Hyperglycemia, hyperadiposity and leukocytosis are independent risk factors for higher serum C‐reactive protein in free‐living adults

Abstract

Chronic inflammation directly influences the development of the chronic diseases. Systemic low‐grade inflammation is defined as two‐ to four‐fold elevations in circulating levels of acute‐phase proteins (e.g. C‐reactive protein; CRP). With the aim to identify the risk factors for elevated CRP levels we evaluated cross‐sectionally 524 adults (55 ± 10 years old; 381 women) for anthropometrics, dietetics, clinical, physical tests and blood analysis. Subjects were assigned in groups normal CRP (G1; <3.0mg/L; n=269), high CRP (G2; 3.0 – 6.0mg/L; n=139) and very high CRP (G3; >6.0mg/dL; n=116). One way ANOVA or Kruskal‐ Wallis tests were used for statistical comparisons. The G3 was discriminated by higher BMI and adiposity (%body fat and waist circumference), higher leukocytes counting, higher values of HOMA‐IR, triglycerides, HDL‐C, uric acid, homocysteine, gamma‐GT and lower VO2max. No associations with dietary intake were found. After successive adjustments for age, gender, BMI, leukocytes and metabolic syndrome or its components, only total body and abdominal fat, leukocytosis (neutrophilia) and hyperglycemia (≥100mg/dL) remained as risk factors (odds ratio) for higher CRP. Thus, body fatness, infection and insulin resistance were independently determinants for higher CRP concentrations. Supported by FUNDAP, CAPES and CNPq.