Background: Epidemiologic data have shown that obesity independently increases
colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. Obesity is an
inflammatory state, and chronic colonic inflammation induces CRC. Objective: We
conducted this proof-of-principle study to seek evidence of obesity-associated colorectal
inflammation and to evaluate effects of diet-induced weight loss. Design: We measured
inflammatory cytokines, gene arrays, and macrophage infiltration in rectosigmoid mucosal …