Journal Article

DKFZ-2025-03012

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Dietary nitrosyl-heme from processed meats and its association with colorectal cancer risk: findings from the EPIC cohort study.

Rizzolo-Brime, L. ; Lujan-Barroso, L. ; Farran-Codina, A. ; Bou, R. ; Nicolas, G. ; Huybrechts, I. ; Lasheras, C. ; Montes, E. M. ; Colorado-Yohar, S. ; Gasque, A. ; Dahm, C. C. ; Bock, N. ; Olsen, A. ; Tjønneland, A. ; Katzke, V.DKFZ* ; le Cornet, C.DKFZ* ; Schulze, M. B. ; Saieva, C. ; Sieri, S. ; De Magistris, M. S. ; Tumino, R. ; Macciotta, A. ; Wareham, N. ; Weiderpass, E. ; Chatziioannou, C. ; Vineis, P. ; Jakszyn, P.

2026
BioMed Central London

Abstract: Processed meat (PM) consumption is an established risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). It has been hypothesized that nitrosyl-heme, formed by the addition of nitrites during meat processing, may enhance the carcinogenic effects of PMs. This study aims to investigate the association between nitrosyl-heme intake and CRC risk within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition(EPIC) study.This prospective study included 367,463 participants(70.3% women) from seven countries from the EPIC-study. Dietary data were collected via baseline questionnaires, and nitrosyl-heme exposure was estimated using biochemical data from 52 Spanish PMs, extrapolated to country-specific items. Sex-specific multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios(HRs) and 95% confidence intervals(CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models.Over a 15-year median follow-up, 5,115 incident CRC cases were identified. Comparing the highest vs. the lowest sex-specific tertile of nitrosyl-heme intake we found no significant association with CRC risk (HRT3vsT1:1.01;95%CI:0.93-1.09). Subgroup analyses by tumor subtype and interactions with lifestyle factors also showed no associations.This study offers insights into nitrosyl-heme exposure in European populations but found no link to CRC risk. Further research is needed to understand nitrosyl-heme's role in CRC.

Keyword(s): Colorectal cancer ; Nitrosyl-heme ; Processed meat

Note: Volume 25, article number 14, (2026) / brief report

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Epidemiologie von Krebs (C020)
2. Krebsepidemiologie (C180)

Research Program(s):

1. 313 - Krebsrisikofaktoren und Prävention (POF4-313) (POF4-313)

Appears in the scientific report 2025

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; ; ; Article Processing Charges ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; DOAJ Seal ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; Fees ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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