C-reactive Protein Categories Research Articles

The Association of Kidney Function and Inflammatory Biomarkers with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Risk.

One of the mechanisms of ovarian tumorigenesis is through inflammation. Kidney dysfunction is associated with increased inflammation; thus, we assessed its relationship with ovarian cancer risk. In prospectively collected samples, we evaluated the association of kidney function markers and C-reactive protein (CRP) with ovarian cancer risk in the UK Biobank. We used multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate quartiles of serum and urine markers with ovarian cancer risk overall and by histology. We assessed effect modification by CRP (≤3.0, >3.0 mg/L). Among 232,908 women (1,110 ovarian cancer cases diagnosed from 2006-2020), we observed no association between estimated glomerular filtration rate and ovarian cancer risk (Q4 vs. Q1: HR, 1.00; 95% confidence intervals, 0.83-1.22). Potassium was associated with endometrioid (Q4 vs. Q1: 0.33, 0.11-0.98) and clear cell (4.74, 1.39-16.16) tumors. Poor kidney function was associated with a nonsignificant increase in ovarian cancer risk among women with CRP>3.0 mg/L (e.g., uric acid Q4 vs. Q1; 1.23, 0.81-1.86), but not CRP≤3.0 mg/L (0.83, 0.66-1.05). Other associations did not vary across CRP categories. Kidney function was not clearly associated with ovarian cancer risk. Larger studies are needed to evaluate possible histology specific associations. Given the suggestive trend for increased ovarian cancer risk in women with poor kidney function and high CRP, future work is needed, particularly in populations with a high prevalence of inflammatory conditions. This study provided the first evaluation of markers of kidney function in relation to ovarian cancer risk.

Associations among cardiorespiratory fitness, C-reactive protein, and all-cause mortality in men and women.

We examined individual and joint associations among high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), cardiorespiratory fitness (fitness), and mortality in healthy men and women. Between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2016, 30,077 adults (31.3% women) received a comprehensive physical examination. Fitness was determined from maximal treadmill exercise test duration. Participants were categorized as unfit (Quintile 1) and fit (Quintiles 2-5), and by normal (<2 mg/L) and elevated (≥2 mg/L) CRP categories. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for all-cause mortality were computed with Cox regression. During an average of 10.1 years of follow-up, 576 deaths occurred. Following adjustment for age, smoking status, sex, exam year, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride:high-density lipoprotein ratio, and fasting glucose, HR (95% CI) for all-cause mortality were 1.0 (referent) and 1.52 (1.14-2.02) for fit and unfit categories, respectively. Corresponding values for normal and elevated CRP categories were 1.0 and 1.50 (1.20-1.89), respectively. When grouped by fitness and CRP category, there was significantly greater mortality risk in the unfit than the fit category within the elevated CRP category (HR = 1.77 (1.14-2.75)), but not in the normal CRP category (HR = 1.38 (0.96-1.98)). Each 1 metabolic equivalent increment in fitness and 1 mg/L increment in CRP were associated with 10.0% (95% CI: 5.1-14.8%) decreased and 7.3% (95% CI: 2.0%-12.9%) increased mortality hazard, respectively. Compared to the unfit, fit individuals have an attenuated mortality risk within each CRP category. Thus, higher fitness appears to provide some protection against all-cause mortality, particularly among those with elevated levels of inflammation.

Analytical performance of 17 commercially available point-of-care tests for CRP to support patient management at lower levels of the health system.

Accurate and precise point-of-care (POC) testing for C-reactive protein (CRP) can help support healthcare providers in the clinical management of patients. Here, we compared the analytical performance of 17 commercially available POC CRP tests to enable more decentralized use of the tool. The following CRP tests were evaluated. Eight quantitative tests: QuikRead go (Aidian), INCLIX (Sugentech), Spinit (Biosurfit), LS4000 (Lansionbio), GS 1200 (Gensure Biotech), Standard F200 (SD Biosensor), Epithod 616 (DxGen), IFP-3000 (Xincheng Biological); and nine semi-quantitative tests: Actim CRP (ACTIM), NADAL Dipstick (nal von minden), NADAL cassette (nal von minden), ALLTEST Dipstick (Hangzhou Alltest Biotech), ALLTEST Cassette cut-off 10-40-80 (Hangzhou Alltest Biotech), ALLTEST Cassette cut-off 10-30 (Hangzhou Alltest Biotech), Biotest (Hangzhou Biotest Biotech), BTNX Quad Line (BTNX), BTNX Tri Line (BTNX). Stored samples (n = 660) had previously been tested for CRP using Cobas 8000 Modular analyzer (Roche Diagnostics International AG, Rotkreuz, Switzerland (reference standards). CRP values represented the clinically relevant range (10-100 mg/L) and were grouped into four categories (<10 mg/L, 10-40 mg/L or 10-30 mg/L, 40-80 mg/L or 30-80 mg/L, and > 80mg/L) for majority of the semi-quantitative tests. Among the eight quantitative POC tests evaluated, QuikRead go and Spinit exhibited better agreement with the reference method, showing slopes of 0.963 and 0.921, respectively. Semi-quantitative tests with the four categories showed a poor percentage agreement for the intermediate categories and higher percentage agreement for the lower and upper limit categories. Analytical performance varied considerably for the semi-quantitative tests, especially among the different categories of CRP values. Our findings suggest that quantitative tests might represent the best choice for a variety of use cases, as they can be used across a broad range of CRP categories.

Prognostic Impact of Statins on Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease With Elevated C-Reactive Protein Levels

This study aimed to elucidate the prognostic influence of statins in relation to the degree of inflammation at the time of endovascular therapy (EVT) for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). This observational study included patients with PAD who underwent EVT, including 285 statin users and 275 statin non-users. They were assigned into four groups depending on C-reactive protein (CRP) level at the time of EVT: low CRP (<0.1 mg/dL), intermediate-low CRP (0.1-0.3 mg/dL), intermediate-high CRP (0.3-1.0 mg/dL), and high CRP (>1.0 mg/dL). A composite of death and major amputation as the primary endpoint was compared between statin users and non-users in each CRP category. Overall, statin users showed a lower event rate than non-users (log-rank, p=0.02). However, the event rates did not differ significantly between statin users and non-users in the low, intermediate-low, and intermediate-high CRP categories. In the high CRP category, statin users showed a lower event rate than non-users (p=0.002). In this population, multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that statin use was independently associated with the primary endpoint (hazard ratio: 0.28 [95% confidence interval: 0.14-0.55]). Statins may exert favorable prognostic effects in PAD patients with highly elevated CRP levels, but not in those with low-to-moderate CRP levels.

Role of platelet count and indices in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis (NS) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Studies on the role of platelet indices (PIs) are limited. With this, a study was undertaken to evaluate thrombocytopenia and variations in PI in the diagnosis of NS.Methods: This was a prospective study, conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal. Neonates aged <28 days with signs and symptoms of sepsis were included. Those without clinical or laboratory suspicion were excluded. The detailed history was collected and recorded. Physical examination was also recorded; 3 ml blood was collected for blood culture, C-reactive protein (CRP), and PI. Based on the clinical and laboratory findings, neonates were divided into sepsis proven (SP), probable infection, and non-infected categories.Results: A total of 110 were included; 41.8% were SP. The male–female ratio was 1.3. In the <3 CRP category, 32.3% (11) were SP. The majority (32; 36.36%) were 2–7 days aged; Klebsiella pneumoniae (14; 12.73%) was the leading causative agent. Severe thrombocytopenia was diagnosed in 18.2%, and 65% (13) were blood culture-positive. Increased PIs were observed.Conclusion: There was a rise in PI as well as CRP in NS. Hence, this combination can be used in the early diagnosis of NS.

The association between serum high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and acute myocardial infarction in patients with suspected chronic coronary syndrome is modified by body mass index

BackgroundHigher systemic concentrations of cardiac troponins and biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction as well as obesity are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and may share pathophysiological pathways. We sought to explore the association between serum high sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and future acute myocardial infarction (AMI) according to body mass index (BMI) among patients with suspected chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), as well as interactions with C-reactive protein (CRP) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). MethodsA total of 3879 patients with baseline hs-cTnT ≤ 30 ng/L who underwent elective coronary angiography due to chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) were followed to subsequent AMI or end of 2009. Risk associations between hs-cTnT and incident AMI were explored with Cox regression according to BMI categories <25 kg/m 2, 25–30kg/m2 and >30kg/m2 and quartiles of serum CRP and plasma ADMA. ResultsMedian (25 th −75 th percentile) age was 62 (54–69) years and 2773 (77.5%) were men. During median 7.5 (25 th −75 th percentile) (6.9–9.2) years of follow-up, 460 (11.9%) patients experienced an AMI. The risk relationship between hs-cTnT and incident AMI was stronger among patients in the higher vs lower BMI categories, HR 1.087 (1.055–1.119), P for interaction 0.043. A similar interaction was not found in categories of CRP or ADMA. ConclusionThe risk relationship of hs-cTnT with incident AMI was stronger in patients with higher BMI. Our results motivate further studies into potential pathophysiological mechanisms connecting hs-cTnT with increased cardiovascular risk.

Lack of Associations Between C-Reactive Protein and Mood and Anxiety Symptoms in Adolescents.

Introduction: Increased peripheral inflammation has been consistently documented in both adult and pediatric depression. However, elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a nonspecific biomarker for inflammation, have been primarily reported in adults; whether CRP plays a similar role in adolescent depression has not been conclusively established. In our prior work, we identified relationships between CRP and reward neurocircuitry in adolescents with psychiatric symptoms (N = 64) but not with depressive symptoms. Extending this work, we sought to examine CRP across the full range of mood and anxiety symptom severity in a larger, clinically diverse cohort of psychotropic medication-free adolescents and healthy controls (HCs). Methods: Subjects were adolescents (N = 127, age: 15.17 ± 2.19 years, 78 female) with psychiatric symptoms (n = 96, including previous cohort of 64) and HC (n = 31). All completed a semi-structured psychiatric evaluation and dimensional assessments for depression, anxiety, anhedonia, and suicidality. Group-comparison and correlation analyses utilized nonparametric statistics controlled for body mass index, sex, and age at pFWE < 0.05. Results: No group differences were identified in CRP levels between the clinical cohort and HCs. In addition, correlations between CRP and clinical symptomatology were not significant in either the whole sample or the psychiatric group. Conclusions: We found that, unlike in adults, CRP was not associated with depressive symptoms. This suggests that inflammation in pediatric depression is more narrowly delimited at the onset of psychiatric symptoms and may only become systemic with chronicity.

An Evaluation of Inflammatory and Nutritional Status of Breast Cancer Outpatients in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Aim To assess the relationship between nutritional status and inflammatory markers of breast cancer patients, and to identify predictors of malnutrition in these patients. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of 45 patients with breast cancer assessed between January and June 2018. Nutritional status was evaluated by objective and subjective methods. The inflammatory markers and inflammation-based scores evaluated were C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), CRP/albumin ratio, and Albumin/CRP ratio. Results A total of 45 patients were evaluated. Majority of the patients have high levels of both CRP and ESR (73.3% and 86.7% respectively). More than 70% of the patients were well nourished. There was no significant association between CRP (P = 0.067), ESR (P = 0.094) and SGA (Subjective Global Assessment) categories. Albumin (P < 0.001), Albumin/CRP ratio (P = 0.002), CRP/albumin ratio (P = < 0.001), and GPS (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with SGA categories. On multivariate analysis, albumin (P < 0.001), Albumin/CRP ratio (P = 0.004), CRP/albumin ratio (P = 0.009), GPS (P = 0.01), and ECOG (P = 0.009) were the only markers independently related to malnutrition. Conclusion The inflammation-based scores were significantly associated with malnutrition and can be used as biochemical nutritional assessment tools in cancer patients.

Statins bring the prognostic impact only in peripheral artery disease patients with elevated c-reactive proteins -subanalysis from multicenter registry-

Abstract Introduction Recent trials demonstrated favorable effects of statins on the clinical prognosis, partly through anti-inflammatory properties, in patients with coronary artery disease. However, this favorable effect has not been fully verified in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). We hypothesized that statins exert different prognostic effects depending on the degrees of inflammation at the time of endovascular therapy (EVT). Methods This study is a subanalysis from the Toma-Code Registry that is a Japanese prospective cohort of 2,321 consecutive patients with PAD treated by endovascular therapy in hospitals from 2014 to 2016. After the exclusion of patients without information of C-reactive protein (CRP) at the time of index EVT, 2,039 patients including 1,039 statin users and 1,000 statin non-users were ultimately analyzed. The patient enrolled were divided into 4 categories depending on CRP level at the time of EVT; Low-CRP (&amp;lt;0.1 mg/dL), Intermediate-low-CRP (0.1–0.3 mg/dL), Intermediate-High-CRP (0.3–1.0 mg/dL), and High-CRP (&amp;gt;1.0 mg/dL). A composite of death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and major amputation as the primary endpoint of this study was compared between statin users and non-users in each CRP category. Results The composite endpoint occurred in 255 patients during the observation period. Overall, statin users had a significantly lower event rate than non-users (Log-rank test: P&amp;lt;0.001). However, there were no significant difference in the event rates between statin users and non-users in the Low-, and Intermediate-Low-CRP categories. Only in the Intermediate-High- and the High-CRP categories, statin users showed a significantly lower event rates than non-users (P=0.02 and P=0.008, respectively, Figures). Additionally, multivariate Cox regression analysis in the High-CRP group revealed that statin use was independently associated with the primary endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.67 [95% confidence interval: 0.45–0.99]), even after the adjustment of covariants. Conclusion Statins may exert a favorable prognostic effect in PAD patients with highly elevated CRP, but not in those with low to moderate CRP level. Event free survival Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Gender differences in C–Reactive Protein, Screen Use, and All-Cause Mortality in U.S. Adults: NHANES 2003-2006

Background: Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and increased screen use are independently associated with increased mortality risk. However, few studies have examined the gender differences in this relationship. Purpose: Examine the gender differences in the individual and combined contributions of elevated CRP (>3 to 10mg/L) and increased screen use (≥ 4hours/day) on all-cause mortality in a large nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Methods: Study sample (n=6,516) included adult (20-79 years of age) participants in the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Four categories of CRP and screen use were created: category 1 (normal CRP and screen use), category 2 (elevated CRP and normal screen use), category 3 (normal CRP and increased screen use), category 4 (elevated CRP and increased screen use). Analyses were stratified according to gender and mortality was defined as death from any cause. Results: Following adjustments for age, race, education, smoking, waist circumference, cardiovascular disease, and total physical activity volume, significantly higher risk for all-cause mortality was revealed for category 4 in females (Hazard Ratio 1.84; 95% Confidence Interval 1.11-3.04, p=0.02) when compared to category 1. No significant increases in mortality risk were found for males. Conclusion: This study is the first to examine CRP, screen use, and all-cause mortality risk according to gender in a large nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. In women, having both elevated CRP and increased screen use is associated with greater mortality risk.

Low or no CRP at the point of admission to a medical admissions unit is associated with a low rate of 48-hour antimicrobial review amongst patients prescribed antibiotics

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance is rising and multi-resistant organisms are readily being identified; therefore fear of mortality rates rising due to infection is becoming a genuine prospect. We sought to measure clinical review post antimicrobial prescription in two acute hospitals in Wales to establish whether review is undertaken at 48-hours and whether likelihood of clinical review taking place depends on C reactive protein (CRP) levels on admission. Methods: An audit across two hospitals in South Wales assessing compliance of antimicrobial review as recommended by NICE guidelines was undertaken over a three week period. In addition, univariate odds ratios for 48-hour referral stratified by CRP test results (excluding patients with no CRP test) were calculated in a logistic regression model using the high CRP group as the referent. Following initial results intervention (education and prompt stickers) were introduced to prompt 48-hour review. Results: 139 patients were included in the pre-intervention audit from both sites. 53% were reviewed at 48 hours. Initial interventions demonstrated an improvement in compliance in all CRP categories. In the logistic regression analysis setting the highest CRP group (CRP &lt;=100) as referent showed that the likelihood of a 48 hour review was lower in patients with lower CRP test results, or no CRP test than those with a CRP of &gt;=100. Conclusion: Patients with low or no CRP on admission are less likely to have their antimicrobial prescriptions reviewed when compared 48 hours. Intervention should continue to be sought to raise awareness of this.

Relation between mean platelet volume and C-reactive protein

Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a measure of platelet activation, and C-reactive protein (CRP) is an established marker of inflammation. Studies on the correlation between MPV and CRP have produced ambiguous results. We undertook a population study with the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (2005-2010) to investigate the relationship between CRP and MPV. CRP was analyzed both as a continuous variable and as a categorical variable (low, intermediate, or high). Multivariate ordinary least squares regression analysis was used to predict the association. Statistical analyses were performed with Stata MP 15.1. In 16,329 participants, mean MPV was 7.9 fL (standard deviation 0.87). Overall mean CRP in the population was 0.4 mg/dL (standard deviation 0.78). In adjusted regression models with CRP as a continuous measure, individuals with high CRP had significantly lower MPV (b = −0.04; standard error 0.01; 95% confidence interval −0.06 to −0.01; P = 0.002). In adjusted regression models using CRP categories, participants with high CRP (>3 mg/dL) had significantly lower MPV compared with the low CRP group (b = −0.20; standard error 0.09; 95% confidence interval −0.38 to −0.01; P = 0.035). Our study revealed a significant inverse correlation between MPV and CRP in NHANES participants.

C-reactive protein and stroke risk in blacks and whites: The REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke cohort

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory biomarker used in vascular risk prediction, though with less data in people of color. Blacks have higher stroke incidence and also higher CRP than whites. We studied the association of CRP with ischemic stroke risk in blacks and whites. REGARDS, an observational cohort study, recruited and followed 30,239 black and white Americans 45 years and older for ischemic stroke. We calculated hazard ratios and 95% CIs of ischemic stroke by CRP category (<1, 1-3, 3-10, and ≥10 mg/L) adjusted for age, sex and stroke risk factors. There were 292 incident ischemic strokes among blacks and 439 in whites over 6.9 years of follow-up. In whites, the risk was elevated for CRP in the range from 3 to 10 mg/L and even higher for CRP >10 mg/L, whereas in blacks, an association was only seen for CRP >10 mg/L. Considered as a continuous variable, the risk factor-adjusted hazard ratios per SD higher lnCRP were 1.18 (95% CI 1.09-1.28) overall, 1.14 (95% CI 1.00-1.29) in blacks, and 1.22 (95% CI 1.10-1.35) in whites. Spline regression analysis visually confirmed the race difference in the association. CRP may not be equally useful in stroke risk assessment in blacks and whites. Confirmation, similar study for coronary heart disease, and identification of reasons for these racial differences require further study.

Low Cruciferous Vegetable Intake is Associated with Elevated Inflammation in Preadolescent Girls

Subclinical chronic inflammation, measured by C-reactive protein (CRP), is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults. CRP has been shown to be elevated in some children and is considered a potential risk factor for early onset CVD. Strategies to reduce chronic inflammation among children is paramount. In adults, higher cruciferous vegetable intake has been associated with lower inflammation. PURPOSE: To examine the relation between cruciferous vegetable intake and CRP among preadolescent girls. METHODS: Among girls aged 9-12 yrs (N=296), cruciferous vegetable intake was measured by the Youth/Adolescent Questionnaire and categorized as >0-0.25, 0.26-0.50, >0.50 servings per day. Fasting serum CRP (mg/L) was measured by the Beckman Coulter AU5812 Clinical Chemistry Analyzer. Girls with CRP values >10mg/L were excluded. CRP levels were categorized by normal, moderately increased risk, and high risk for CVD according adult cut-offs (CRP <1, ≥1-3, >3 mg/L). Multinomial logistic regression with covariates of BMI percentile, maturation, and physical activity was used to evaluate CRP category relation with cruciferous vegetable intake. RESULTS: Mean age, BMI, and CRP levels were 10.8±1.1 yrs, 20.7±5.1 kg/m2, and 1.3±1.8 mg/dl, respectively. The proportion of girls in the normal, moderate, and high risk CRP categories were (N/%): 218 (69.2%), 50 (15.9%), 47 (14.9%). Average cruciferous vegetable intake was 0.27±0.3 servings/day. Low cruciferous vegetable intake (>0-0.25 servings/day) was significantly associated with a CRP level of 1-3mg/L (RRR=3.5, 95% CI 1.1-11.3; P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Cruciferous vegetable intake among girls aged 9-12 years was low overall. The lowest intake was associated with the CRP risk category considered to confer a moderately elevated risk of CVD among adults. Enrichment of the diet with cruciferous vegetables is an intervention strategy that should be tested in girls to reduce inflammation and CVD risk early, regardless of BMI status. Supported by National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (HD074565) and the National Cancer Institute (P30CA023074)

C-reactive protein for predicting all-cause mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis.

Studies on the association of C-reactive protein (CRP) with all-cause mortality in acute ischemic stroke patients have yielded conflicting results. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the prognostic value of CRP elevation in predicting all-cause mortality amongst patients with acute ischemic stroke. We searched the original observational studies that evaluated the association of CRP elevation with all-cause mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke using PubMed and Embase databases until 20 January 2018. Pooled multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of all-cause mortality was obtained for the highest compared with the lowest CRP level or per unit increment CRP level. A total of 3604 patients with acute ischemic stroke from eight studies were identified. Acute ischemic stroke patients with the highest CRP level were independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.60–2.68) compared with the lowest CRP category. The pooled HR of all-cause mortality was 2.40 (95% CI: 1.10–5.21) for per unit increase in log-transformed CRP. Elevated circulating CRP level is associated with the increased risk of all-cause mortality in acute ischemic stroke patients. This meta-analysis supports the routine use of CRP for the death risk stratification in such patients.

C-reactive Protein in HPV-Positive and HPV-Negative Oropharyngeal Cancer.

Evaluate serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharynx cancer as compared with HPV-negative oropharynx cancer and determine if CRP levels were associated with overall survival and/or recurrence-free survival. Prospective cohort study. Tertiary care academic cancer center between 2007 and 2010. Among patients with oropharynx cancer and confirmed HPV status, plasma CRP levels were measured with a high-sensitivity ELISA kit. Multivariable logistic regression analysis compared 4 categories of CRP (low, moderate, high, very high) between the HPV-positive and HPV-negative groups. Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression models were used to determine overall survival and recurrence-free survival by CRP level in both populations. Between 113 HPV-positive and 110 HPV-negative patients, CRP levels were significantly higher in the HPV-positive group, but these levels did not demonstrate a statistically significant dose-response trend. Higher CRP levels were also associated with reduced overall survival ( P = .016) and recurrence-free survival ( P < .001) within the HPV-negative group in univariable analysis; in multivariate analysis, the comparisons were not significantly different. Within HPV-positive oropharynx cancer, CRP levels were not significantly associated with overall survival or recurrence-free survival in univariable or multivariable analyses. Circulating CRP was higher in HPV-positive versus HPV-negative oropharynx cancer. Among HPV-negative patients, higher CRP levels were associated with reduced survival.

Novel Association of High C-Reactive Protein Levels and A69S at Risk Alleles in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Women.

To explore the relationship between plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, the main ARMS2 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and gender in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). Our study included 131 patients with wetAMD [age-related eye disease study (AREDS) category 4] and 153 control participants (AREDS category 1) from two Spanish retinal units. CRP levels were determined on blood samples by high-sensitivity ELISA assay. According to their CRP level, subjects were categorized into three well-established CRP categories: low (<1.00 mg/L, L-CRP), moderate (1-2.99 mg/L, M-CRP), and high (>3.00 mg/L, H-CRP). Genomic DNA was extracted from oral swabs using QIAcube (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) and the A69S; rs10490924 of ARMS2 gene was genotyped by allelic discrimination with validated TaqMan assays (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age was used to analyze the genomic frequencies and to calculate odds ratio (OR) using SNPStats software. Considering CRP risk categories, H-CRP group showed a significant [OR 4.0 (1.9-8.3)] association with wetAMD compared to L-CRP group. The risk genotypes of A69S (TT) SNPs showed an association with wetAMD risk [OR 14.0 (4.8-40.8)]. Interestingly, the gender stratification of the CRP categories showed a significant increase in CRP levels in wetAMD women compared with control women [OR 6.9 (2.2-22.3)] and with wetAMD men [OR 4.6 (1.3-16.9)]. In addition, the subgroup analysis of CRP within A69S genotype and gender showed a link in women between the A69S and CRP levels in the AMD group compared to controls [OR 4.2 (1.4-12.6)]. Our study shows, for the first time, that a different genetic association related with gender could contribute to AMD risk. As a consequence, the risk of female gender in the different CRP levels and A69S SNP frequencies could be taken into consideration to the established risk relationship of high levels of CRP and its association with risk A69S genotype.

Acute stress disorder and C-reactive protein in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Background Myocardial infarction-triggered acute stress disorder (ASD) and subclinical inflammation associate with the development of posttraumatic stress disorder, and worsen the prognosis of myocardial infarction patients. We examined the relationship between ASD severity and C-reactive protein levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Methods We assessed 190 patients (median age 59 years; 83% men) with a verified myocardial infarction within 48 h of an acute coronary intervention. Circulating levels of C-reactive protein were categorized according to their prognostic risk for cardiovascular disease: 0 to <5, 5 to <10, 10 to <20, and ≥ 20 mg/l. Patients completed the ASD-Scale (ASDS) for myocardial infarction-triggered symptoms and questionnaires for demographic factors, health behaviours, cardiac-related variables and psychosocial characteristics. Results The ASDS sum score was positively associated with C-reactive protein categories in the bivariate analysis ( r = 0.20, p < 0.01). Significant relationships with C-reactive protein also emerged for dissociation ( r = 0.25, p < 0.001) and avoidance ( r = 0.19, p < 0.01), but not for arousal and re-experiencing. Similarly, C-reactive protein levels ≥ 20 mg/l versus < 20 mg/l were predicted by the ASDS sum score, and the dissociation, avoidance and arousal subscores (all p-values < 0.05) in the fully adjusted binary regression analyses. C-reactive protein levels ≥ 20 mg/l were also independently predicted by male gender, body mass index, lower education, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction and higher white blood cell count. Conclusions Higher levels of myocardial infarction-triggered ASD symptoms associate with a greater inflammatory response in patients with acute myocardial infarction independently of important covariates. The findings suggest a link between myocardial infarction-triggered ASD symptoms and a heightened acute phase response with a potential impact on cardiovascular disease prognosis.

C‐reactive protein, obesity, and the risk of arterial and venous thrombosis

Essentials We performed repeated measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP) and obesity in a cohort study. CRP was associated with risk of myocardial infarction and venous thromboembolism. CRP was a mediator for risk of myocardial infarction in obese men and women. CRP was a partial mediator for risk of venous thromboembolism in obese women, but not in men. Background Low-grade inflammation in obesity may be a shared pathway for the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and myocardial infarction (MI). Objectives To investigate the associations between repeated measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the risks of MI and VTE, and to explore whether CRP mediated these risks in obese subjects. Methods CRP and obesity measures were collected from 15 134 subjects who participated in one or more surveys of the Tromsø study in 1994-1995, 2001-2002, or 2007-2008. Incident VTEs and MIs were registered until 1 January 2011. Time-varying Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios of MI and VTE according to categories of CRP and obesity measures. Results There were 291 VTEs and 920 MIs during follow-up. High levels of CRP (≥ 3 mg L(-1) versus < 1 mg L(-1) ) were associated with increased risks of MI (hazard ratio [HR] 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-2.26) and VTE (HR 1.84; 95% CI 1.22-2.78) in women, but only with MI in men (HR 1.93; 95% CI 1.53-2.44). All obesity measures showed stronger associations with CRP in women than in men. In obese women (body mass index [BMI] of ≥ 30 kg m(-2) versus < 25 kg m(-2) ), adjustment for CRP attenuated the risk estimate for VTE by 22%, whereas the incidence rates of VTE increased with combined categories of higher BMI and CRP. No association was found in men. Conclusions Our findings suggest that low-grade inflammation, assessed by measurement of CRP, is associated with the risks of MI and VTE, and may be a shared pathway for MI and VTE in obesity.

Associations of C-Reactive Protein, Granulocytes and Granulocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio with Mortality from Breast Cancer in Non-Institutionalized American Women.

Inflammation may play a role in breast cancer, but evidence in the general population is lacking. We investigated the association between serum inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), absolute granulocyte count (AGC) and granulocyte-to-lymphocyte (G/L) ratio) and breast cancer (BCa) mortality in American women while accounting for adiposity. From the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) we selected all women aged 20+ without any known history of cancer (n = 7,780). Multivariable Cox regression models were used to assess CRP, AGC and G/L ratio in relation to mortality from BCa, all cancer, cardiovascular disease and all causes. Stratification analyses by body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were performed to investigate the effect of adiposity on this association. During a mean follow-up of 167 months, 44 women died from BCa. After adjustments for BMI and waist circumference, only G/L ratio was associated to risk of BCa death (e.g. HR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.36–4.06 for the 3rd compared to the 1st tertile, Ptrend = 0.01). Except for a borderline interaction between CRP categories and obesity by BMI, no statistically significant interaction between markers and categories of BMI or waist circumference was observed. All three markers were associated with mortality from cardiovascular disease and all causes. Our findings support a role of inflammation in BCa mortality which may involve mechanisms apart from obesity, and potential usefulness of GLR as a marker in assessing inflammation and cancer.