The interaction between glycemic index, glycemic load, and the genetic variant ADIPOQ T45G (rs2241766) in the risk of colorectal cancer: a case–control study in a Korean population

Purpose The glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL), and adiponectin level contribute to glycemic response and insulin sensitivity in the body. Studies have shown that tumor development is related to glycemic disorders; however, the results are contradictory. We aimed to investigate the association of GI and GL with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in a Korean population and their possible interactions with the genetic variant ADIPOQ T45G. Methods and results A case–control study including 2096 participants with 695 CRC cases was conducted. The results showed that diets with high GI or GL were significantly associated with an increased risk of CRC [odds ratio (OR) = 5.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.85–7.68; OR = 4.43, 95% CI 3.18–6.15, respectively; all p -trends < 0.001]. Moreover, even with a low-GI and low-GL diet, G/G genotype carriers may have 2.93-fold and 3.77-fold higher risk of rectal cancer compared to carriers of other genotypes (T/T + T/G), (OR = 2.93, 95% CI 1.01–8.59, p -interaction = 0.011 for GI; OR = 3.77, 95% CI 1.46–9.77, p -interaction = 0.025 for GL). Conclusions Overall, our study suggests positive associations of GI and GL with CRC risk. Moreover, the associations of GI and GL with rectal cancer risk could be modified by ADIPOQ T45G in a Korean population. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our findings.