To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications （DMC）， refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles， and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine， hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine， was held in Beijing， 2024. Experts in TCM， Western medicine， and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis， diagnostic and treatment challenges， and mechanism research related to DMC， ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development， research prioritization， and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM， strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.

Objective:To explore the correlation between metabolic syndrome (MS), serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, their combination and the risk of digestive system malignancies.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted in the participants from the Kailuan cohort who took health examination in July 2006. Anthropometric parameters, epidemiological information, and laboratory test results were collected. Incidence and mortality of digestive system malignant tumors were collected through biennial health examinations and questionnaires. The follow-up period ended on December 31, 2021.According to MS status and hs-CRP levels (hs-CRP≤3 or >3 mg/L), the cohort was divided into 4 groups, induding MS -hs-CRP -, MS -hs-CRP +, MS + hs-CRP -, and MS + hs-CRP + group. Chi-squared test, one analysis of variance, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test were used for inter-group comparison among groups. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative incidence of digestive system malignant tumors, and log-rank test was performed to compare the cumulative incidence among groups. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the effects of MS and hs-CRP levels on the overall risk of digestive system malignant tumors, as well as the effects of their combination on the risk of digestive system malignant tumors of different site, and relevant confounding factors were adjusted.A sensitivity analysis was conducted by excluding individuals diagnosed with digestive system malignancies within one year of follow-up, as well as those taking antihypertensive, antidiabetic, or lipid-lowering medications. Results:A total of 92 916 participants were included in this study. Among them, 57 933 cases were in the MS -hs-CRP - group, 10 949 cases in the MS -hs-CRP + group, 18 412 cases in the MS + hs-CRP - group, and 5 622 cases in the MS + hs-CRP + group.The median follow-up period was 15.01 years (14.66 to 15.20 years). By the end of follow-up, these were 1 992 cases of new-onset digestive system malignant tumors. The cumulative incidence rates of digestive system malignant tumors of MS -hs-CRP -, MS -hs-CRP +, MS + hs-CRP -, and MS + hs-CRP + groups were 2.0%(1 164/57 933), 2.3%(249/10 949), 2.4%(440/18 412), and 2.5%(139/5 622), respectively. The difference in the cumulative incidence among the 4 groups was statistically significant ( χ2=14.09, P=0.003).The results of multivariate Cox analysis showed that, after hs-CRP level and other confounding factors were adjusted, the risk of developing digestive system malignant tumors in participants with MS was 21.4% higher than that in those without MS ( HR=1.214 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.086 to 1.340), P<0.001). After MS status and other confounding factors were adjusted, the risk of developing digestive system malignant tumors in participants with high hs-CRP level (>3 mg/L) was 17.2% higher than those with low hs-CRP level (≤3 mg/L) ( HR=1.172 (95% CI: 1.042 to 1.303), P=0.008). After relevant confounding factors were adjusted, the risks of developing digestive system malignant tumors in the MS -hs-CRP +, MS + hs-CRP -, and MS + hs-CRP + groups increased by 17.2%, 21.4%, and 35.9%, respectively, as compared with that of the MS -hs-CRP - group ( HR=1.172 (95% CI: 1.017 to 1.399), P=0.028; HR=1.214 (95% CI: 1.074 to 1.356), P=0.002; HR=1.359 (95% CI: 1.135 to 1.635), P=0.001). Among the 4 groups, the overall risk of developing digestive system malignant tumors of MS + hs-CRP + group was the highest. After relevant confounding factors were adjusted, the risks of colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer of the MS + hs-CRP + group increased by 46.2%, 35.7%, and 88.3%, respectively, as compared with those of the MS -hs-CRP - group ( HR=1.462 (95% CI: 1.088 to 1.956), HR=1.357 (95% CI: 1.132 to 2.089), HR=1.883 (95% CI: 1.052 to 3.342)), suggesting that MS combined with high hs-CRP was a significant risk factor for increased incidences of colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer ( P=0.012, 0.016 and 0.033). After participants diagnosed with new digestive system malignancies within one year of follow-up and those taking antihypertensive, antidiabetic, or lipid-lowering medications (108 cases, 10 680 cases, 2 344 cases, 906 cases) were excluded, the results of sensitivity analysis indicated the increased risk of digestive system malignant tumors in the MS -hs-CRP +, MS + hs-CRP -, and MS + hs-CRP + groups were 12.1%, 21.4%, 28.7%; 18.2%, 21.4%, 24.8%; 16.4%, 21.4%, 32.2%; 17.3%, 20.4%, 35.8%. Among the 3 groups, the increased risk of developing digestive system malignant tumors of MS + hs-CRP + group was the highest. Conclusion:MS and hs-CRP >3 mg/L are both independent risk factors for developing digestive system malignant tumors, and their combination further increases the risk of developing digestive system malignant tumors.

Objective To investigate the association of Chinese visceral adiposity index(CVAI)and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)with the risk of digestive malignancies in the Kailuan study population,and to provide a basis for the prevention and control of digestive malignancies in the population.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted,and a total of 94 377 Kailuan workers who participated in the 2006 health examination,had no history of cancer,and had complete data on CVAI,CRP,and related covariates were selected as the observation cohort.According to the levels of CVAI and CRP,the subjects were divided into low CVAI+CRP≤3 mg/L group[CVAI(-)CRP(-)group],low CVAI+CRP>3 mg/L group[CVAI(-)CRP(+)group],high CVAI+CRP≤3 mg/L group[CVAI(+)CRP(-)group],and high CVAI+CRP>3 mg/L group[CVAI(+)CRP(+)group].An analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups,and the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of continuous data with skewed distribution between groups;the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.The Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used to assess the impact of CVAI and CRP alone or in combination on the risk of digestive malignancies.Results There were significant differences between the four groups in age,male/female ratio,total cholesterol,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,fasting blood glucose,high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,waist circumference,body mass index,marital status,alcohol consumption,smoking,reported income,and physical exercise(all P<0.05).During a mean follow-up time of 14.08±2.76 years,2 043 new-onset cases of digestive malignancies were identified by the end of follow-up on December 31,2021.The Cox proportional-hazards regression model showed that after adjustment for CRP and other factors,compared with the low CVAI group,the high CVAI group had a hazard ratio(HR)of 1.34(95%confidence interval[CI]:1.23-1.47)for the risk of digestive malignancies.After adjustment for CVAI and other factors,compared with the CRP≤3 mg/L group,the CRP>3 mg/L group had an HR of 1.14(95%CI:1.02-1.28)for the risk of digestive malignancies.Compared with the CVAI(-)CRP(-)group(n=40 978),the CVAI(-)CRP(+)group(n=6 210),the CVAI(+)CRP(-)group(n=36 502),and the CVAI(+)CRP(+)group(n=10 687)had an HR of 1.05(95%CI:1.01-1.09,P<0.05),1.32(95%CI:1.20-1.45,P<0.05),and 1.48(95%CI:1.28-1.70,P<0.05),respectively,for the risk of digestive malignancies.As for digestive malignancies at specific locations,the CVAI(+)CRP(+)group had an increased risk of liver cancer,gastric cancer,pancreatic cancer,colorectal cancer,and small intestinal cancer with an HR of 1.35(95%CI:1.05-1.81,P<0.05),1.48(95%CI:1.09-2.00,P<0.05),1.60(95%CI:1.07-2.41,P<0.05),1.76(1.40-2.21,P<0.05),and 3.85(95%CI:1.43-10.33,P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion A high level of CVAI,a high level of CRP,and high levels of CVAI and CRP in combination can all increase the risk of digestive malignancies,among which the high levels of CVAI and CRP in combination may lead to a higher risk.

Abstract Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as glycolipid metabolism disorder. However, its widespread application has been hindered by the unclear biological essence of TCM syndromes and therapeutic mechanisms. As an emerging interdisciplinary field, phenomics integrates multi-dimensional data including genome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, and microbiome. When combined with TCM's holistic philosophy, it forms TCM phenomics, providing novel approaches to reveal the biological connotation of TCM syndromes and the mechanisms of herbal medicine. Taking glycolipid metabolism disorder as an example, this paper explores the application of TCM phenomics in glycolipid metabolism disorder. By analyzing molecular characteristics of related syndromes, TCM phenomics identifies differentially expressed genes, metabolites, and gut microbiota biomarkers to elucidate the dynamic evolution patterns of syndromes. Simultaneously, it deciphers the multi-target regulatory networks of herbal formulas, demonstrating their therapeutic effects through mechanisms including modulation of insulin signaling pathways, improvement of gut microbiota imbalance, and suppression of inflammatory responses. Current challenges include the subjective nature of syndrome diagnosis, insufficient standardization of animal models, and lack of integrated multi-omics analysis. Future research should employ machine learning, multimodal data integration, and cross-omics longitudinal studies to establish quantitative diagnostic systems for syndromes, promote the integration of precision medicine in TCM and western medicine, and accelerate the modernization of TCM.

Gout in modern medicine is often attributed to "Li Jie Disease （历节病）"， "Bai Hu Wind" （白虎风）， and "Bi （痹） Syndrome" categories in traditional Chinese medicine， mainly because its joint pain often presents as wandering attacks， and the clinical symptoms are similar to those caused by wind. However， the essence of gout is actually dietary disorders caused by internal injuries， so it should not be classified as Bi （痹） syndrome due to wind， cold， dampness. Focusing on the theory of "gout is not Bi syndrome" proposed by TONG Xiaolin， combining ancient and modern medical literature and modern clinical research， this article analyzes the underlying etiology of gout， which originates from dietary irregularities and accumulation of turbid toxins， as well as the disease mechanism of "toxicity hurts joints and accumulation of toxins impairs the kidneys"， in order to clarify the essential difference between gout and impediment syndrome. Using the theory of "state-targeted diagnosis and treatment"， gout is classified into two categories： dampness-heat and deficiency-cold， and the treatment strategy of lowering the turbid toxin， facilitating the joints， and preserving the kidneys was proposed in order to guide the clinical practice.

Objective To investigate the association of Chinese visceral adiposity index(CVAI)and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)with the risk of digestive malignancies in the Kailuan study population,and to provide a basis for the prevention and control of digestive malignancies in the population.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted,and a total of 94 377 Kailuan workers who participated in the 2006 health examination,had no history of cancer,and had complete data on CVAI,CRP,and related covariates were selected as the observation cohort.According to the levels of CVAI and CRP,the subjects were divided into low CVAI+CRP≤3 mg/L group[CVAI(-)CRP(-)group],low CVAI+CRP>3 mg/L group[CVAI(-)CRP(+)group],high CVAI+CRP≤3 mg/L group[CVAI(+)CRP(-)group],and high CVAI+CRP>3 mg/L group[CVAI(+)CRP(+)group].An analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups,and the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of continuous data with skewed distribution between groups;the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.The Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used to assess the impact of CVAI and CRP alone or in combination on the risk of digestive malignancies.Results There were significant differences between the four groups in age,male/female ratio,total cholesterol,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,fasting blood glucose,high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,waist circumference,body mass index,marital status,alcohol consumption,smoking,reported income,and physical exercise(all P<0.05).During a mean follow-up time of 14.08±2.76 years,2 043 new-onset cases of digestive malignancies were identified by the end of follow-up on December 31,2021.The Cox proportional-hazards regression model showed that after adjustment for CRP and other factors,compared with the low CVAI group,the high CVAI group had a hazard ratio(HR)of 1.34(95%confidence interval[CI]:1.23-1.47)for the risk of digestive malignancies.After adjustment for CVAI and other factors,compared with the CRP≤3 mg/L group,the CRP>3 mg/L group had an HR of 1.14(95%CI:1.02-1.28)for the risk of digestive malignancies.Compared with the CVAI(-)CRP(-)group(n=40 978),the CVAI(-)CRP(+)group(n=6 210),the CVAI(+)CRP(-)group(n=36 502),and the CVAI(+)CRP(+)group(n=10 687)had an HR of 1.05(95%CI:1.01-1.09,P<0.05),1.32(95%CI:1.20-1.45,P<0.05),and 1.48(95%CI:1.28-1.70,P<0.05),respectively,for the risk of digestive malignancies.As for digestive malignancies at specific locations,the CVAI(+)CRP(+)group had an increased risk of liver cancer,gastric cancer,pancreatic cancer,colorectal cancer,and small intestinal cancer with an HR of 1.35(95%CI:1.05-1.81,P<0.05),1.48(95%CI:1.09-2.00,P<0.05),1.60(95%CI:1.07-2.41,P<0.05),1.76(1.40-2.21,P<0.05),and 3.85(95%CI:1.43-10.33,P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion A high level of CVAI,a high level of CRP,and high levels of CVAI and CRP in combination can all increase the risk of digestive malignancies,among which the high levels of CVAI and CRP in combination may lead to a higher risk.

Objective:To investigate the influence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and high-sen-sitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) on the risk of digestive system malignancy.Methods:The pro-spective cohort study was conducted. The clinical data of 93 928 participants who participated health examination in 9 hospitals at Tangshan, including Kailuan General Hospital Affiliated to North China University of Science and Technology et al, in 2006 were selected. According to the presence or absence of DM and the level of Hs-CRP, all participants were divided into 4 groups, including the DM(-)CRP(-) group defined as absence of DM and Hs-CRP ≤3 mg/L, the DM(-)CRP(+) group defined as absence of DM and Hs-CRP>3 mg/L, the DM(+)CRP(-) group defined as presence of DM and Hs-CRP ≤3 mg/L, and the DM(+)CRP(+) group defined as presence of DM and Hs-CRP >3 mg/L. The data of participants were collected by a fixed team of physicians. The first physical examination in 2006 was taken as the starting point for follow-up. The end event of follow-up was defined as the occurrence of digestive system malignancy or death, and the follow-up was up to December 31, 2021. Observation indicators: (1) comparison of clinical data among the 4 groups of participants; (2) the incidence and cumulative incidence rate of digestive system malignancy in participants; (3) influence of DM and Hs-CRP level on the risk of digestive system malignancy; (4) the combined influence of DM and Hs-CRP level on the risk of digestive system malignancy; (5) sensitivity analysis. Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution among multiple groups was conducted using the one-way analysis of variance. For pairwise comparison, least significant difference test was used for homogeneity of variance, and Dunnett′s T3 test was used for heterogeneity of variance. Comparison of measurement data with skewed distribution among multiple groups was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, and Dunn-Bonferroni test was used for pairwise comparison. Comparison of count data among multiple groups was conducted using the chi-square test, and Bonferroni test was used among multiple comparisons. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot cumulative incidence curve, and Log-rank test was used for cumulative incidence rate analysis. The Cox proportional risk model was used for multivariate analysis. All models were adjusted for relevant confounders. Results:(1) Comparison of clinical data among the 4 groups of participants. Of the 93 928 participants, there were 70 743 cases in the DM(-)CRP(-) group, 14 644 cases in the DM(-)CRP(+) group, 6 425 cases in the DM(+)CRP(-) group, and 2 116 cases in the DM(+)CRP(+) group. There were significant differences in gender, age, fasting blood glucose, Hs-CRP, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase, body mass index, marrital status, smoking, drinking, high school degree or above, physical exercise, high salt diet, high fat diet, positive hepatitis B virus surface antigen, fatty liver, liver cirrhosis, gallstone, taking hypoglycemic drugs, taking lipid-lowering drugs among the 4 groups of participants ( P<0.05). (2) The incidence and cumulative incidence rate of digestive system malignancy in participants. At the end-up of follow-up, 2 008 cases developed digestive system malignancy in the 93 928 participants, including 717 cases of colorectal cancer, 456 cases of liver cancer, 396 cases of gastric cancer, 195 cases of esophageal cancer, 144 cases of pancreatic cancer, 65 cases of gallbladder cancer or extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, 35 cases of small bowel cancer. The cumulative incidence rates of digestive system malignancy were 2.19%, 2.42%, 2.86%, 3.59% in participants of the DM(-)CRP(-) group, DM(-)CRP(+) group, DM(+)CRP(-) group, DM(+)CRP(+) group, respectively, showing a significant difference among the 4 groups ( χ2=31.72, P<0.05). (3) Influence of DM and Hs-CRP level on the risk of digestive system malignancy. After adjusting for the confounding factors of the participants, results of multivariate analysis showed that DM and Hs-CRP >3 mg/L were independent influencing factors for the incidence of digestive system malignancy ( hazard ratio=1.32, 1.19, 95% confidence interval as 1.13-1.56, 1.06-1.33, P<0.05). Futher analysis showed that there was a significant difference in interaction between DM and Hs-CRP >3 mg/L ( P<0.05). (4) The combined influence of DM and Hs-CRP level on the risk of digestive system malign-ancy. After adjusting for confounding factors, results of multivariate analysis showed that using the DM(-)CRP(-) group as the control group, the risk of incidence of digestive system malignancy increased in the DM(-)CRP(+) group, DM(+)CRP(-) group, and DM(+)CRP(+) group, respectively ( hazard ratio=1.14, 1.23, 1.79, 95% confidence interval as 1.01-1.29, 1.02-1.48, 1.38-2.31, P<0.05). In the site-specific analysis of digestive system malignancy, using the DM(-)CRP(-) group as the control group, the risk of incidence of liver cancer increased in the DM(-)CRP(+) group ( hazard ratio=1.37, 95% confidence interval as 1.07-1.75, P<0.05), the risk of incidence of liver cancer and pancrea-tic cancer increased in the DM(+)CRP(-) group ( hazard ratio=1.60, 1.74, 95% confidence interval as 1.16-2.21, 1.00-3.02, P<0.05), the risk of incidence of small bowel cancer, pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer increased in the DM(+)CRP(+) group ( hazard ratio=5.05, 2.31, 2.23, 95% confidence interval as 1.57-16.21, 1.00-5.31, 1.54-3.24, P<0.05). (5) Sensitivity analysis. After adjusting for confounding factors of excluding 3 types of participants (103 cases of digestive system malignancy within 1 year of follow-up, 2 370 cases of taking glucose-lowering drugs, and 915 cases of taking lipid-lowering drugs), results of multivariate analysis showed that using the DM(-)CRP(-) group as the control group, the risk of incidence of digestive system malignancy increased in the DM(+)CRP(-) group, and DM(+)CRP(+) group, respectively ( hazard ratioexcluding cases of digestive system malignancy within 1 year of follow-up=1.26, 1.66, 95% confidence interval as 1.04-1.52, 1.26-2.18, P<0.05; hazard ratioexcluding cases taking glucose-lowering drugs=1.23, 1.75, 95% confidence interval as 1.02-1.49, 1.31-2.33, P<0.05; hazard ratioexcluding cases taking lipid-lowering drugs=1.24, 1.80, 95% confidence interval as 1.03-1.49, 1.39-2.34, P<0.05). Conclusions:DM and Hs-CRP >3 mg/L are independent influencing factors for the incidence of digestive system malignancy. There is an interation and synergistic effect between DM and Hs-CRP to promote the incidence of digestive system malignancy.

Objective Jiangtang Tiaozhi Formula(JTTZF)is highly effective in improving glycolipid metabolism disorder.However,its exact mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated.This study aims to explore the potential targets and mechanisms of JTTZF in improving glycolipid metabolism disorder through network pharmacology,molecular docking,molecular dynamics simulations,and experimental validation.Methods Glycolipid metabolism disorder-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards database,while the relevant action targets of the main active ingredients of JTTZF were obtained from the CTD and SwissTargetPrediction databases.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks were constructed using STRING and Cytoscape.After selecting the potential key targets,Gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analysis were conducted through the Metascape database,and a network map of"herb-active ingredient-target-pathway"was constructed.Molecular docking was carried out using AutoDock vina and PyMOL software to verify the correlation between the main components of JTTZF and the core targets.Molecular dynamics simulation was conducted for optimal core protein-compound complexes obtained by molecular docking.A mouse glycolipid metabolism disorder model was established,and the results of network pharmacology were verified by in vivo experiments.Results Topological analysis of the PPI network revealed ten core targets,including TNF,CTNNB1,AKT1,NF-κB1,ESR1,FN1,TP53,IL-1β,IL-6,and EGFR.GO functional enrichment analysis showed that these targets were mainly related to signal transduction and transcriptional regulation.KEGG pathway analysis showed that these targets were related to lipid and atherosclerosis pathway.Molecular docking results reported that the core active ingredient of JTTZF has a certain binding affinity with AKT1,FN1,and IL-6.Molecular dynamics simulations revealed good binding ability between lovastatin,coptisine,salvianolic acid B,and AKT1.Animal experiments showed that JTTZF may reduce blood glucose and blood lipid levels and improve glycolipid metabolism disorder by down-regulating the expression of AKT1,TP53,and inflammatory regulators in lipid and atherosclerotic pathway,inhibiting the expression of FN1 and EGFR,and increasing the expression of CTNNB1 and ESR1.Conclusion JTTZF participates in the regulation of lipid and atherosclerotic pathway,and comprehensively regulates glucose and lipid metabolism and improves atherosclerotic lesions,thereby preventing and treating the occurrence and development of glycolipid metabolism disorder and its complications.

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of different obesity indicators for colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in different gender populations.Methods:This observational study was conducted within the Kailuan Study (Registration Number: ChiCTR-TNC-11001489). From July 2006 to October 2007, a total of 101,510 employed and retired individuals underwent health examinations, including gastrointestinal disease screening, hematological tests, and questionnaires, at Kailuan General Hospital and its 10 affiliated hospitals. After excluding those with incomplete data, 93,606 participants were included in this study and divided into male (74 852) and female (18 754) groups. CRC incidence was collected through physical examinations and questionnaires every two years. Each participant's follow-up period began at the time of the questionnaire and ended upon CRC diagnosis, death, or December 31, 2021. Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were quartiled (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4), with Q1 serving as the control group. After adjusting for traditional risk factors such as age, total cholesterol, triglycerides, diabetes, hypertension, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and physical exercise, Cox regression models were used to calculate the correlations between BMI, waist circumference, WHR, WHtR, and CRC incidence in both male and female populations.Results:The age of all patients was (51±12) years, BMI was (25.06±3.49) kg/m 2, waist circumference was (86.94±9.97) cm, hip circumference was (97.30±8.81) cm, WHR was 0.89±0.07, and WHtR was 0.52±0.06.Female participants had significantly lower BMI, waist circumference, WHR, and WHtR compared to males, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The mean follow-up duration for all participants was 15.01 (14.10±2.66) years, during which 718 CRC cases were identified, including 626 males (0.83%) and 92 females (0.49%). Cox proportional hazards models for males showed that CRC risk increased with waist circumference from Q3 (HR=1.43, 95%CI: 1.13-1.79, P=0.003) to Q4 (HR=1.45,95%CI: 1.14-1.82, P=0.002). Similarly, CRC risk increased with WHR from Q3 (HR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.01-1.53, P=0.007) to Q4 (HR=1.43, 95%CI: 1.14-1.79, P=0.002) and with WHtR from Q3 (HR=1.37, 95%CI: 1.08-1.74, P=0.009) to Q4 (HR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.33-2.12, P<0.001). For females, CRC risk increased with waist circumference from Q2 (HR=2.37, 95%CI: 1.20-4.67, P=0.012) to Q3 (HR=2.42, 95%CI: 1.21-4.84, P=0.013) but decreased in Q4 ( HR=2.08, 95%CI: 1.02-4.25, P=0.043). CRC risk increased significantly with WHR from Q2 (HR=2.20, 95%CI: 1.11-4.39, P=0.024) to Q3 (HR=2.89, 95%CI: 1.48-5.67, P=0.002) in females but was not statistically significant in Q4 ( P=0.074). Among females, CRC risk also increased significantly with WHtR in Q2 (HR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.16-4.56, P=0.017) and Q4 (HR=2.64, 95%CI: 1.32-5.29, P=0.006). There were no statistically significant differences in CRC risk associated with BMI in either male or female populations (both P>0.05). Conclusion:Waist circumference, WHR, and WHtR were better predictors of CRC risk than BMI in both male and female populations.

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of different obesity indicators for colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in different gender populations.Methods:This observational study was conducted within the Kailuan Study (Registration Number: ChiCTR-TNC-11001489). From July 2006 to October 2007, a total of 101,510 employed and retired individuals underwent health examinations, including gastrointestinal disease screening, hematological tests, and questionnaires, at Kailuan General Hospital and its 10 affiliated hospitals. After excluding those with incomplete data, 93,606 participants were included in this study and divided into male (74 852) and female (18 754) groups. CRC incidence was collected through physical examinations and questionnaires every two years. Each participant's follow-up period began at the time of the questionnaire and ended upon CRC diagnosis, death, or December 31, 2021. Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were quartiled (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4), with Q1 serving as the control group. After adjusting for traditional risk factors such as age, total cholesterol, triglycerides, diabetes, hypertension, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and physical exercise, Cox regression models were used to calculate the correlations between BMI, waist circumference, WHR, WHtR, and CRC incidence in both male and female populations.Results:The age of all patients was (51±12) years, BMI was (25.06±3.49) kg/m 2, waist circumference was (86.94±9.97) cm, hip circumference was (97.30±8.81) cm, WHR was 0.89±0.07, and WHtR was 0.52±0.06.Female participants had significantly lower BMI, waist circumference, WHR, and WHtR compared to males, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The mean follow-up duration for all participants was 15.01 (14.10±2.66) years, during which 718 CRC cases were identified, including 626 males (0.83%) and 92 females (0.49%). Cox proportional hazards models for males showed that CRC risk increased with waist circumference from Q3 (HR=1.43, 95%CI: 1.13-1.79, P=0.003) to Q4 (HR=1.45,95%CI: 1.14-1.82, P=0.002). Similarly, CRC risk increased with WHR from Q3 (HR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.01-1.53, P=0.007) to Q4 (HR=1.43, 95%CI: 1.14-1.79, P=0.002) and with WHtR from Q3 (HR=1.37, 95%CI: 1.08-1.74, P=0.009) to Q4 (HR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.33-2.12, P<0.001). For females, CRC risk increased with waist circumference from Q2 (HR=2.37, 95%CI: 1.20-4.67, P=0.012) to Q3 (HR=2.42, 95%CI: 1.21-4.84, P=0.013) but decreased in Q4 ( HR=2.08, 95%CI: 1.02-4.25, P=0.043). CRC risk increased significantly with WHR from Q2 (HR=2.20, 95%CI: 1.11-4.39, P=0.024) to Q3 (HR=2.89, 95%CI: 1.48-5.67, P=0.002) in females but was not statistically significant in Q4 ( P=0.074). Among females, CRC risk also increased significantly with WHtR in Q2 (HR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.16-4.56, P=0.017) and Q4 (HR=2.64, 95%CI: 1.32-5.29, P=0.006). There were no statistically significant differences in CRC risk associated with BMI in either male or female populations (both P>0.05). Conclusion:Waist circumference, WHR, and WHtR were better predictors of CRC risk than BMI in both male and female populations.