A recent study led by Xingwu Liu, Han Yu, and their team delved into the potential causal relationships between apolipoprotein B levels, coffee intake, and the risk of gastric, colorectal, and esophageal cancers. Utilizing Mendelian randomization analysis, the researchers examined data from extensive databases including the UK Biobank and FinnGen biobank.
The findings, published in a journal under Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, suggested a noteworthy association between genetically heightened apolipoprotein B levels and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Specifically, the inverse variance weighted method revealed a significant correlation between elevated apolipoprotein B levels and higher risks of both gastric and colorectal cancers. However, upon further multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis, the link between apolipoprotein B and gastric cancer risk disappeared after considering covariates like coffee intake, body mass index, or lipid-related traits.
Conversely, the study did not find substantial evidence supporting a causal relationship between coffee intake and the incidence of gastric, colorectal, or esophageal cancers.
This research highlights a potential causal association between genetically determined higher apolipoprotein B levels and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. However, it emphasizes the absence of a confirmed causal relationship between coffee intake and the mentioned types of cancer. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the potential risk factors associated with specific cancers, shedding light on the complex interplay between genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors in cancer development.
The authors disclosed no conflicts of interest, focusing on objective analyses to explore the intricate connections between apolipoprotein B, coffee intake, and various types of cancer.