Exploring the nexus: Clinical and physiological correlation between cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer
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Bashir,Mohamad
Murtada,Ali
Jubouri,Matti
Awad,Wael
Williams,Ian
Bailey,Damian M.
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2025
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, traditionally studied as distinct pathologies. However, emerging evidence suggests a significant physiological and molecular overlap between these conditions, indicating that they might share common pathophysiological pathways. The aim of this paper is to explore the interconnected mechanisms linking CRC and CVD to identify shared risk factors, underlying molecular processes and potential avenues for integrated prevention and treatment strategies. The review highlights chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic dysregulation and gut microbiota dysbiosis as central factors contributing to CRC and CVD. Key inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-6, C-reactive protein and tumour necrosis factor-α, are discussed in the context of their dual role in tumour progression and atherogenesis. Additionally, metabolic disorders, including obesity, insulin resistance and hyperlipidaemia, are shown to elevate the risk of both diseases synergistically, with shared pathways involving insulin-like growth factors and endothelial dysfunction. The manuscript also addresses the role of lifestyle and environmental factors, such as diet, physical activity and carcinogen exposure, in modulating the risk for CRC and CVD. Furthermore, it considers the implications of commonly used therapies, such as aspirin and statins, which exhibit cross-benefits in both conditions. In conclusion, understanding the molecular and physiological crosstalk between CRC and CVD provides valuable insight into their co-occurrence and offers opportunities for integrated screening, prevention and management approaches. This unified perspective supports the development of multidisciplinary strategies that could improve patient outcomes and reduce the global burden of these major chronic diseases.
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Experimental Physiology