Association between the TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio as insulin resistance markers and the risk of colorectal cancer

Abstract Background No previous prospective research has explored the association of the TyG (fasting triglyceride-glucose) index and TG/HDL-C ratio as insulin resistance markers with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in the Northern Chinese population. Methods In this prospective cohort study, we included 93,659 cancer-free participants with the measurements of TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio. Participants were divided by the quartiles of the TyG index or TG/HDL-C ratio. The associations of TyG index, TG/HDL-C ratio, and their components with CRC risk were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results During a median follow-up of 13.02 years, 593 incident CRC cases were identified. Compared with the lowest quartile of the TyG index (Q1), the risk of CRC was higher in persons in the third (Q3) and highest quartiles (Q4) of the TyG index, with corresponding multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CI) of 1.36 (1.06, 1.76) and 1.50 (1.19, 1.91), respectively. The elevated risks of CRC incidence were observed in people in the second, third, and highest quartiles of the TG/HDL-C ratio groups, with corresponding multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CI) of 1.33 (1.05, 1.70), 1.36 (1.07, 1.73) and 1.37 (1.07, 1.75), respectively. Conclusions Elevated TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio were associated with a higher risk of developing CRC among adults in Northern China.