Impact of Diarrhea after Drinking on Colorectal Tumor Risk: A Case Control Study

Abstract

Background: Recently, the number of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases in Japan has been increasing, and is strongly<br />influenced by alcohol consumption. On the other hand, there are several reports suggesting a relationship between<br />bowel movement (constipation and diarrhea) and CRC development. Moreover, it is generally known that diarrhea<br />may occur after drinking. However, the mechanism by which drinking alcohol increases CRC is not fully clarified<br />yet. We hypothesized that diarrhea after drinking may play an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Methods:<br />We examined the presence of diarrhea after drinking and further evaluated the correlation of diarrhea after drinking<br />with the incidence of colorectal tumors. To obtain the status of the feces, a self-recorded questionnaire survey was<br />administered using the dietary-recording method. Blood samples were obtained to analyze the ALDH2 Glu504Lys and<br />ADH1B His48Arg polymorphisms. Results: The participants were 417 patients who had undergone a total colonoscopy.<br />The control was selected from 186 patients who underwent a medical checkup at the same hospital during the same<br />time period. The odds ratio for all subjects was 2.1 (95% CI: 1.18 - 3.80), and that for heavy drinkers was 4.2 (1.48<br />- 11. 90). Conclusions: The results demonstrated that those who have diarrhea after drinking possess a high risk of<br />developing colon tumors.