Introduction: Seventy percent of colonic polyps are adenomas – benign neoplastic tissue deriving from epithelium with various grades of dysplasia. Metabolic syndrome is discussed as one of the risk factors for development of colonic adenomas.

Aim: To evaluate the relation between metabolic syndrome and prevalence of colonic polyps.

Material and methods: In 2008-2011, 151 patients (aged 50-70 years) from the city of Strzegom were enrolled in a prophylactic programme. Each patient had the following examinations performed: physical examination, abdomen ultrasound, chest X-ray, oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, ECG and laboratory tests. In females mammography and gynaecological examination were performed, and in males prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was evaluated.

Results: The prevalence of adenomas was higher in patients with metabolic syndrome (33.3% vs. 20.6%, p < 0.05). Also higher prevalence of adenomas larger than 10 mm was found in patients with metabolic syndrome. HDL level above 95 mg% and HDL level 45-95 mg% with fulfilled criteria of metabolic syndrome were determined as risk factors of colonic adenoma development.

Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome can be a risk factor for development of colonic adenomas. Adenoma growth can be accelerated in metabolic syndrome. HDL molecules can promote colonic proliferation and formation of adenomas.