Association between serum lipids and colorectal polyps: a retrospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: The relationship between serum lipids and colorectal polyps (CP) remains unclear due to inconsistent findings across prior studies. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the relationship between serum lipid levels and CP risk by using real-world clinical data. METHODS: By utilizing retrospective data from a tertiary hospital from 2015 to 2024, multivariate logistic regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and subgroup analyses were performed to assess the association between serum lipids and CP. Additionally, the mediating role of inflammation-related indices in the relationship between serum lipids and CP was examined. RESULTS: Triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were positively associated with CP risk (P < 0.05). RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear dose-response relationship between TG and CP risk (P for overall < 0.001, nonlinear P < 0.05), with a threshold value of 0.93 mmol/L. Significant interaction effects were observed between TG and TC and gender in relation to CP development. Inflammation-related indices mediated the association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and TC with CP risk (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the potential clinical utility of TG and TC as modifiable biomarkers for CP risk. Future prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings and to explore targeted lipid-modifying interventions for high-risk populations.