled. The mean age was 52.1±10.8 years and 42.6% were male. The adenoma detection rate was 43%. Colorectal adenoma and high-risk adenoma were both more prevalent in subjects with low BMD than those with normal BMD (48.2% vs 38.8% and 12.1% vs 9.1%). In the univariate analysis, old age, male sex, smoking, metabolic components, fatty liver, and osteoporosis were significantly associated with the risk of adenoma and high-risk adenoma. In the multivariate analysis, osteoporosis was independently associated with risk of colorectal adenoma (odds ratio [OR], 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11 to 2.46; p=0.014) and high-risk adenoma (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.14 to 3.29; p=0.014). Conclusions: Osteoporosis is an independent risk factor of colorectal adenoma and high-risk adenoma.

The risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants: A network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been widely used for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) and the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism. There is an issue with safety, especially in clinically relevant bleeding. We performed a network meta-analysis to evaluate the risk of major gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding associated with NOACs. METHODS: Interventions were warfarin, enoxaparin, apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban. The primary outcome was the incidence of major GI bleeding. A subgroup analysis was performed according to the following indications: AF, deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, and postsurgical prophylaxis. RESULTS: A total of 29 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 4 large observation population studies were included. Compared with warfarin, apixaban showed a decreased the risk of major GI bleeding (relative risk [RR] 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25-0.76), and rivaroxaban tended to increase this risk (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.06-1.85). Dabigatran (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.98-1.60), edoxaban (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.69-1.65), and enoxaparin (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.63-2.43) did not significantly increase the risk of GI bleeding than did warfarin. In the subgroup analysis, according to indications, apixaban showed a decreased risk of major GI bleeding (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.34-0.74) than did warfarin in AF studies. Dabigatran (RR 2.36, 95% CI 1.55-3.60, and rivaroxaban (RR 1.75, 95% CI 1.10-6.41) increased the risk of major GI bleeding than did apixaban. An analysis of studies on venous thromboembolism or pulmonary embolism showed that no individual NOAC or enoxaparin was associated with an increased risk of major GI bleeding compared to warfarin. CONCLUSION: Individual NOACs had varying profiles of GI bleeding risk. Results of analyses including only RCTs and those including both RCTs and population studies showed similar trends, but also showed several differences.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection and its eradication on gastric regenerating atypia in 22 133 subjects.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of this study was to identify factors affecting persistent gastric regenerating atypia and determine the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the course of this lesion. METHODS: In cross-sectional setting, comprehensive health check-up subjects who underwent both endoscopy and H. pylori test from 2001 to 2009 were included. The association between H. pylori and gastric regenerating atypia was evaluated. In cohort setting, patients with regenerating atypia who underwent H. pylori test from 2001 to 2013 were included. Factors affecting positive pathology (persistent regenerating atypia or new development of neoplasm) in patients with regenerating atypia at baseline were investigated. RESULTS: In cross-sectional setting, regenerating atypia was observed in 1.1% (241/22 133). H. pylori infection was associated with gastric regenerating atypia (adjusted odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.91). In cohort setting, 310 patients with regenerating atypia were finally eligible. Positive pathology rate during follow up was 16.1% (15/93) in the persistent infection group, 2.8% (3/106) in successful eradication group, and 4.5% (5/111) in baseline H. pylori-negative group. Persistent H. pylori infection increased the risk of positive pathology (adjusted risk ratio [RR], 7.18; 95% CI, 1.95-26.48) compared to H. pylori eradication group. Persistent H. pylori infection increased the risk of regenerative atypia (adjusted RR, 5.70; 95% CI, 1.46-22.17) and new neoplasm (adjusted RR, 10.74; 95% CI, 1.10-105.17) compared to baseline negative H. pylori. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori infection is an independent risk factor for gastric regenerating atypia. Eradication of H. pylori seems helpful for regression of regenerating atypia.

Association of current Helicobacter pylori infection and metabolic factors with gastric cancer in 35,519 subjects: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The effect of current infection of Helicobacter pylori on gastric cancer has rarely been studied in a large population. We investigated the association of current H. pylori infection and metabolic factors with gastric cancer in a large population. Methods: Persons who made their first visit to the National Cancer Center for a health examination, including endoscopy and H. pylori testing using gastric tissue between 2003 and 2013, were included. The association of H. pylori with gastric cancer was estimated using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Among 35,519 people, 113 gastric cancer and 158 gastric dysplasia cases were detected. In the adjusted analysis, gastric cancer was associated with current H. pylori infection (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.53-3.74), age (OR, 1.06; 95% CI 1.04-1.08), first-degree relatives with gastric cancer (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.30-3.32) and hyperglycaemia (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.04-2.65), whereas it was inversely associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.22-0.94). In the subanalysis, gastric cancer was associated with first-degree relatives with gastric cancer (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.39-7.50) in the absence of H. pylori, whereas it was associated with hyperglycaemia (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.16-3.39) in the presence of H. pylori. Conclusions: Gastric cancer was associated with current H. pylori infection, hyperglycaemia, and low HDL levels in a large population.

Rate and predictive factors of Helicobacter pylori recurrence: Analysis of a screening cohort.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of the study was to identify the recurrence rate of Helicobacter pylori after successful eradication in an endemic area and investigate baseline and clinical factors related to the recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: H. pylori infected patients from a screening cohort of National Cancer Center between 2007 and 2012 were enrolled in the study. A total of 647 patients who were confirmed to be successfully eradicated were annually followed by screening endoscopy and rapid urease test. Median follow-up interval was 42 months. Annual recurrence rate of H. pylori was identified. Demographics, clinical factors, and endoscopic findings were compared between H. pylori recurrence group and persistently eradicated group (control group). RESULTS: H. pylori recurrence was observed in 21 (3.25%) patients. Its annual recurrence rate was 0.91% (1.1% in males and 0.59% in females). Mean age was higher in the recurrence group than that in the control group (55.9 vs 50.7, P = 0.006). Median follow-up was shorter in the recurrence group than that in the control group (34 vs. 42.5 months, P = 0.031). In multivariate analysis, OR for H. pylori recurrence was 1.08 per each increase in age (P = 0.012). Adjusted ORs for H. pylori recurrence were 0.20 (95% CI: 0.06-0.69) and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.08-0.76) in age groups of 50-59 years and less than 50 years, respectively, compared to the group aged 60 years or older. CONCLUSION: H. pylori recurrence rate in Korea is very low after successful eradication. Advanced age is at increased risk for H. pylori recurrence. Thus, H. pylori treatment for patients who are under 60 years of age is more effective, leading to maintenance of successful eradication status.

Gender-specific Effect of Micronutrient on Non-erosive Reflux Disease and Erosive Esophagitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The effect of dietary micronutrients on non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and reflux esophagitis is unclear. We aim to evaluate the gender-specific effect of micronutrient on erosive esophagitis and NERD. METHODS: A total of 11 690 participants underwent endoscopy and completed 3-day recordings for dietary intake and questionnaires for reflux symptoms from 2004 to 2008. To evaluate the effect of dietary micronutrients on NERD or erosive esophagitis, adjusted regression analysis with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was used. In addition, we performed gender-specific analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence of NERD and erosive esophagitis was 6.8% and 11.2% in men and 9.1% and 2.4% in women. In adjusted analysis, high intake of vitamin A (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64-0.96), retinol (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.59-0.90), vitamin B2 (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54-0.87), vitamin B6 (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58-0.96), folic acid (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.62-0.96), calcium (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53-0.82), and iron (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.53-0.87) had an inverse association with NERD. However, erosive esophagitis has no relationship with micronutrients except vitamin C (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62-0.98). High dietary intake of calcium reduced the risk of NERD in men and high dietary intake of many micronutrients reduced NERD in women. CONCLUSIONS: While many dietary micronutrients reduced NERD, they had no effect on erosive esophagitis. The effect of micronutrient on NERD was more prominent in women than men.

Effect of Abdominal Visceral Fat Change on the Regression of Erosive Esophagitis: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background/Aims: Although abdominal visceral fat has been associated with erosive esophagitis in cross-sectional studies, there are few data on the longitudinal effect. We evaluated the effects of abdominal visceral fat change on the regression of erosive esophagitis in a prospective cohort study. Methods: A total of 163 participants with erosive esophagitis at baseline were followed up at 34 months and underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and computed tomography at both baseline and follow-up. The longitudinal effects of abdominal visceral fat on the regression of erosive esophagitis were evaluated using relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Regression was observed in approximately 49% of participants (n=80). The 3rd (RR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.71) and 4th quartiles (RR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.38) of visceral fat at follow-up were associated with decreased regression of erosive esophagitis. The highest quartile of visceral fat change reduced the probability of the regression of erosive esophagitis compared to the lowest quartile (RR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.28). Each trend showed a dose-dependent pattern (p for trend <0.001). The presence of baseline Helicobacter pylori increased the regression of erosive esophagitis (RR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.05 to 5.48). Conclusions: Higher visceral fat at follow-up and a greater increase in visceral fat reduced the regression of erosive esophagitis in a dose-dependent manner.

Quality of Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy in Patients with a History of Abdomino-Pelvic Surgery: Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Prior abdomino-pelvic (AP) surgery makes colonoscopy difficult and can affect bowel preparation quality. However, bowel preparation quality has been found to vary according to prior AP surgery type. We examined the relationship of prior AP surgery type with bowel preparation quality in a large-scale retrospective cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the health screening cohort of the National Cancer Center, 12881 participants who underwent screening or surveillance colonoscopy between June 2007 and December 2014 were included. Personal data were collected by reviewing patient medical records. Bowel preparation quality was assessed using the Aronchick scale and was categorized as satisfactory for excellent to good bowel preparation or unsatisfactory for fair to inadequate bowel preparation. RESULTS: A total of 1557 (12.1%) participants had a history of AP surgery. The surgery types were colorectal surgery (n=44), gastric/small intestinal surgery (n=125), appendectomy/peritoneum/laparotomy (n=476), cesarean section (n=278), uterus/ovarian surgery (n=317), kidney/bladder/prostate surgery (n=19), or liver/pancreatobiliary surgery (n=96). The proportion of satisfactory bowel preparations was 70.7%. In multivariate analysis, unsatisfactory bowel preparation was related to gastric/small intestinal surgery (odds ratio=1.764, 95% confidence interval=1.230-2.532, p=0.002). However, the other surgery types did not affect bowel preparation quality. Current smoking, diabetes, and high body mass index were risk factors of unacceptable bowel preparation. CONCLUSION: Only gastric/small intestinal surgery was a potential risk factor for poor bowel preparation. Further research on patients with a history of gastric/small intestinal surgery to determine appropriate methods for adequate bowel preparation is mandatory.

Osteoporosis and Osteoporotic Fractures in Gastrointestinal Disease.

Patients with gastrointestinal disease (GI) are at risk for osteopenia or osteoporosis, which can lead to fractures. Although these patients may be at risk from a young age, gastroenterologists often overlook this fact in practice. There are well-known GI diseases associated with osteopenia and osteoporosis, such as the post-gastrectomy state, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and celiac disease. As there is an increase in the prevalence of IBD patients, newly diagnosed celiac disease in adulthood, and gastric cancer survivors following gastrectomy, bone disease in these patients becomes an important issue. Here, we have discussed osteoporosis and fractures in GI disease, especially in the post-gastrectomy state, IBD, and celiac disease. Although the pathogenesis of bone loss in each disease has not been fully identified, we have confirmed that the prevalence of osteoporosis and fractures in each of these diseases is high. There are scarce studies comparing the prevalence of osteoporosis or osteoporotic fractures in GI disease patients with studies in postmenopausal women, and specific guidelines for their management in each disease have not been established. Intensive surveillance and management are needed to ensure that these patients attain peak bone mass for age and sex to prevent fractures.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the regression of gastric polyps in National Cancer Screening Program.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Western guidelines recommend Helicobacter pylori eradication in H. pylori-associated gastric polyps; however, there is no standard guideline in Korea. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of H. pylori eradication on the regression of gastric hyperplastic polyps in National Cancer Screening Cohort, representative of general population. METHODS: Among participants in National Cancer Screening Program, subjects who had H. pylori positive gastric hyperplastic polyps less than 10 mm and underwent follow-up endoscopy and H. pylori testing were enrolled. The effect of H. pylori eradication on hyperplastic gastric polyps was estimated using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 183 H. pylori infected subjects with hyperplastic polyp at baseline underwent follow-up endoscopy and H. pylori test after mean of 2.2 years. Successful H. pylori eradication markedly induced the disappearance of hyperplastic polyps comparing to non-eradication group (83.7% vs. 34.1%, p = 0.001). Successful eradication increased the possibility of disappearance of hyperplastic polyps (adjusted OR, 5.56; 95% CI, 2.63 to 11.11). Polyp size was inversely related with the disappearance of hyperplastic polyps (adjusted OR, 59; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.71). CONCLUSIONS: Eradication of H. pylori infection may induce disappearance of gastric hyperplastic polyps in National Cancer Screening Cohort.

Visceral Adipose Tissue Volume and the Occurrence of Colorectal Adenoma in Follow-up Colonoscopy for Screening and Surveillance.

Whether obesity accelerates adenoma recurrence is not yet clear; therefore, we analyzed the risk factors for adenoma occurrence at follow-up colonoscopy, with a focus on visceral adiposity. In total, 1516 subjects underwent index colonoscopy, computed tomography, and questionnaire assessment from February to May 2008; 539 subjects underwent follow-up colonoscopy at the National Cancer Center at least 6 mo after the index colonoscopy. The relationships between the presence of adenoma at follow-up colonoscopy and anthropometric obesity measurements, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volume, were analyzed. 188 (34.9%) had adenomatous polyps at follow-up colonoscopy. Multivariate analysis revealed that VAT volume ≥ 1000 cm3 and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were related to the presence of adenoma at follow-up colonoscopy (VAT volume 1000-1500 cm3: odds ratio [OR] = 2.13(95% confidence interval, CI = 1.06-4.26), P = 0.034; VAT volume ≥ 1000 cm3: OR = 2.24(95% CI = 1.03-4.88), P = 0.043; BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2: OR = 4.22(95% CI = 1.12-15.93), P = 0.034). In contrast, BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2, SAT volume, and WC were not associated with the presence of adenoma at follow-up colonoscopy. In conclusion, excess VAT can contribute to the development and growth of new colorectal adenomas, and is a better predictor of colorectal adenoma occurrence at follow-up colonoscopy than BMI, WC, and SAT volume.

Predictors for difficult cecal insertion in colonoscopy: The impact of obesity indices.

AIM: To identify the factors influencing cecal insertion time (CIT) and to evaluate the effect of obesity indices on CIT. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data for participants who received both colonoscopy and abdominal computed tomography (CT) from February 2008 to May 2008 as part of a comprehensive health screening program. Age, gender, obesity indices [body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR), waist circumference (WC), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volume on abdominal CT], history of prior abdominal surgery, constipation, experience of the colonoscopist, quality of bowel preparation, diverticulosis and time required to reach the cecum were analyzed. CIT was categorized as longer than 10 min (prolonged CIT) and shorter than or equal to 10 min, and then the factors that required a CIT longer than 10 min were examined. RESULTS: A total of 1678 participants were enrolled. The mean age was 50.42 ± 9.931 years and 60.3% were men. The mean BMI, WHR, WC, VAT volume and SAT volume were 23.92 ± 2.964 kg/m2, 0.90 ± 0.076, 86.95 ± 8.030 cm, 905.29 ± 475.220 cm3 and 1707.72 ± 576.550 cm3, respectively. The number of patients who underwent abdominal surgery was 268 (16.0%). Colonoscopy was performed by an attending physician alone in 61.9% of cases and with the involvement of a fellow in 38.1% of cases. The median CIT was 7 min (range 2-56 min, IQR 5-10 min), and mean CIT was 8.58 ± 5.291 min. Being female, BMI, VAT volume and involvement of fellow were significantly associated with a prolonged CIT in univariable analysis. In multivariable analysis, being female (OR = 1.29, P = 0.047), lower BMI (< 23 kg/m2) (OR = 1.62, P = 0.004) or higher BMI (≥ 25 kg/m2) (OR = 1.80, P < 0.001), low VAT volume (< 500 cm3) (OR = 1.50, P = 0.013) and fellow involvement (OR = 1.73, P < 0.001) were significant predictors of prolonged CIT. In subgroup analyses for gender, lower BMI or higher BMI and fellow involvement were predictors for prolonged CIT in both genders. However, low VAT volume was associated with prolonged CIT in only women (OR = 1.54, P = 0.034). CONCLUSION: Being female, having a lower or higher BMI than the normal range, a low VAT volume, and fellow involvement were predictors of a longer CIT.

Effect of abdominal visceral fat on the development of new erosive oesophagitis: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Although abdominal visceral fat has been associated with erosive oesophagitis in cross-sectional studies, there are no data that describe its longitudinal effects. We aimed to evaluate the longitudinal effects of abdominal visceral fat on the development of new erosive oesophagitis in patients who did not have erosive oesophagitis at baseline. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-centre prospective study. A total of 1503 participants without erosive oesophagitis at baseline were followed up for 34 months and they underwent oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and computed tomography at both baseline and during follow-up. The longitudinal effects of abdominal visceral fat on the development of new erosive oesophagitis were evaluated using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: New oesophagitis developed in 83 patients. Compared with the first quartile, the third (OR=3.96, 95% CI: 1.54-10.18) and the fourth (OR=4.67, 95% CI: 1.79-12.23) of baseline visceral fat quartiles, the third (OR=3.03, 95% CI: 1.14-8.04) and the fourth (OR=7.50, 95% CI: 2.92-19.25) follow-up visceral fat quartiles, and the fourth visceral fat change quartile (OR=2.76, 95% CI: 1.47-5.21) were associated with increased development of new erosive oesophagitis, and the P value for each trend was less than 0.001. New erosive oesophagitis was inversely related to the follow-up Helicobacter pylori status and it was associated positively with the presence of a hiatal hernia and smoking during follow-up, but it was not associated with reflux symptoms, the H. pylori status, presence of a hiatal hernia or smoking at baseline. CONCLUSION: Higher level of visceral fat at baseline and follow-up visceral fat, and greater changes in the visceral level were associated linearly with the development of new erosive oesophagitis in this longitudinal study.

Different effects of dietary factors on reflux esophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease in 11,690 Korean subjects.

BACKGROUND: Although dietary factors seem to be associated with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, their effects on reflux esophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) are unclear. We evaluate dietary effects on NERD and reflux esophagitis. METHODS: A total of 11,690 health check-up persons completed questionnaires for reflux symptoms and 3-day recordings for dietary intake and underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy from 2004 to 2008. Multiple logistic regression with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to evaluate the relationship of dietary components with NERD or reflux esophagitis. RESULTS: Prevalence of NERD and reflux esophagitis was 7.7 and 7.2%, respectively. In adjusted analysis, highest quartile of beans (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64-0.95), 3rd quartile of vegetables (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.60-0.91), 4th quartile of fruit (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64-0.95), 4th quartile of egg (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64-0.96), and 3rd quartile of fish (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66-0.98), and 4th quartile of milk (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.65-0.94) reduced NERD. Reflux esophagitis had no association with food groups, whereas it was related with men, absence of H. pylori, hiatal hernia, BMI, and total energy intake. Furthermore, dietary effect on NERD was similar in men and women, whereas highest tertile of potato (OR 1.91) and milk (OR 1.87) increased reflux esophagitis only in women. CONCLUSIONS: While many food groups affected NERD, reflux esophagitis was associated with BMI and total energy intake rather than dietary component. These results may suggest different approaches toward dietary management of NERD and reflux esophagitis.

Helicobacter pylori infection is an independent risk factor for colonic adenomatous neoplasms.

PURPOSE: Helicobacter pylori infection is considered to have a positive association with colorectal neoplasms. In this study, we evaluated the association between H. pylori infection and colorectal adenomas, based on the characteristics of these adenomas in Korea, where the prevalence of H. pylori infection is high and the incidence of colorectal cancer continues to increase. METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 4,466 subjects who underwent colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy during screening (1,245 colorectal adenomas vs. 3,221 polyp-free controls). We compared the rate of H. pylori infection between patients with adenoma and polyp-free control cases, using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The overall rate of positive H. pylori infection was higher in adenoma cases than in polyp-free control cases (55.0 vs. 48.5%, p < 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) of positive H. pylori infection in patients with adenoma compared to polyp-free controls was 1.28 (95% CI 1.11-1.47). The positive association of H. pylori infection with colorectal adenomas was more prominent in advanced adenomas (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.25-2.70) and multiple adenomas (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.26-2.35). Based on the location of these adenomas, the OR was significant only in patients with colonic adenomas (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.13-1.52) and not in those with rectal adenoma (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.58-1.24). CONCLUSION: Helicobacter pylori infection is an independent risk factor for colonic adenomas, especially in cases of advanced or multiple adenomas, but not for rectal adenomas.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection and its eradication on the fate of gastric polyps.

OBJECTIVES: Western guidelines recommend Helicobacter pylori eradication in H. pylori-associated gastric polyps, but Korean medical insurance does not approve its eradication. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of H. pylori eradication on gastric polyps. METHODS: Participants in a large screening cohort underwent baseline and follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy and H. pylori testing. The association between gastric polyps and H. pylori was estimated using odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for confounding factors and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The effect of H. pylori eradication on the fate of polyps was also evaluated. RESULTS: The screening cohort included 7603 participants (605 gastric polyps: 529 hyperplastic polyps, 63 fundic gland polyps, and 13 adenomas). H. pylori infection showed a positive association with hyperplastic polyps (OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.66-2.41), but was inversely related to fundic gland polyps (OR 0.05; 95% CI 0.02-0.17). Removed polyps by biopsy or endoscopic resection or tiny polyps less than 3 mm at baseline and positive conversion of H. pylori at follow-up were excluded. A total of 7060 persons were finally included to evaluate the effect of H. pylori eradication on the gastric polyp. Successful H. pylori eradication (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.35-0.77) and persistent H. pylori-negative status (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.46-0.76) reduced the risk of hyperplastic polyps compared with the persistent H. pylori-positive group. Successful H. pylori eradication markedly induced the disappearance of hyperplastic polyps compared with the persistent H. pylori-positive group (85.0 vs. 29.0%, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: H. pylori infection increased the risk of hyperplastic polyps in both cross-sectional and longitudinal settings, and its eradication induced regression of hyperplastic polyps.

The effect of abdominal visceral fat, circulating inflammatory cytokines, and leptin levels on reflux esophagitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although adipocytes secrete inflammatory cytokines and adipokines, their role in reflux esophagitis is controversial. We investigated the association between visceral fat and inflammatory cytokines or adipokines in reflux esophagitis. METHODS: Abdominal visceral fat and cytokines were measured in 66 individuals with reflux esophagitis and 66 age- and sex-matched controls. The mean values for visceral fat and cytokines were compared in cases and controls. Second, correlations between visceral fat and inflammatory cytokines were measured. Finally, multiple logistic regression models for odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the effects of visceral fat and cytokines on reflux esophagitis. RESULTS: Visceral fat, leptin, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1ß were higher in reflux esophagitis compared to controls. Visceral fat showed a strong positive correlation with IL-6 (r = 0.523, P < 0.001), IL-8 (r = 0.395, P < 0.001), and IL-1ß (r = 0.557, P < 0.001), and a negative correlation with adiponectin (r = -0.466, P < 0.001). With adjusted analysis, visceral fat/100 (OR, 4.32; 95% CI, 2.18-8.58; P < 0.001) and leptin (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.10-1.69; P = 0.005) independently increased the risk of reflux esophagitis, but the effects of other cytokines were abolished. CONCLUSIONS: Visceral fat may increase the risk of reflux esophagitis by increasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Leptin showed a positive association with reflux esophagitis that was independent of visceral fat.