C-reactive Protein In Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

Investigating the efficacy and feasibility of using a whole-of-diet approach to lower circulating levels of C-reactive protein in postmenopausal women: a mixed methods pilot study.

Chronic inflammation is associated with obesity and is an underlying pathophysiology for cardiovascular disease (CVD) development in postmenopausal women. This study aims to determine feasibility and efficacy of an anti-inflammatory dietary intervention to lower levels of C-reactive protein in weight stable postmenopausal women with abdominal obesity. This mixed-methods pilot study used a single arm pre-post design. Thirteen women followed a 4-week anti-inflammatory, dietary intervention, optimizing consumption of healthy fats, low glycemic index wholegrains, and dietary antioxidants. Quantitative outcomes included change in inflammatory and metabolic markers. Focus groups were undertaken and thematically analyzed to explore participants lived experience of following the diet. There was no significant change in plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive, protein. Despite discouraging weight loss, median (Q1-Q3) body weight decreased by -0.7 (-1.3 to 0 kg, P = 0.02). This was accompanied by reductions in plasma insulin (0.90 [-0.05 to 2.20] mmol/L), Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (0.29 [-0.03 to 0.59]), and low-density lipoprotein:high-density lipoprotein ratio (0.18 [-0.01 to 0.40]) ( P ≤ 0.023 for all). Thematic analysis revealed that postmenopausal women have a desire to improve meaningful markers of health status that do not focus on weight. Women were highly engaged with learning about emerging and innovative nutrition topics, favoring a detailed and comprehensive nutrition education style that challenged their proficient health literacy and cooking skills. Weight-neutral dietary interventions targeting inflammation can improve metabolic markers and may be a viable strategy for CVD risk reduction in postmenopausal women. To determine effects on inflammatory status, a fully powered and longer-term randomized controlled trial is required.

The Factors Associated with High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Postmenopausal Women: Based on Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016–2017

The Factors Associated with High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Postmenopausal Women: Based on Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016–2017

Association of serum uric acid with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in postmenopausal women

Objectives: To explore the independent correlation between serum uric acid and low-grade inflammation (measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, hs-CRP) in postmenopausal women.Methods: A total of 378 healthy Iranian postmenopausal women were randomly selected in a population-based study. Circulating hs-CRP levels were measured by highly specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and an enzymatic calorimetric method was used to measure serum levels of uric acid. Pearson correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression and logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between uric acid and hs-CRP levels.Results: A statistically significant correlation was seen between serum levels of uric acid and log-transformed circulating hs-CRP (r = 0.25, p < 0.001). After adjustment for age and cardiovascular risk factors (according to NCEP ATP III criteria), circulating hs-CRP levels were significantly associated with serum uric acid levels (β = 0.20, p < 0.001). After adjustment for age and cardiovascular risk factors, hs-CRP levels ≥3 mg/l were significantly associated with higher uric acid levels (odds ratio =1.52, 95% confidence interval 1.18–1.96).Conclusion: Higher serum uric acid levels were positively and independently associated with circulating hs-CRP in healthy postmenopausal women.

Interaction between C-reactive protein and cognitive functions according to APOE gene polymorphism in post-menopausal women.

IntroductionA potential factor increasing the risk of the development of cognitive impairment with age is apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 carrier status. A subsequent factor which may increase the risk of development of cognitive impairment at an older age is the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP). The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between cognitive functions and the concentration of CRP in post-menopausal women who were carriers of particular apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) polymorphisms.Material and methodsA group of 402 women was recruited to the study. The inclusion criteria were: minimum two years after the last menstruation, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration 30 U/ml, no dementi signs on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The computerized battery of the Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS) test was used to diagnose cognitive functions. APOE genotyping was performed by multiplex PCR. The blood plasma CRP levels were determined. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica software.ResultsThe level of neurocognitive index (NCI) and cognitive functions in post-menopausal women depends on apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism (p < 0.001) and the concentration of CRP (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was found between CRP and NCI (p = 0.018), and the reaction time (p = 0.008) of women with APOE ε2/ε3. A positive correlation was observed between CRP and visual memory (p = 0.025) in women with APOE ε3/ε3, and verbal memory (p = 0.023) in women with APOE ε3/ε4 or ε4/ε4.ConclusionsApolipoprotein E gene polymorphism may modify the relationship between CRP concentration and cognitive functions in post-menopausal women.

Relationship of Trait Anger and Anger Expression to C-Reactive Protein in Postmenopausal Women

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death for women worldwide. Chronic inflammation and risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, and high cholesterol, are well-established risk factors for CHD. Little is known, however, about the mechanisms by which psychosocial factors, such as general anger proneness (trait anger) and anger expression style, may be associated with proinflammatory processes that contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in women. Our purpose in conducting this study was to examine the relationship of trait anger and anger expression to the proinflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP). A cross-sectional between-groups design was used to determine differences in serum levels of CRP in 42 American postmenopausal women, ages 45 to 65, who scored high on the selected anger characteristics, compared with women with lower scores. We did not find differences between high anger women and low anger women in mean levels of CRP, but we did find significant inverse relationships between CRP and some anger control characteristics. Specific health-promoting anger coping behaviors could minimize the deleterious effects of inflammatory responses in postmenopausal women.

Effect of soy isoflavones on circulating C-reactive protein in postmenopausal women

Strong evidence suggests that C-reactive protein (CRP) is a novel risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We aimed to examine the effect of soy isoflavones on circulating CRP concentrations in postmenopausal women by conducting a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. We performed a literature search using PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases in December 2010 for randomized controlled trials conducted in postmenopausal women, using soy foods with isoflavones or isoflavone extracts as treatment, and with a report of CRP change. A meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model to calculate the combined effect size. In addition, subgroup and metaregression analyses were carried out to examine the influences of study designs and participant characteristics on the effect estimates. A pooled analysis of 14 trials showed a slight, but not significant, reduction of 0.17 mg/L (95% CI, -0.38 to 0.04; P = 0.12) in CRP concentrations among postmenopausal women with soy isoflavone intervention compared with controls. No substantial heterogeneity was observed. Subgroup analyses showed that soy isoflavones significantly lowered CRP by 0.70 mg/L (95% CI, -1.17 to -0.23; P = 0.003) among women with baseline CRP concentrations greater than 2.2 mg/L. No significant changes in CRP were observed in the other subgroups. Metaregression analysis further revealed that baseline CRP was a potential effect modifier of isoflavone treatment in lowering CRP. The present meta-analysis found insufficient evidence that soy isoflavones significantly reduce CRP concentrations in postmenopausal women. However, soy isoflavones may produce a significant reduction in CRP among postmenopausal women with elevated CRP.

Effect of exercise training combined with phytoestrogens on adipokines and C-reactive protein in postmenopausal women: a randomized trial

Phytoestrogens and training could be effective to reduce cardiovascular and type 2 diabetes mellitus risk factors in postmenopausal women. Nevertheless, the impact of their combination on adipokines and systemic inflammation was never investigated. The objective was to verify if 6 months of mixed training combined with phytoestrogens could have an additional effect on adipokine levels and systemic inflammation in obese postmenopausal women. Fifty-two obese women aged between 50 and 70 years were randomly assigned to (1) exercise with placebo (EX + PL; n = 25) or (2) exercise with phytoestrogens (EX + PHY; n = 27). Body weight, waist circumference, fat mass, and lean body mass (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) were assessed. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin, adiponectin, leptin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were obtained after a 12-hour overnight fast. Total energy intake was measured with a 3-day dietary record. All measurements were performed before and after the 6-month intervention. Although energy intake remained unchanged, body composition was improved in all women (all Ps < .02). Plasma CRP and leptin levels decreased in both groups similarly (all Ps < .03), whereas plasma adiponectin and insulin did not change with exercise combined with placebo or phytoestrogens. Correlation analyses showed that homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance ( r = −0.58, P = .02) and fasting insulin levels ( r = −0.42, P = .02) at baseline were both correlated with changes in leptin levels. Baseline fasting glucose ( r = −0.36, P = .03) and adiponectin ( r = 0.45, P = .005) levels were associated with changes in CRP concentrations. Although mixed exercise program combined with phytoestrogens does not seem to provide any additional effect, mixed training improves systemic inflammation and leptin concentrations in obese postmenopausal women.

The Effect of Aerobic Training on C-Reactive Protein in Postmenopausal Women

C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, has been reported to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease in both women and men. Though a number of epidemiology studies suggest that individuals who exercise regularly have lower CRP than sedentary individuals, there is a paucity of intervention studies that have examined the role of exercise in reducing CRP. PURPOSE: To examine changes in CRP across different doses of aerobic exercise in sedentary post-menopausal women. METHODS: Of the 464 randomized overweight/obese sedentary postmenopausal women (DREW study), 421 participants (91%) completed the study and had available plasma for baseline and follow-up CRP measurement. This sub-set of participants were randomly assigned to a non-exercise control group (n = 96), or 1 of 3 exercise groups; energy expenditure of 4 kcal/kg/min (n = 143), 8 kcal/kg/min (n = 87) or 12 kcal/kg/ min (n = 95). The intervention period was six months in duration. RESULTS: The mean participant age was 57 ± 6 years, 45% of the participants were using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and 64% of the participants were Caucasian. As a group CRP was elevated as demonstrated by the mean group baseline CRP of 5.6 ± 5.5 mg/dL, median CRP of 4.0 mg/dL (IQR: 1.8, 7.6) and 72% of the participants with a CRP > 2.0 mg/dL. Baseline mean CRP values were similar across randomization groups at 6.0 ± 5.8, 5.3 ± 5.3, 6.5 ± 6.1 and 5.0 ± 4.8 mg/dL for control group, 4, 8& 12 Kcal/ kg/min groups, respectively. Using general linear modeling adjusted for age, baseline value, ethnicity and HRT use, there was no difference in follow-up CRP values across groups for either the mean or geometric mean values. Non-parametric analyses showed similar results as there were no group differences at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that 6-months of aerobic exercise training did not reduce CRP in this population of sedentary postmenopausal woman. It needs to be noted that this study was not specifically designed to examine CRP and exercise. Supported by NIH grants HL66262 and HL071900, and Life Fitness for equipment.

C-reactive protein, obesity, and insulin resistance in postmenopausal women in urban slums of North India

Summary Background and aims C-reactive protein (CRP) and its associations to obesity and insulin resistance have been poorly researched in women. The present investigation was undertaken to determine the prevalence of elevated CRP and its associations with obesity and insulin resistance in urban Asian Indian postmenopausal women belonging to a low socio-economic strata. Methods and results In this cross-sectional study, we assessed multiple measures of obesity and body composition, blood glucose, lipids, fasting insulin levels and CRP in postmenopausal women. Overweight, abdominal obesity, fasting hyperinsulinemia, impaired fasting glucose and diabetes were present in 23.7%, 28%, 24.6%, 24.3%, and 12.2% women, respectively. Strikingly, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and high CRP levels were present in 90.1% and 44.7% women, respectively. CRP was found to correlate on with abdominal obesity ( p = 0.01) and percentage body fat ( p = 0.06). Particularly, no association of elevated CRP levels with insulin resistance and HDL-C levels were observed. Conclusion According to our data, postmenopausal Asian Indian women are at a high risk for development of cardiovascular disease. Unlike in western populations, however, important risk factors, e.g. insulin resistance, CRP and low HDL-C are not interrelated, and may contribute independently to cardiovascular risk.

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin and Serum Testosterone are Inversely Associated with C-Reactive Protein Levels in Postmenopausal Women at High Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

C-reactive protein (CRP), androgens, and menopausal loss of endogenous estrogens are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We hypothesized that high androgens, low estradiol, and low sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) would be associated with high CRP in postmenopausal women. CRP, SHBG, estradiol, and total testosterone were measured using baseline bloods of 221 hormone therapy (HT)-nonusers and 162 HT-users from a cross-sectional analysis in a nested case-control sample of the Women's Health Study. Hormones and CRP were ln-transformed and relationships were assessed with Spearman correlations and linear regression. ln-SHBG (beta=-0.40; p<0.01) and ln-testosterone (beta=-0.24; p=0.04) were the only independent hormonal predictors of ln-CRP among HT-nonusers after adjusting for age, hypertension, smoking, body mass index, diabetes, exercise, HDL cholesterol, alcohol intake, and CVD occurrence during follow-up. Upon stratification, the association between ln-SHBG and ln-CRP persisted among HT nonusers who subsequently developed CVD (beta=-0.55; p=0.01), but not among women who remained CVD-free (p=0.28). The inverse relationship between ln-SHBG and ln-CRP was strongest among the leanest women. None of the sex-hormones predicted ln-CRP among HT-users. SHBG and total testosterone were inversely associated with CRP among HT nonusers in this study. The relationship between SHBG and CRP was more strongly inverse among leaner women.

Effects of raloxifene, hormone therapy, and soy isoflavone on serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein in postmenopausal women

Objective: To compare the effects of raloxifene, estradiol valerate plus dienogest, and soy isoflavones (genistein) on serum concentrations of high-sensitive C-reactive protein in healthy postmenopausal women. Methods: The 80 healthy postmenopausal women enrolled in the study were randomly allocated to receive 60 mg of raloxifene, 2 mg of estradiol valerate plus dienogest, 40 mg of genistein, or placebo ( n = 20 in each group). Blood samples were collected at the start of the study and at 3 and 6 months. Lipid profile was also determined. Results: Only the group receiving estradiol valerate plus dienogest showed an increase in serum levels of high-sensitive C-reactive protein compared with baseline values and values in the control and other groups. All 3 treatments resulted in an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and a decrease in total, low-density, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Conclusions: Estradiol valerate plus dienogest, but not raloxifene and genistein, increase serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein levels. All 3 treatments, however, have an estrogen-like effect on serum lipid profile.

Changes In Fat Mass, Interleukin-6, And C-reactive Protein In Postmenopausal Women

The association between body fat and systemic inflammation is well known. Less is known about the extent to which changes in body fat are accompanied by changes in circulating inflammatory mediators and markers in postmenopausal women. PURPOSE To determine whether one year changes in body fat are associated with one year changes in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in postmenopausal women. METHODS Hormone therapy (HT) users (N=117) and non-users (N=104) were randomly assigned to a resistance training exercise program or to no exercise: HT-exercise (N=65), HT-no exercise (N=52), no HT-exercise (N=54), and no HT-no exercise (N=50). The exercise program included three 60–75 minute sessions per week wherein 8 different exercises were performed in 2 sets of 6 to 8 repetitions at 70–80% of 1RM. For each subject, baseline and 1-year serum IL-6 and CRP were measured using highly-sensitive, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The inter-assay coefficients of variation were at or below 7.2% for IL-6 and at or below 6.2% for CRP. Fat mass was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. ANCOVA was used to determine whether changes in fat mass and serum CRP differed by tertiles of serum IL-6 change while controlling for such potential confounders as age, experimental group assignment (exercise vs. control), and HT use. RESULTS The tertiles of serum IL-6 change were indicative of small reductions in IL-6 in the 1st tertile (−0.572 ± 0.609 pg/ml, N=73), no change in IL-6 in the 2nd tertile (0.063 ± 0.093 pg/ml, N=74), and small increases in IL-6 in the 3rd tertile (+0.942 ± 1.053 pg/ml, N=74). Adjusted mean fat mass changes were significantly different between the first and the third tertiles of IL-6 change (−0.9 ± 0.3 kg vs. +0.4 ± 0.3 kg, p<0.05). Adjusted mean serum CRP changes were also significantly different between the first and third tertiles of IL-6 change (−0.690 ± 0.326 mg/l vs. +0.614 ± 0.323 mg/l, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Small one year changes in serum IL-6 were associated with like changes in fat mass and serum CRP independent of age, exercise status and HT use in postmenopausal women. NIH AR 39559, Mission Pharmacal and National Osteoporosis Foundation

Changes In Fat Mass, Interleukin-6, And C-reactive Protein In Postmenopausal Women

The association between body fat and systemic inflammation is well known. Less is known about the extent to which changes in body fat are accompanied by changes in circulating inflammatory mediators and markers in postmenopausal women. PURPOSE To determine whether one year changes in body fat are associated with one year changes in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in postmenopausal women. METHODS Hormone therapy (HT) users (N=117) and non-users (N=104) were randomly assigned to a resistance training exercise program or to no exercise: HT-exercise (N=65), HT-no exercise (N=52), no HT-exercise (N=54), and no HT-no exercise (N=50). The exercise program included three 60–75 minute sessions per week wherein 8 different exercises were performed in 2 sets of 6 to 8 repetitions at 70–80% of 1RM. For each subject, baseline and 1-year serum IL-6 and CRP were measured using highly-sensitive, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The inter-assay coefficients of variation were at or below 7.2% for IL-6 and at or below 6.2% for CRP. Fat mass was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. ANCOVA was used to determine whether changes in fat mass and serum CRP differed by tertiles of serum IL-6 change while controlling for such potential confounders as age, experimental group assignment (exercise vs. control), and HT use. RESULTS The tertiles of serum IL-6 change were indicative of small reductions in IL-6 in the 1st tertile (−0.572 ± 0.609 pg/ml, N=73), no change in IL-6 in the 2nd tertile (0.063 ± 0.093 pg/ml, N=74), and small increases in IL-6 in the 3rd tertile (+0.942 ± 1.053 pg/ml, N=74). Adjusted mean fat mass changes were significantly different between the first and the third tertiles of IL-6 change (−0.9 ± 0.3 kg vs. +0.4 ± 0.3 kg, p<0.05). Adjusted mean serum CRP changes were also significantly different between the first and third tertiles of IL-6 change (−0.690 ± 0.326 mg/l vs. +0.614 ± 0.323 mg/l, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Small one year changes in serum IL-6 were associated with like changes in fat mass and serum CRP independent of age, exercise status and HT use in postmenopausal women. NIH AR 39559, Mission Pharmacal and National Osteoporosis Foundation

Effects of progestins on estrogen-induced increase in C-reactive protein in postmenopausal women

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) represents an independent risk factor for coronary disease and stroke. Because oral estrogens increase CRP levels, with inflammatory and thrombotic consequences, we determined whether the co-administration of a progestin might modify the estrogenic effect on CRP. Methods: In a non-randomized, non-blinded study, we measured C-reactive protein serum concentrations with high-sensitivity technique (hs-CRP) in 163 healthy postmenopausal women divided into groups as follow: 52 not taking hormones (referent group), and 111 taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (42 of whom treated with unopposed estrogen, and 69 with an estrogen/progestin combination). Results: Compared with non-users of hormones, median CRP levels were 66% (95% confidence interval: from 44 to 89%) higher and 112% (95% confidence interval: from 89 to 168%) higher among women using a combined estrogen/progestin regimen and, respectively, among women taking unopposed estrogen [1.54 mg/L in the referent group; 2.56 mg/L in the estrogen/progestin group ( P=0.032), and 3.27 mg/L in the unopposed estrogen group ( P=0.004)]. Furthermore, there was no difference in CRP distributions between women taking different types of progestins. Conclusion: concurrent progestin administration may attenuate estrogen’s pro-inflammatory effects, independently on the type of used progestin.

Effect of Resistance Training on C-Reactive Protein in Postmenopausal Women

Effect of Resistance Training on C-Reactive Protein in Postmenopausal Women

Effect of Resistance Training on C-Reactive Protein in Postmenopausal Women

Effect of Resistance Training on C-Reactive Protein in Postmenopausal Women

Effects of progestins on estrogen-induced increase in C-reactive protein in postmenopausal women

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) represents an independent risk factor for coronary disease and stroke. Because oral estrogens increase CRP levels, with inflammatory and thrombotic consequences, we determined whether the co-administration of a progestin might modify the estrogenic effect on CRP. Methods: In a non-randomized, non-blinded study, we measured C-reactive protein serum concentrations with high-sensitivity technique (hs-CRP) in 163 healthy postmenopausal women divided into groups as follow: 52 not taking hormones (referent group), and 111 taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (42 of whom treated with unopposed estrogen, and 69 with an estrogen/progestin combination). Results: Compared with non-users of hormones, median CRP levels were 66% (95% confidence interval: from 44 to 89%) higher and 112% (95% confidence interval: from 89 to 168%) higher among women using a combined estrogen/progestin regimen and, respectively, among women taking unopposed estrogen [1.54 mg/L in the referent group; 2.56 mg/L in the estrogen/progestin group (P=0.032), and 3.27 mg/L in the unopposed estrogen group (P=0.004)]. Furthermore, there was no difference in CRP distributions between women taking different types of progestins. Conclusion: concurrent progestin administration may attenuate estrogen’s pro-inflammatory effects, independently on the type of used progestin.

Differential effects of oral vs. transdermal estrogen replacement on C-reactive protein in postmenopausal women

Differential effects of oral vs. transdermal estrogen replacement on C-reactive protein in postmenopausal women

Differential effects of oral versus transdermal estrogen replacement therapy on C-reactive protein in postmenopausal women

ObjectivesWe investigated whether the route of estrogen replacement therapy (ET) is the major determinant of C-reactive protein (CRP) in postmenopausal women. BackgroundRecent studies demonstrated that oral ET causes a sustained increase in CRP, implicating a proinflammatory effect. Because CRP is synthesized in the liver, we hypothesized that estrogen-induced CRP elevation is related to first-pass hepatic metabolism. MethodsIn 21 postmenopausal women, we conducted a randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled study to compare the effects of transdermal versus oral ET on CRP and inflammatory cytokines. We measured CRP, interleukin (IL)-1-beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha before and after eight weeks of transdermal estradiol (E2) (100 μg/day), oral conjugated estrogen (CEE) (0.625 mg/day), or placebo. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a hepatic-derived anabolic peptide, was also measured. ResultsTransdermal E2had no effect on CRP or IGF-1 levels. In contrast, eight weeks of oral conjugated estrogens caused a more than twofold increase in CRP and a significant reduction in IGF-1 (p < 0.01) in the same women. The magnitude of increase in CRP was inversely correlated to the decrease in IGF-1 (r = −0.49, p = 0.008). Neither transdermal E2nor oral CEE had any effects on the plasma concentrations of cytokines that promote CRP synthesis. ConclusionsIn postmenopausal women, oral but not transdermal ET increased CRP by a first-pass hepatic effect. An increase in CRP levels is accompanied by a reduction in IGF-1, an anti-inflammatory growth factor. Because CRP is a powerful predictor of an adverse prognosis in otherwise healthy postmenopausal women, the route of administration may be an important consideration in minimizing the adverse effects of ET on cardiovascular outcomes.

Physical activity, body fat, and serum C-reactive protein in postmenopausal women with and without hormone replacement.

The objective was to determine whether higher physical activity is associated with lower serum C-reactive protein (CRP), independent of oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT) status and body fatness, in 133 postmenopausal women using a cross-sectional exploratory design at a university research laboratory. The subjects were 133 postmenopausal women, age 50-73 years, with no evidence of coronary artery disease or diabetes. The main outcome measures were: serum CRP, physical activity as measured by Stanford 7-day activity recall, body fat (both total and regional) as measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and anthropometry (waist and hip circumference). Secondary outcome measures included fasting plasma glucose and insulin as well as fasting serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Higher physical activity energy expenditures were significantly associated with lower serum CRP levels (r = -0.18, P = 0.041), independent of oral HRT use, age, smoking behavior, alcohol consumption, aspirin use, and statin use. However, in the complete multivariate model, which included body fat, older ages (P = 0.047), greater trunk fat masses (P < 0.001), any oral HRT use (P < 0.001), and unopposed oral estrogen use (P = 0.012) were the sole independent predictors of higher serum CRP levels. The complete multivariate model accounted for 58% of the variance in serum CRP. We conclude that the association between higher physical activity and lower serum CRP levels is dependent on the lower body fat of the more active women, yet independent of oral HRT use. Future intervention trials should determine whether diet- and exercise-related reductions in body fat may be effective ways to diminish the proinflammatory effects of oral HRT in postmenopausal women.