An observational study designed to compare colonic cytokine concentrations in lean versus obese individuals

An observational study was performed on 43 individuals undergoing routine screening colonoscopy, some of whom were lean and some who were obese. They had weight, height, and waist-hip ratio measured at the time of colonoscopy and had additional colonic biopsies to measure colonic cytokines.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Caucasian
2. undergoing clinically-indicated screening colonoscopy
3. BMI< or = 25, or 30+

Exclusion Criteria:

1. past history of cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer)
2. a polyposis syndrome
3. any current or chronic inflammatory disease or infection
4. incapable of providing valid informed consent

43 generally healthy adults of both genders undergoing routine screening colonoscopy at Tufts Medical Center