Background
With increased prevalence of colorectal cancer, it is important to establish the risk factors of colorectal cancer. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) is also increasing. Insulin resistance may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MS and colorectal polyps. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between MS and colorectal polyps. Methods: A total 558 subjects underwent colonoscopic examination from April 2004 to July 2005 at the health promotion center of Bundang CHA Hospital. According to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III definition of MS, the waist circumference, blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG) and HDL cholesterol were measured. Alcohol consumption, smoking and other confounding factors were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The incidence of MS and colorectal polyps was 16.3% and 33.0%, respectively. In subjects with polyps, the number of men, smokers and drinkers were higher than in subjects without polyps. In subjects with polyps, BP, FBG and TG were also higher than in subjects without polyps. After adjustment for possible confounding factors, MS was associated with increased risk of colorectal polyps (odds ratio, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.94∼3.22). MS strongly increased the risk of colorectal polyps in men (odds ratio 2.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.07∼4.45), but not in women. Conclusion: We concluded that MS is a risk factor for colorectal polyps in asymptomatic Korean adults and this suggests that insulin resistance may play an important role in the development of colorectal polyps. (J Korean Acad Fam Med 2007;28:134-140)

Background
: According to previous epidemiologic studies, dietary and life style factors were associated with colon polyps. Despite the high prevalence of colon polyps, little is known about its risk factors in Korean adults. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, physical activity and the presence of colorectal polyps.

Methods : Sigmoidoscopic examinations for colon cancer screening were performed from January 2002 to December 2003 at the Health Promotion Center of Ulsan University Hospital. Alcohol consumption, smoking and other confounding factors were assessed by self-administered questionnaire.

Results : After adjusting for age, physical activity, obesity, total fat and total energy intake, current smokers who had smoked more than 21 pack-years were at significantly higher risk of adenomatous polyps compared to non-smokers (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.30∼5.01). Alcohol consumption was positively associated with risk of adenomatous polyps compared to non-drinkers (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.03∼2.13). Physical activity was negatively associated with risk of distal colon polyps.

Conclusion : These results suggest that alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and obesity were positively associated with risk of colorectal polyps and physical activity was negatively associated in Korean adult males.

Background
: The results of previous epidemiologic studies showed that dietary and life style factors are associated with colon polyps. Despite the high prevalence of colon polyps, little is known about its risk factors in Korean adults. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between physical activity and the presence of colorectal polyps.

Methods : In 859 subjects, rectosigmoidoscopy was performed at Ulsan University Hospital Health Promotion Center from January 2002 to October 2002. Drinking, smoking and other confounding factors were assessed by self-administered questionnaire in 161 subjects with colon polyps and 698 controls.

Results : Among the total of 859 cases the prevalence of colorectal adenomatous polyps was 18.7%. After adjusting for age, sex, physical activity, obesity, calcium and total energy intake, using multiple logistic regression, decreasing risk of colorectal polyps were observed with increasing level of physical activities. The odds ratio for 3 to 4 hours per week exercise group was 0.460 (CI=0.262∼0.809). The frequency and intensity of exercise also had an inverse association with colon polyps (4∼5 times/ week group: OR=0.428, CI=0.220∼0.832; vigorous exercise group: OR=0.454, CI=0.298∼0.693).

Conclusion : Physical activities were inversely associated with colorectal polyps in Korean adults.