Serum uric acid and the risk of colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Background A meta-analysis was performed in this study to evaluate the association between serum uric acid and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods Relevant observational studies observing the relationship between uric acid and the incidence of CRC were obtained by the search of electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. A randomized-effects model was selected to pool the data by incorporating the influence of potential heterogeneity. Results Eight observational studies involving 1,226,379 adults were included. During a mean follow-up duration of 12.8 years, CRC was developed in 12349 (1.0%) participants. Pooled results showed that compared to those with the lowest category of serum uric acid at baseline, participants with the highest category of serum uric acid had an increased incidence of CRC during follow-up [risk ratio (RR), 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17–1.42; P < 0.001; I 2 = 0%]. Sensitivity analysis limited to prospective cohort studies retrieved similar results (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.19–1.47; P < 0.001; I 2 = 0%). Subgroup analyses showed consistent results in men and women, in estimates of the incidence of colon cancer and rectal cancer and in studies with different follow-up durations and quality scores (P for subgroup differences all > 0.05). Conclusion Although the cutoff for defining a high uric acid varied among the included studies, results of the meta-analysis suggest that a high serum uric acid may be associated with an increased risk of CRC in an adult population.