Abstract
Because elevated circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) and low socio-economic status (SES), have both been implicated in cardiovascular disease development, we investigated whether SES factors associate with and interact with CRP polymorphisms in relation to the phenotype. Included in the study were 1569 black South Africans for whom CRP concentrations, 12 CRP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), cardiovascular health markers, and SES factors were known. None of the investigated SES aspects was found to associate with CRP concentrations when measured individually; however, in adjusted analyses, attaining twelve or more years of formal education resulted in a hypothetically predicted 18.9% lower CRP concentration. We also present the first evidence that active smokers with a C-allele at rs3093068 are at an increased risk of presenting with elevated CRP concentrations. Apart from education level, most SES factors on their own are not associated with the elevated CRP phenotype observed in black South Africans. However, these factors may collectively with other environmental, genetic, and behavioral aspects such as smoking, contribute to the elevated inflammation levels observed in this population. The gene-smoking status interaction in relation to inflammation observed here is of interest and if replicated could be used in at-risk individuals to serve as an additional motivation to quit.
Highlights
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 71.3% of global deaths between 2005 and2015 [1]
After adjusting for Waist circumference (WC), which differed between the genders (p < 0.0001), the difference in C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations observed between men and women, as well as pre- and post-menopausal women, disappeared
Our main findings suggest that CRP concentrations in black South Africans are not associated with individual socio-economic status (SES) factors
Summary
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 71.3% of global deaths between 2005 and2015 [1]. Several CVDs share an inflammatory origin, which is influenced by numerous factors, including anthropometry, level of physical activity, and the genetic background of an individual [3]. One such marker of inflammation, which has been determined to predict future CVD risk, is the cytokine, C-reactive protein (CRP). Elevated levels of this protein, i.e., >3 mg/L, are predictive of future CVD [4,5].
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More From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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