Chronic subclinical bowel inflammation may explain increased risk of colorectal cancer in obese people

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Abstract
Recently, we studied the determinants of whole gut inflammation in a normal middle-aged population by determining levels of calprotectin in faeces. Calprotectin is a calcium-binding protein found only in neutrophils and monocytes. Levels in faeces correlate well with faecal levels of indium-labelled white cells and inflammatory bowel disease activity. It is well established that many risk factors for CRC influence levels of IIA in a healthy individual. Lack of physical exercise, for instance, is associated with increased serum levels of C reactive protein, as are body mass index, smoking and increasing age.4 We confirmed that faecal levels of calprotectin also correlated directly with increasing age, obesity, …