Background: Interleukin (IL) 1β, 6, and 8 are pro‐inflammatory cytokines that may promote colorectal carcinogenesis, whereas IL‐10 is an anti#x2010;inflammatory cytokine with pro‐ and anti‐carcinogenic effects. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter regions of these cytokine genes may alter inflammation and consequently colorectal carcinogenesis. Flavonols, found in fruits and vegetables, have anti‐inflammatory and chemopreventive properties and they may modify the effect of SNPs in IL‐encoding genes on colorectal carcinogenesis.

Aims: To determine whether SNPs in IL‐1β, 6, 8, and 10 were associated with their corresponding serum concentrations and adenoma recurrence and whether flavonol consumption modified these associations.

Methods: Using logistic regression, we estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for SNPs in IL‐encoding genes, flavonol intake, and risk of adenoma recurrence in 1,687 participants of the Polyp Prevention Trial, a 4‐year trial of a low‐fat, high‐fiber, high‐fruit & ‐vegetable, flavonol‐rich diet.

Results: Overall, SNPs in genes encoding IL‐1s, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10 were not associated with their corresponding serum concentrations or adenoma recurrence. However, statistically significant interactions were observed between flavonol intake and IL‐8 ‐251 T > A genotype for any (P = 0.04) and advanced adenoma recurrence (P = 0.01). Individuals consuming above the median level of flavonol intake and had IL‐8 ‐251 AA (vs. TT) had an increased risk of any (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.00–2.39) and advanced adenoma recurrence (OR = 4.44, 95% CI: 1.32–15.0).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that flavonol consumption may modify the association between IL‐8 SNPs and colorectal adenoma recurrence.

Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A112.

Copyright © January 7, 2010, American Association for Cancer Research
2010