C-reactive Protein In Adults Research Articles

Grandparents' educational attainment is associated with grandchildren's epigenetic-based age acceleration in the National Growth and Health Study

We examined three generations (grandparents, mothers, and grandchildren) to assess the association between grandparents' educational attainment and their grandchildren's epigenetic-based age acceleration and whether the association was mediated by parental educational attainment and mothers' life course health-related factors. Mothers were recruited to the NHLBI Growth and Health Study at 9–10 years and followed for 10 years (1987–1998). Mothers were then re-contacted three decades later (ages 37–42) to participate in the National Growth and Health Study (NGHS), and health information from their youngest child (i.e., grandchildren; N = 241, ages 2–17) was collected, including their saliva samples to calculate epigenetic age. Five epigenetic-based age acceleration measures were included in this analysis, including four epigenetic clock age accelerations (Horvath, Hannum, GrimAge, and PhenoAge) and DunedinPACE. Grandparents reported their highest education during the initial enrollment interviews. Parental educational attainment and mothers' life course health-related factors (childhood BMI trajectories, adult cardiovascular health behavioral risk score, and adult c-reactive protein) are included as mediators. Grandparents' education was significantly associated with Horvath age acceleration (b = −0.32, SE = 0.14, p = 0.021). Grandchildren with college-degree grandparents showed significantly slower Horvath age accelerations than those without college degrees. This association was partially mediated by parental education and mothers' health-related factors, especially adult cardiovascular health behavioral risk score and CRP, but not mothers' childhood BMI trajectory. This ability to conserve the speed of biological aging may have considerable consequences in shaping health trajectories across the lifespan.

Factors associated with normal leukocyte count and C-reactive protein in adults with acute appendicitis: a retrospective cohort study

To identify the factors associated with normal leukocyte count and C-reactive protein (CRP) in adults with acute appendicitis. A retrospective cohort study included patients aged 18-60 years after surgeries for acute appendicitis. Convenience sampling was used to select medical records, and variables such as age, sex, weight, height, origin, self-medication, diabetes (DM2), high blood pressure (HBP), type of appendicitis, duration of illness, preoperative time, type of appendectomy, operative time, and hospital stay were analyzed. Patients were categorized into those with normal and abnormal inflammatory parameters. The SPSS version 28 software was used for analysis. We included 333 patients; 11.11% ones had normal inflammatory parameters. Both groups had mean age of approximately 33 years. Men comprised 56.76% and 57.43%in both groups, respectively. The abnormal group had shorter mean preoperative time, and catarrhal appendicitis was more common in the normal group. Multivariate analysis revealed that rural origin and self-medication were significantly associated with normal inflammatory parameters. The prevalence of normal inflammatory parameters in acute appendicitis patients was 11.11%. Rural origin, self-medication, shorter preoperative time, and catarrhal appendicitis were significantly associated with normal inflammatory parameters in this context.

Higher ultra-processed food intake was positively associated with odds of NAFLD in both US adolescents and adults: A national survey.

The effect of ultra-processed foods (UPF) on NAFLD remains unclear. Related evidence for adult NAFLD is limited and no study has yet evaluated UPF's impact on NAFLD in adolescence. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017-2018) with 806 adolescents and 2734 adults. UPF intake was estimated using dietary data from two 24-hour dietary recalls. NAFLD was defined by transient elastography. Logistic regression was used to estimate the multivariable OR and 95% CI for associations between UPF and NAFLD with survey weight adjustments. The mean UPF intake was 812g/d in adolescents and 823g/d in adults. A total of 12.4% of the adolescents and 35.6% of the adults had NAFLD. Higher UPF intake was associated with higher odds of NAFLD in both adolescents (OR Quintile 5 vs. Quartile 1 = 2.34, 95% CI, 1.01, 5.41; ptrend = 0.15) and adults (OR Quintile 5 vs. Quintile 1 = 1.72, 95% CI, 1.01, 2.93; ptrend = 0.002). In adults, ~68% and 71% of the association between UPF intake and NAFLD was mediated by body mass index and waist circumference (all p-values < 0.001), respectively. The results were similar for adolescents but not statistically significant. A higher UPF intake was associated with lower levels of serum albumin and higher levels of C-reactive protein in adults. Higher UPF intake was linked to higher NAFLD odds in both adolescents and adults, mainly because of elevated body fatness. If confirmed, reducing UPF intake may help prevent NAFLD in both adolescents and adults.

The Impact of Longitudinal Patterns of Adolescent Sleep Duration on Adult C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Waist-To-Height Ratio, and Body Mass Index (BMI) Among Black and White Individuals

PurposeTo assess the impact of longitudinal adolescent sleep duration on adult C-reactive protein (CRP), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), and body mass index (BMI) by race. MethodsParticipants (N = 2,399; Mage = 15.7; 40.2% male; 79.2% White, 20.8% Black; Grades 7-12 at Wave I) from the Add Health database provided self-reported sleep duration in Waves I-IV.During Wave V, CRP, WtHR, and BMI were objectively measured. Trajectory analysis was performed using a group-based modeling approach. Chi-square test determined racial differences between groups. General linear models determined relationships between trajectory group, race, and group/race interaction with Wave V CRP, WtHR, and BMI. ResultsThree sleep trajectories emerged: Group 1 “shortest” (24.4%), Group 2 “stable recommended” (67.6%), and Group 3 “varied” (8%). Black individuals and older individuals were more likely to be in Group 1 compared with Group 2. Regardless of race, individuals with patterns of sleep duration increasing to above what is recommended across waves (Group 3) had elevated CRP. Individuals with stable patterns of adequate sleep (Group 2) had lower WtHR. Black individuals with consistently stable patterns of adequate sleep duration had lower BMI compared to those with low sleep duration. DiscussionBlack individuals were more likely to obtain chronically short sleep during the transition from adolescence to adulthood, highlighting a significant health disparity. Poor longitudinal sleep predicted elevated CRP and WtHR. Sleep only impacted BMI for Black individuals. This may relate to racial differences in BMI measurement.

Effects of once-weekly semaglutide 2.4mg on C-reactive protein in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1, 2, and 3): Exploratory analyses of three randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trials.

Inflammation is a key driver of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. C-reactive protein (CRP), an established biomarker of inflammation, is commonly elevated in people with overweight/obesity. STEP 1, 2, and 3 were 68-week, placebo-controlled trials of semaglutide for weight management in participants with overweight/obesity, with (STEP 2) or without (STEP 1 and 3) type 2 diabetes. Change in serum CRP from baseline to week 68 was assessed as a prespecified secondary endpoint for semaglutide 2.4mg versus placebo (STEP 1, 2, and 3) and versus semaglutide 1.0mg (STEP 2). Post hoc assessments included change in CRP by baseline characteristics (bodyweight, body mass index [BMI], glycaemic status, CRP concentration); change in CRP-defined cardiovascular risk category (<1 [low], 1-3 [intermediate], and >3mg/L [high]); and correlation between change in CRP and change in bodyweight, waist circumference, fasting serum insulin (STEP1 and 3), fasting plasma glucose, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The trials took place from June through November 2018 (STEP 1 and 2) and from August 2018 to April 2020 (STEP 3). In all trials, semaglutide 2.4mg reduced CRP at week 68 versus placebo (estimated treatment difference [ETD; 95% CI]-44% [-49 to-39] in STEP 1, -39% [-46 to-30] in STEP 2, and -48% [-55 to-39] in STEP 3; all p<0.05). In STEP 2, CRP reductions were greater with semaglutide 2.4mg (-49%) than with 1.0mg (-42%) but the difference did not reach statistical significance (ETD [95% CI]-12% [-23 to 1]; p=0.06). Reductions in CRP occurred in parallel with bodyweight loss and were consistent regardless of baseline BMI/bodyweight/glycaemic status. More semaglutide-treated participants had reductions in CRP-defined cardiovascular risk versus those on placebo. Reductions in CRP were positively correlated with reductions in bodyweight, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, fasting serum insulin, and HOMA-IR (data not shown). In people with overweight/obesity, once-weekly semaglutide 2.4mg and 1.0mg reduced CRP concentration irrespective of baseline BMI/bodyweight/glycaemic status compared with placebo. These data suggest a potential anti-inflammatory role of semaglutide in obesity. Novo Nordisk.

The Long Arm of childhood hypothesis and systematic low-grade inflammation: Evidence from parental education of older European adults

Childhood SES has been extensively studied as a predictor for health outcomes in adulthood, though the direct mechanisms remain unclear. The Long Arm of Childhood Model hypothesizes that this process is a chain of events, moderated by numerous factors such as family economic status and environment, health behaviors, as well as biological processes. We expand on this model with objective measures of health in older age, namely C-reactive protein (CRP), as chronic low grade inflammation, which has been found to be connected to both childhood SES as well as a number of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. Using life history data from SHARE, as well as a novel dried blood spot dataset, we explore the protective role of parent education on the blood level of C-reactive protein in adulthood. Estimating a stepwise linear regression model, we find evidence that years of parental education are negatively associated with CRP in adulthood, with a one-year increase in mother's (father's) years of education decreasing adult CRP by 1.8% (1.1%). Using a modified Sobel test, we measure both the direct and indirect effects, estimating the extent in which later-life mediators significantly alter the relationship between parental education and CRP. While father's education is completely mediated by individual factors such as respondent's education, employment, and health behavior – we observe a lasting association from mother's education, suggesting a direct link between mother's education and CRP in adulthood.

Associations of childhood adiposity with adult intima-media thickness and inflammation: a 20-year longitudinal population-based cohort.

The associations between childhood adiposity and adult increased carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) have been well established, which might be corroborated by the association between adiposity in children and inflammation in adults. However, longitudinal data regarding biological pathways associated with childhood adiposity are lacking. The current study included participants from the STANISLAS cohort who had adiposity measurements at age 5-18 years [ N = 519, mean (SD) age, 13.0 (2.9) years; 46.4% male], and who were measured with cIMT, vascular-related and metabolic-related proteins at a median follow-up of 19 ± 2 years. BMI, waist-to-height ratio and waist circumference were converted to age-specific and sex-specific z -scores. A minority of children were overweight/obese (16.2% overweight-BMI z -score >1; 1.3% obesity- z -score >2). Higher BMI, waist-height ratio and waist circumference in children were significantly associated with greater adult cIMT in univariable analysis, although not after adjusting for C-reactive protein. These associations were more pronounced in those with consistently high adiposity status from childhood to middle adulthood. Participants with higher adiposity during childhood (BMI or waist-height ratio) had higher levels of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1, protein-2, matrix metalloproteinase-3, osteopontin, hemoglobin and C-reactive protein in adulthood. Network analysis showed that IL-6, insulin-like growth factor-1 and fibronectin were the key proteins associated with childhood adiposity. In a population-based cohort followed for 20 years, higher BMI or waist-to-height ratio in childhood was significantly associated with greater cIMT and enhanced levels of proteins reflective of inflammation, supporting the importance of inflammation as progressive atherosclerosis in childhood adiposity.

GRANDPARENTS’ EDUCATION IS ASSOCIATED WITH GRANDCHILDREN’S EPIGENETIC AGE IN THE NGHS STUDY

Abstract We leveraged information solicited from three generations (grandparents, mothers, and grandchildren) to examine the association between mothers’ childhood SES (based on grandparents’ educational attainment) and their children’s epigenetic age and whether the association was mediated by mothers’ life course socioeconomic and health-related factors. Mothers were recruited to the NHLBI Growth and Health Study when they were 9 or 10 and followed for ten consecutive years (1987-1998). Grandparents reported their highest education during the baseline interviews. Mothers were then re-contacted three decades later (ages 37-42) to participate in the National Growth and Health Study (NGHS), and health information of their youngest children (i.e., grandchildren; N = 241, ages 2-17) were collected, including their saliva samples to calculate epigenetic age. Two epigenetic ages were estimated (Horvath and Hannum), and DNA methylation age accelerations (DNAmAAs) were calculated using residuals from regressing chronologic age on each epigenetic age metrics. Mothers’ life course socioeconomic and health-related mediators included childhood BMI trajectories (from age 9 to 19), highest education level, adult health behavior, and adult c-reactive protein (CRP). Adjusted for age and sex, grandchildren with college degree grandparents showed significantly slower Horvath’s DNAmAA than those with no college degree. The association between grandparent’s education level and grandchildren’s DNAmAA was partially mediated by mothers’ life course socioeconomic and health-related factors, especially mothers’ education, health behavior, and CRP. Grandparents’ educational attainment is a critical socioeconomic context of mothers’ early rearing, and it might have a long-lasting impact on their grandchildren’s epigenetic marker.

Effect of two different fibre supplements on blood pressure, arterial stiffness and C-reactive protein in adults with overweight and obesity consumed over 12 months, in a randomised controlled trial

Adequate fibre consumption is associated with reduced risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. This study examined the effects of supplementation with PolyGlycopleX® (PGX®), a complex of 3 polysaccharides (fibre product), on blood pressure, arterial stiffness and C-reactive protein in overweight and obese participants. In this double-blind 12-month trial, participants were randomised into three groups: control (CTR; rice flour); PGX or a proprietary psyllium product (PSY). Participants added the 5 g supplements to their habitual diet and lifestyle, three times daily before meals. Between-groups analysis shows that systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the PGX group at 3 months compared to CTR; stiffness index in the PGX group was significantly lower at 3 months compared to CTR. Within-group analysis shows systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as arterial stiffness, to be significantly lower in the PGX group at 3 months compared to baseline. While fibre supplementation may be an effective strategy to reduce chronic disease risk factors without the need for other dietary modifications, the present study suggests that more clinical trials with PGX are needed to clarify whether supplementing the with this product will reduce inflammation and improve vascular health in overweight and obese individuals. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12611000415909. Registered 20 April 2011.

Effects of Subtypes of Child Maltreatment on CRP in Adulthood.

In order to evaluate the effects of specific forms of childhood maltreatment (CM) upon adult C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, and to further describe the potentially confounding role that recent life stress and depression hold in that relationship, 221 participants from rural Australia (M age = 44yr, SD = 17.8yr) completed self-report questionnaires and provided a blood sample. There were no sex differences in any variables across the 91 males and 130 females, but depression status did confound the association between global CM and CRP. The specific aspect of CM was identified as physical and mental health abuse, and this was significantly associated with CRP level in participants with depressive symptoms and those without. There was no significant confound from recent life stressors. Results hold implications for the diagnosis of CM-related CRP elevation and (potentially) depression.

Diagnostic test accuracy of serum procalcitonin compared with C-reactive protein for bone and joint infection in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of this review was to synthesize the best available evidence for the diagnostic test accuracy of serum procalcitonin compared with serum C-reactive protein for suspected osteomyelitis and septic arthritis in hospitalized children and adolescents. Measurement of serum C-reactive protein remains a routine investigation for the diagnosis of osteoarticular infection in children and adolescents. Measurement of serum procalcitonin has been shown to outperform C-reactive protein in adults with osteomyelitis and septic arthritis. Before procalcitonin can be considered as a potential replacement or add-on test in children and adolescents, a systematic review and meta-analysis targeting this population should be conducted. Original studies reporting the diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin and/or C-reactive protein in children and adolescents between one month and 18 years of age admitted to hospital with suspected osteoarticular infection were included. Studies must have compared the index test to at least one reference test. Reference test was defined as positive culture or polymerase chain reaction confirmation of a pathogen from blood, bone biopsy, or joint fluid aspirate in combination with at least two of the following: i) purulent material from sterile site, ii) positive radiological findings consistent with osteoarticular infection, and ii) symptoms and signs consistent with osteomyelitis and/or septic arthritis. The JBI methodology for systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy was followed. Information was sourced from four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science) and four gray literature sources (MedNar, OpenGrey, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses). Only studies published in English were considered. The methodological quality of selected studies was formally evaluated, sensitivity and specificity data were extracted, and 95% confidence intervals determined. Meta-analysis was performed to estimate summary points using a bivariate model and to generate a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curve with global measures of test accuracy performance, such as likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio. A narrative was provided where meta-analysis was not appropriate. Eight studies were included in the review. Four of these studies used a common C-reactive protein test threshold of 20 mg/L. At this threshold, the estimated pooled sensitivity of C-reactive protein was 0.86 (0.68-0.96) and the pooled specificity was 0.9 (0.83-0.94). Using a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic model from six studies, the diagnostic odds ratio for C-reactive protein was estimated to be 39.4 (14.8-104.9) with a positive likelihood ratio 5.3 (2.3-11.9) and a negative likelihood ratio 0.1 (0.07-0.2). There were insufficient studies from this review to statistically evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin. Clinicians should continue to measure serum C-reactive protein as the preferred inflammatory marker in hospitalized children and adolescents with suspected osteomyelitis or septic arthritis. More evidence is needed before incorporating procalcitonin routinely into clinicians' diagnostic test strategy. Improvements with the design, quality, and reporting of procalcitonin diagnostic test assays in children and adolescents with osteoarticular infection is needed. PROSPERO CRD42019140276.

The association of child maltreatment and systemic inflammation in adulthood: A systematic review.

IntroductionChild maltreatment (CM) is associated with mental and physical health disorders in adulthood. Some studies have identified elevated markers of systemic inflammation in adult survivors of CM, and inflammation may mediate the association between CM and later health problems. However, there are methodological inconsistencies in studies of the association between CM and systemic inflammation and findings are conflicting. We performed a systematic review to examine the association of CM with systemic inflammation in adults.MethodsA pre-registered systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Medline, Embase, Scopus and PsychInfo were searched for studies of the association of CM with blood markers of inflammation in adults. Quality was assessed using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool. We had intended to perform a meta-analysis, but this was not possible due to variation in study design and reporting.ResultsForty-four articles met criteria for inclusion in the review. The most widely reported biomarkers were C-Reactive Protein (CRP) (n = 27), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (n = 24) and Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-a) (n = 17). Three studies were prospective (all relating to CRP) and the remainder were retrospective. 86% of studies were based in high income countries. In the prospective studies, CM was associated with elevated CRP in adulthood. Results of retrospective studies were conflicting. Methodological issues relating to the construct of CM, methods of analysis, and accounting for confounding or mediating variables (particularly Body Mass Index) may contribute to the uncertainty in the field.ConclusionsThere is some robust evidence from prospective studies that CM is associated with elevated CRP in adulthood. We have identified significant methodological inconsistencies in the literature and have proposed measures that future researchers could employ to improve consistency across studies. Further prospective, longitudinal, research using robust and comparable measures of CM with careful consideration of confounding and mediating variables is required to bring clarity to this field.

Prognostic value of C-reactive protein in adults with congenital heart disease

BackgroundHigh-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) has been associated with outcomes in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). However, its prognostic value beyond N-terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) or troponin...

Association between Relative Handgrip Strength and C-Reactive Protein in Adults

Association between Relative Handgrip Strength and C-Reactive Protein in Adults

Correlation between glycemic control, lipid profile and C-reactive protein in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus done in a tertiary care hospital of Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India

Background: Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of common metabolic disorders that shares the phenotype of hyperglycemia. Complications of diabetes mellitus involve many organ systems only to play an important role in morbidity and mortality. Poor glycemic control is significantly associated with the development of macrovascular complications. Earlier studies have indicated that C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease as evident from its higher levels in people with diabetes mellitus compared to those without. Not much is known whether CRP is related to the level of glycemic control. The purpose of this study is, to determine the relation between HbA1C, Lipid profile and CRP in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: Fifty patients with T2DM reporting to Narayana Medical College and Hospital were included in the study, in whom CRP levels were estimated by using commercially available kits and correlated with HbA1C and other risk factors of coronary artery disease. Follow-up was done on 20 patients who were not on statin therapy with repeat HbA1C and CRP.Results: This study showed that both HbA1C and CRP levels had reduced significantly in follow-up patients after putting them on treatment (p&lt;0.05). It was also found that lower the HbA1C, lower was the CRP. A positive correlation was found between HbA1C and CRP (p&lt;0.05).Conclusions: In this study of 50 patients with T2DM, it was found that CRP is significantly correlated with HbA1C level. A positive correlation was found between serum CRP and HbA1C in the initial group and in the follow-up patients, showing that CRP levels lowers with better glycemic control and correlates with dyslipidaemia profile.

Cord blood DNA methylation reflects cord blood C-reactive protein levels but not maternal levels: a longitudinal study and meta-analysis

BackgroundPrenatal inflammation has been proposed as an important mediating factor in several adverse pregnancy outcomes. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory cytokine easily measured in blood. It has clinical value due to its reliability as a biomarker for systemic inflammation and can indicate cellular injury and disease severity. Elevated levels of CRP in adulthood are associated with alterations in DNA methylation. However, no studies have prospectively investigated the relationship between maternal CRP levels and newborn DNA methylation measured by microarray in cord blood with reasonable epigenome-wide coverage. Importantly, the timing of inflammation exposure during pregnancy may also result in different effects. Thus, our objective was to evaluate this prospective association of CRP levels measured during multiple periods of pregnancy and in cord blood at delivery which was available in one cohort (i.e., Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction trial), and also to conduct a meta-analysis with available data at one point in pregnancy from three other cohorts from the Pregnancy And Childhood Epigenetics consortium (PACE). Secondarily, the impact of maternal randomization to low dose aspirin prior to pregnancy on methylation was assessed.ResultsMaternal CRP levels were not associated with newborn DNA methylation regardless of gestational age of measurement (i.e., CRP at approximately 8, 20, and 36 weeks among 358 newborns in EAGeR). There also was no association in the meta-analyses (all p > 0.5) with a larger sample size (n = 1603) from all participating PACE cohorts with available CRP data from first trimester (< 18 weeks gestation). Randomization to aspirin was not associated with DNA methylation. On the other hand, newborn CRP levels were significantly associated with DNA methylation in the EAGeR trial, with 33 CpGs identified (FDR corrected p < 0.05) when both CRP and methylation were measured at the same time point in cord blood. The top 7 CpGs most strongly associated with CRP resided in inflammation and vascular-related genes.ConclusionsMaternal CRP levels measured during each trimester were not associated with cord blood DNA methylation. Rather, DNA methylation was associated with CRP levels measured in cord blood, particularly in gene regions predominately associated with angiogenic and inflammatory pathways.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, NCT00467363, Registered April 30, 2007, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00467363

Black rice with giant embryo ameliorates serum C-reactive protein in adults with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is well known to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. We have reported that phytochemicals rich black rice with giant embryo reduced fat mass and metabolic disorders in an animal model. However, such effects have not been evaluated in humans. Subjects with metabolic syndrome (n = 49, 38 male, 44.3 ± 6.1 years) were randomly assigned into two groups and ingested roasted black-rice with giant embryo (BR, n = 26, 20 male) or white-rice (WR, n = 23, 18 male) powders mixed with water for breakfast for three months. Subjects were evaluated for various metabolic parameters before and after intervention. All parameters were not significantly different between groups before starting the intervention. After three months of consumption of either BR or WR, changes of body weight in BR vs WR groups (–1.54 kg vs –1.29 kg, p = 0.649) as well as waist circumference (–1.63 cm vs –1.02 cm, p = 0.365) were not significantly different between groups. However, changes in highly-sensitive C reactive proteins in BR vs WR groups (–0.110 mg/dl vs 0.017 mg/dl, p = 0.003) had significant differences. Three months of meal replacement with BR had a significant reduction of highly-sensitive C reactive protein compared to those with WR in adults with metabolic syndrome.

Exposure to Parental Smoking in Childhood is Associated with High C-Reactive Protein in Adulthood: The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study.

Aim: Children exposed to parental smoking are at increased long-term risk of subclinical atherosclerosis in adulthood. However, it has not been quantified if exposure to parental smoking in childhood is associated with adult systemic inflammation. This study aimed to determine if childhood exposure to parental smoking was associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in adulthood.Methods: This longitudinal analysis of 2,511 participants used data from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study, a prospective cohort of Finnish children. In 1980 or 1983, parents self-reported their smoking status and serum hsCRP was collected up to 31 years later in adulthood.Results: Compared with children with non-smoking parents, the relative risk of developing high hsCRP (> 3 mg/L) in adulthood increased among those with 1 or both parents who smoked [relative risk (RR), 1.3; 95%confidence interval (CI), 1.0–1.8] after adjustment for socioeconomic status, cardiovascular risk factors, and smoking status in childhood and adulthood. Moreover, children exposed to mother smoking [RR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3–4.2] had highest risk of developing high hsCRP in adulthood compared with those exposed to father smoking [RR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2–2.3] and both parents smoking [RR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.9–2.0].Conclusion: Our findings suggest that children exposed to parental smoking are at increased risk of having high hsCRP in adulthood. Limiting children's exposure to passive smoking may have long-term benefits on general low-grade inflammation.

Fatty liver and abdominal fat relationships with high C-reactive protein in adults without coronary heart disease

Background and rationale. Fatty liver (FL) and abdominal visceral fat (AVF) are strongly associated with systemic inflammation, however, it has not been defined if each one is independently involved, and if the insulin resistance is associated. To investigate if FL, AVF and insulin resistance are independently or additively associated with the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in subjects without coronary artery disease we included 491 men and 553 women.Material and methods. All had anthropometric and plasma biochemical measurements, FL and AVF assessments by computed tomography.Results. The FL prevalence was 35.6% in men and 28.0% in women, p < 0.01. The prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was significantly higher in FL compared to non FL subjects. FL and AVF accounted for 21 and 17%, respectively, to hs-CRP plasma levels. FL, AVF ≥ P75 and HOMA-IR ≥ P75 were independently and additively associated with plasma hs-CRP. The risk of hs-CRP ≥ 3 mg/L increased progressively in men from 1.36 (0.5-3.86) through 3.58 (1.32-9.7) in those with 1 or 3 factors respectively. In women from 2.25 (1.2-4.2) to 4.67 (2.3-9.4), respectively. In conclusion, both the FL and hs-CRP ≥ 3 mg/L occur in 1 of every 3 non CAD subjects. In men, FL and AVF ≥ P75 were associated with 3.6 times the risk of hs-CRP ≥ 3 mg/L, while in women, these factors were independently and additively associated with a 4.7 times higher risk of systemic inflammation.

Effects of Early Life Pathogenic Exposures and Obesity on Childhood Inflammation Levels in Galápagos, Ecuador

Early life nutritional and disease environments play a vital role in the development of the immune system. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of inflammation, is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease and associated with obesity. Studies in low resource environments show that pathogenic exposure during infancy is associated with lower CRP in adulthood. However, the consequences of concurrent pathogenic exposure and overnutrition in childhood remain unknown. This paper explores the effects of obesity and E. coli exposure on CRP in 166 children (2-10 years) living on San Cristobal. Longitudinal CRP was assayed from blood spots collected one-week apart. 43% of households had high E. coli levels, quantified from household water samples. Obesity (BMI z-score>2) was present in 19% of the children. Adjusted mixed-effects models tested the impact of E. coli and obesity on repeated measures of log-CRP. Obesity and high E. coli had significant, independent, opposing effects. While obesity increas...