Metabolic syndrome risk is associated with higher CRP levels in young adults

Abstract

Research related to chronic disease risk prevalence in young adults is lacking. The Young Adult Health Risk Screening Initiative, begun in 2005, is an ongoing cross‐sectional investigation of chronic disease risk in college‐age adults (18‐24) at the University of New Hampshire. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in relation to C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels was examined in a subset of 88 college‐age men. Fasting glucose, triglycerides, HDL‐C and CRP were measured by fingerstick (Cholestech® LDX). Blood pressure, height, weight, and waist circumference were measured according to standard protocols. MetS criteria include abdominal obesity (waist circum. = 40 in), hypertrigylceridemia (= 150 mg/dl), low HDL‐C (< 40 mg/dl), hypertension (= 130 mm Hg systolic or = 85 mm Hg systolic), and elevated glucose (= 100 mg/dl). Mean CRP levels were 1.3 ± 0.2 mg/L; mean number of MetS criteria was 1.4 ± 0.1. CRP levels were higher among young men with BMI = 25 as compared to those with BMI < 25 (1.6 vs. 0.8 mg/L, p < 0.05). CRP levels were higher among participants with abdominal obesity (1.9 vs. 1.1 mg/L, p < 0.01) and elevated glucose (2.4 vs. 0.8 mg/dl, p < 0.01). After controlling for BMI, recent cold symptoms, and family history of heart disease, CRP levels were positively related to the number of MetS criteria (r2=0.27, p < 0.05). Findings suggest that the inflammatory marker CRP is associated with MetS criteria in young, college‐age men.Supported in part by the UNH Dietetic Internship.Grant Funding SourceNone