C-reactive Protein In Women Research Articles

Possible Association Between Vaspin Serum Levels and C-Reactive Protein in Obese Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Objective To investigate the levels of vaspin and C-reactive protein in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and to assess their potential as diagnostic markers for the condition. Methods Ninety adult women were involved in the study, fifty of whom were obese women diagnosed with PCOS, while forty women served as healthy controls in an observational, case-control study. Blood samples were obtained from the participants, and all of them were questioned by the researcher. Vaspin and C-reactive protein serum levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay specialized kits. Results The study found a significant increase in vaspin and C-reactive protein serum levels in women in the PCOS group compared with controls, with P-values of <0.000 and 0.006, respectively. Vaspin serum level showed an AUC of 0.835, indicating it is a very good diagnostic marker for PCOS, while C-reactive protein had an AUC of 0.635, making it a moderate diagnostic marker for PCOS. The study also found a significant correlation between vaspin (pg/ml) and C-reactive protein (mg/l) with a P-value of 0.006. Conclusion The study found a significant increase in vaspin (pg/ml) and C-reactive protein (mg/l) serum levels in females with PCOS compared to control groups, with a significant positive correlation between the two biomarkers in PCOS. This suggests that vaspin and C-reactive protein may serve as useful diagnostic markers for PCOS.

Sex differences in resting sympathetic activity and systemic inflammation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Background: The prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is higher in older women than in older men, with worse clinical outcomes for older women. The underlying mechanisms are unclear, but aberrant sympathetic neural control may in part contribute. Notably, >80% of patients with HFpEF, particularly women, are overweight or obese. This observation is important because obesity can augment chronic inflammation, which may lead to sympathetic overactivity. Therefore, we hypothesized that older women with HFpEF would have augmented sympathetic activity at rest compared to older men with HFpEF and similarly aged non-HFpEF controls, which would be associated with chronic inflammation. Methods: We studied 24 women with HFpEF [mean±SD; 70±7 yrs, body mass index (BMI) 39±7 kg/m2], 17 men with HFpEF (71±8 yrs, 35±6 kg/m2), 41 control women (70±7 yrs, 27±5 kg/m2), and 26 control men (71±6 yrs, 27±3 kg/m2). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA, peroneal nerve microneurography) were measured during 10 minutes of supine rest. Blood samples were drawn for the measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP). Results: BMI was greater in patients with HFpEF compared with controls (p<0.001). There were no differences in resting MAP between groups and sexes (87±12 and 91±16 mmHg in men and women with HFpEF vs. 94±9 and 91±10 mmHg in control men and women, Pinteraction=0.130). Patients had higher HR compared to controls (p<0.001), but there were no differences between sexes (Pinteraction=0.108). Women with HFpEF had greater resting MSNA burst frequency (BF) compared to men with HFpEF (41±15 vs. 31±11 bursts/min, P=0.047) and control women (28±13 bursts/min, P=0.001); however, MSNA BF was not different between men with HFpEF and control men (31±13 bursts/min, P=0.940). All results were similar for MSNA burst incidence (Pinteraction=0.012). CRP was higher in patients than controls (P=0.002), but there were no differences between sexes (Pinteraction=0.148). However, a mediation analysis indicated that resting MSNA BF was associated with BMI rather than CRP in women. On the other hand, we did not observe any relationships between these variables in men. Conclusions: Women, but not men, with HFpEF have augmented sympathetic activity at rest, which seems to be linked to obesity rather than systemic inflammation. This sustained sympathetic overactivity may contribute to the poor clinical outcomes in women with HFpEF. Supported by the National Institutes of Health (P01HL137630) and Harry S Moss Heart Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Dynamics of C-reactive protein level after orthopedic surgeries

BackgroundOnly two studies present the results of the dynamics of C-reactive protein (CRP) after a large number of orthopedic surgeries. The aim of the study was to investigate the dynamics of CRP levels and determine the influence of various factors on the CRP level after various orthopedic surgeries using big data tools. MethodsA total of 16042 operated patients were included in the study. ResultsThe tendency of peak values to increase by 2–3 days after surgery with subsequent decrease was the same in all subgroups without surgical site infections (SSI). In patients with SSI, the higher preoperative CRP level changed to a peak on day 3 after surgery with a subsequent drop and increase after day 6 in case of probably unsuccessful sanitation. The peak value of CRP significantly correlates with the duration of surgery (r = 0.1072, p < 0,0001). Older patients tend to exhibit higher CRP value (r = 0.2219, p < 0.001). The peak values of CRP in women were significantly greater than those in men. ConclusionIn cases without SSI, the peak of CRP values occurs on the second or third day after surgery, a secondary increase in CRP levels may indicate a risk of complications. The peak CRP value correlates with the duration of surgery. In clinical practice, relationship between gender, age and the level of CRP should not be one of the indicators influencing the assessment of the risk of a threat to the patient's health, since the results of various studies are contradictory.

Longitudinal profile of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in women with pre-eclampsia.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker for inflammation and its role as a possible biomarker for an early prediction of pre-eclampsia (PE) is unclear. The present study investigates the levels of high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) longitudinally across pregnancy in women with PE and compares them to women without PE (non-PE). A total of 324 pregnant women [216 non-PE and 108 PE women] were included in this study. Maternal blood was taken at four different intervals (V1 = 11-14 weeks, V2 = 18-22 weeks, V3 = 26-28 weeks, and V4 = at delivery). Maternal serum hs-CRP levels were higher at V1, V2, and V3 (p < .05 for all) in the PE group compared to the non-PE group. The hs-CRP levels were associated with maternal blood pressure throughout pregnancy. Maternal hs-CRP levels did not differ among early and late onset PE. Higher maternal hs-CRP levels were associated with the increased risk of PE in unadjusted model in early pregnancy. However, there was no significance after adjusting for confounding factors. Our findings suggest although the levels of hs-CRP were higher in PE in early pregnancy, they are not associated with an increased risk of PE.

Thyroid status and TNF-alpha in post-reproductive women with COVID-19 and 12 months after the disease

The aim. To assess the thyroid status and its relationship with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in post-reproductive women in the acute phase of the COVID-19 of moderate course and 12 months after the disease.Materials and methods. 85 women aged 45 to 69 years were divided into groups: women without COVID-19, not vaccinated, with no antibodies to COVID-19 (IgG) – control group (n = 15); women in the acute phase of COVID-19 of a moderate course, accompanied by pneumonia – main group (n = 57); patients from the main group who agreed to be examined 12 months after having COVID-19 (n = 14); women with IgG in blood who deny any symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 12 months – asymptomatic COVID-19 (n = 13). Using hormone replacement therapy and the presence of thyroid disease in history were the exclusion criteria from the study.Results. 75.4 % of patients with COVID-19 had euthyroidism, 12.3 % had subclinical hyperthyroidism. An increase of free thyroxine (free T4) level in women with COVID-19 as compared to the control group (p = 0.004) and the group with asymptomatic COVID-19 (p = 0.054) was found. There was no statistically significant difference in the level of thyroid stimulating hormone between the groups. The level of C-reactive protein in women with COVID-19 was naturally higher as compared to the control group (p = 0.009) and the group of asymptomatic patients (p = 0.001). A lower TNF-alpha level was found in the group of patients without clinical signs of COVID-19 as compared to the control group (p = 0.007) and the group with COVID-19 (p = 0.00007). The analysis of correlation relationships revealed a positive correlation between of free T4 and TNF-alpha levels in women with COVID-19 (r = 0.38, p = 0.004).Conclusions. The moderate course of COVID-19 in the post-reproductive women is associated with an increase of free T4 level, which positively correlates with TNF-alpha level. Twelve months after COVID-19, thyroid status in women remains at the level of the acute phase of the disease.

Replication and mediation of the association between the metabolome and clinical markers of metabolic health in an adolescent cohort study

Metabolomics-derived metabolites (henceforth metabolites) may mediate the relationship between modifiable risk factors and clinical biomarkers of metabolic health (henceforth clinical biomarkers). We set out to study the associations of metabolites with clinical biomarkers and a potential mediation effect in a population of young adults. First, we conducted a systematic literature review searching for metabolites associated with 11 clinical biomarkers (inflammation markers, glucose, blood pressure or blood lipids). Second, we replicated the identified associations in a study population of n = 218 (88 males and 130 females, average age of 18 years) participants of the DONALD Study. Sex-stratified linear regression models adjusted for age and BMI and corrected for multiple testing were calculated. Third, we investigated our previously reported metabolites associated with anthropometric and dietary factors mediators in sex-stratified causal mediation analysis. For all steps, both urine and blood metabolites were considered. We found 41 metabolites in the literature associated with clinical biomarkers meeting our inclusion criteria. We were able to replicate an inverse association of betaine with CRP in women, between body mass index and C-reactive protein (CRP) and between body fat and leptin. There was no evidence of mediation by lifestyle-related metabolites after correction for multiple testing. We were only able to partially replicate previous findings in our age group and did not find evidence of mediation. The complex interactions between lifestyle factors, the metabolome, and clinical biomarkers warrant further investigation.

Positive Interaction Between CG, CC Genotypes of Cryptochrome Circadian Clocks 1, and Energy-Adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index on High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Level in Women With Central Obesity.

Creating a complex balance between dietary composition, circadian rhythm, and the hemostasis control of energy is important for managing diseases. Therefore, we aimed to determine the interaction between cryptochrome circadian clocks 1 polymorphism and energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in women with central obesity. This cross-sectional study recruited 220 Iranian women aged 18-45 with central obesity. The 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the dietary intakes, and the E-DII score was calculated. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were determined. By polymerase chain response-restricted length polymorphism method, cryptochrome circadian clocks 1 polymorphism was assigned. Participants were categorized into three groups based on the E-DII score, then categorized according to cryptochrome circadian clocks 1 genotypes. The mean and standard deviation of age, BMI, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were 35.61 ± 9.57 years, 30.97 ± 4.16 kg/m2, and 4.82 ± 5.16 mg/dL, respectively. The interaction of the CG genotype and E-DII score had a significant association with higher hs-CRP level compared to GG genotype as the reference group (β, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.11-2.27; p value, 0.03). There was a marginally significant association between the interaction of the CC genotype and the E-DII score with higher hs-CRP level compared to the GG genotype as the reference group (β, 0.85; 95% CI, -0.15 to 1.86; p value, 0.05). There is probably positive interaction between CG, CC genotypes of cryptochrome circadian clocks 1, and E-DII score on the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level in women with central obesity.

An evaluation into the use of procalcitonin levels as a biomarker of bacterial sepsis to aid the management of intrapartum pyrexia and chorioamnionitis

BACKGROUNDProcalcitonin is an established biomarker for bacterial sepsis in the nonpregnant population with better diagnostic and prognostic value for bacterial infections.OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to evaluate whether procalcitonin levels could be used in the diagnosis and management of intrapartum sepsis in women and their neonates suspected of intrapartum bacterial sepsis.STUDY DESIGNA prospective observational cohort study was conducted at the University Hospitals of Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust. Overall, 117 women and their neonates managed for suspected intrapartum sepsis from June 2020 to October 2020 were included. Procalcitonin levels were measured in addition to routine biomarkers white cell count and C-reactive protein in women and their neonates during the initial septic screen and follow-up blood samples. The placentas underwent detailed histopathology. Maternal and neonatal parameters were used to categorize cases into “high-suspicion bacterial sepsis,” “equivocal bacterial sepsis,” and “low-suspicion bacterial sepsis.” The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare categories with biomarker values and placental histology scores.RESULTSProcalcitonin level was increased in 6 women in the initial septic screen sample, compared with 100 women with an increased C-reactive protein level. There was a significant difference in maternal postnatal procalcitonin results between “high-suspicion bacterial sepsis” and “low-suspicion bacterial sepsis” categories (P=.004). Moreover, 71.2% of placentas showed varying degrees of chorioamnionitis.CONCLUSIONIn our cohort of women, 94.6% had normal procalcitonin levels while in labor at the time of the septic screen, consistent with the low number of confirmed bacteremia. The result provided a basis that procalcitonin may complement clinical judgment and interpretation of already used prognostic and diagnostic tests, improving patient care in the management of intrapartum sepsis.

Analysis of Changes in Serum Levels and Gene Expression Profiles of Novel Adipocytokines (Omentin, Vaspin, Irisin and Visfatin) and Their Correlation with Serum C-reactive Protein Levels in Women Diagnosed with Endometriosis

This study aimed to investigate the role of new adipocytokines (omentin, vaspin, irisin and visfatin) in the development of endometriosis and the relationship of these adipocytokines with the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in serum. In this study, endometriosis (n=16) and control groups (n=14) were determined via ultrasound. Serum omentin, vaspin and irisin levels were measured by ELISA method. CRP levels in serum and the gene expression of visfatin and vaspin in whole blood samples were determined by clinical analyzer and the real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Serum irisin and CRP levels in the endometriosis group were significantly higher than in the control group. Irisin protein levels demonstrated a positive correlation with body mass index and CRP in women diagnosed with endometriosis. No statistically significant difference was found in serum omentin and vaspin levels between groups. The visfatin and vaspin gene expression in whole blood samples from the endometriosis group was found to be significantly lower than the control group. Increased levels of serum irisin and decreased visfatin and vaspin gene expressions in blood may be considered as a potential biomarker in endometriosis. The identification of new adipocytokines, which demonstrate an alteration in the presence of endometriosis and the relationship between these adipocytokines and inflammation will facilitate the detection of mechanisms involved in endometriosis and will lead to the development of targeted therapy.

Relationship between Body Mask Index (BMI) and Titer C-Reactive Protein in Women

Abstract&#x0D; Background:&#x0D; The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is certainly likely to increase with the increasing prevalence of obesity. A reliable indicator and easy-to-use for measuring body fat is body mass index (BMI), in the state of obesity there is a disruption of adiposity balance that is released and as an early marker of inflammation and triggers the formation of C-Reactive protein in the liver.&#x0D; Objectives:&#x0D; The goal of the study was to analyze the relationship between BMI and Titer C-Reactive Protein in women..&#x0D; Research Metodes: &#x0D; This study is an observational analytical study with a cross sectional approach. The population in this study was women aged 25-65 years. A total of 39 samples were conducted in quota sampling. The data was analyzed with Kendal's tau non parametric test.&#x0D; Findings: &#x0D; The results of the study obtained a value of significance or Sig. (2-tailed) 0.908 &gt; 0.05, This result states that there is no relationship between body mass index and titer C-Reactive protein. Correlation coefficient value is -0.015, express a very weak linear relationship. Negative values indicate the opposite direction of the relationship, where the higher the BMI, the lower the C-Reactive protein titer.&#x0D; Conclusion: &#x0D; Statistical test results obtained a value of p (0.908) &gt; α (0.05), it states that no significant association between BMI and Titer C-Reactive Protein in women &#x0D;

Serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and selected bioelements in perimenopausal women with regard to body mass index.

During the menopause, decreased estrogen levels may be accompanied by increased levels of inflammatory mediators. Many studies also show significant relationships between the levels of bioelements and proinflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), and selected bioelements in perimenopausal women with regard to BMI. Methods: The study of 217 perimenopausal women involved the completion of questionnaires concerning sociodemographic and medical data, anthropometric measurements, and blood collection. Results: In all studied women, the levels of IL-1β significantly positively correlated with Ca, Mg, and Sr; IFNγ significantly negatively correlated with Sr, and IL-6 with Mg. In women with a normal BMI, the levels of IL-1β significantly positively correlated with Ca and Sr, and CRP positively correlated with Zn. In overweight women, the levels of IL-1β positively correlated with Ca, IL-6 with Na, and IFNγ negatively correlated with Sr. In obese women, the levels of CRP positively correlated with Zn, TNFα with Mg, IFNγ with Cu and P. The levels of IL-6 negatively correlated with Ca and Mg. Conclusions: BMI may be one of the factors that affect the relationship between serum bioelement levels and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and CRP in women, especially during the menopausal period.

Evaluation of Demographic, Clinical and Laboratory Features of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Kermanshah

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a worldwide autoimmune disease. The disease has different etiologies, clinical and laboratory symptoms between different geographical and racial groups, and sufficient knowledge of the type of symptoms in each region can play a proper role in diagnosis and treatment. Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate demographic, clinical and laboratory features of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in Kermanshah. Methods: This study is descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional. The files of 150 patients with lupus during 2016 - 2018 in Imam Reza hospital in Kermanshah were reviewed. Results: Data analysis showed that patients at the time of referral were with musculoskeletal symptoms 37.3% (56 individuals), cutaneous-mucosal 32% (48 individuals), constitutional 51.3% (77 individuals), renal 62% (93 individuals), cardiac 6.7% (10 individuals), neurological manifestations 17.3% (26 individuals), pulmonary involvement 37.3% (56 individuals), and Hematological 71.3% (107 individuals). The anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) in 60% (90 individuals), anti-double strand DNA Antibody (anti-ds DNA) in 35.4% (53 individuals), C-reactive protein (CRP) in 44.6% (67 individuals), lower level of normal C3 and C4 in 33.3% (50 individuals) and 11.3% (17 individuals), respectively, lupus anticoagulant in 13.3% (20 individuals), antibody citrullinated peptide anti-cyclic (anti-CCP) in 14.9% (22 individuals), anticardiolipin IgM and IgG, in 6% (9 individuals) and 9.3% (14 individuals) of patients respectively were observed. Also, anemia was observed in 34% (51 individuals), leukopenia in 22% (33 individuals), and thrombocytopenia in 30.7% (46 individuals). Abnormal ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) was seen in 59.3% (89 individuals) of patients. Leukopenia in men and positive CRP in women were more common (P = 0.014, P = 0.004). Conclusions: Despite the diverse clinical and laboratory manifestations of SLE in different racial and geographical groups, paying attention to these differences in each region can effectively diagnose the disease. As in this study, hematological manifestations had a higher percentage in the population of lupus patients in Kermanshah.

Taurine as an adjunct therapy for early left ventricular recovery in peripartum cardiomyopathy

Background and Aims: The pathophysiology of peripartum cardiomyopathy is not fully understood. Despite standard medical therapy, both morbidity and mortality remain high. Restoration of inflammatory cytokine balance may hold promise for therapy. Taurine has a powerful immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory in addition to positive inotropic effect. This study evaluates the effect of taurine infusion on clinical status, left ventricular function, circulating plasma levels of N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide and C-reactive protein in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy. Methods: Forty women with peripartum cardiomyopathy admitted postpartum to the ICU were randomly assigned to one of two groups (20 in each group): Group T received taurine infusion and Group C received normal saline infusion over 24 hours for 5 days. Both groups received standard heart failure therapy according the institutional treatment protocol. Results: In the taurine group on day 5, there was a significant reduction in LVEDD and LVESD and significant increase in LVEF. All patients had an improvement in LVEF of at least 10% and 5 patients had recovery of LVEF to ≥50% on day 5 while the other 15 patients had LVEF 45- 50%. In the control group on day 5, there was non-significant change in LVEDD, LVESD and LVEF and no patient had recovery of LVEF to ≥50% or showed improvement in LVEF more than 10%. NYHA functional class showed significant increase on day 5 in the taurine group compared to the control group. Seventeen patients (85%) in the taurine group showed improvement of the NYHA functional class at day 5. In contrast, only 2 patients (10%) in the control group showed improvement of NYHA functional class at day 5. Conclusion: Early addition of taurine infusion to standard heart failure therapy improves both; echocardiographic parameters and laboratory parameters but without clinically significant changes in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Comparative analysis of laboratory data of patients suffering from SARS-CoV-2-induced pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia

Comparative analysis of laboratory data of 46 patients suffering from pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 and 12 patients - pneumonia of bacterial etiology is given. It was established that in patients with COVID-19 compared to patients with bacterial pneumonia, the level of direct bilirubin is 84% more, and thrombocrit is three times more, which can indicate intravascular hemolysis and activation of the hemostasis system. Sex differences in laboratory indicators in patients with COVID-19, which go beyond the known limits of the physiological norm, were not detected. However, in men, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and plasma creatinine values were statistically higher than in women, but the amount of C-reactive protein in women was 5 times greater. However, these laboratory measures in COVID-19 have low prognostic significance. Therefore, conventional laboratory measures do not reveal clinic-critical differences in bacterial pneumonia and pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2. When conducting multifactorial analysis, it turned out that the laboratory indicators of patients suffering from bacterial pneumonia are not clustered and it is impossible to form predictor models from them. While laboratory indicators of patients suffering from pneumonia caused by COVID-19 form a directed pathogenetic response of the body as a whole, which causes multi-branch associated changes in homeostasis. Unfortunately, the amount of data available to us did not allow a qualitative discriminant analysis, which, with a very large amount of data, could lead to discriminant equations that are resistant to random emissions. This would allow, according to the available key individual laboratory indicators, to identify patients suffering from COVID-19 in the early stages already in the first hours of admission to the clinic.

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Massage on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and C-Reactive Protein in Women With Hypertension

Background and Aim: Hypertension is a common disease and universal that can cause cardiovascular disease and kidney damage. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an eight-weeks massage on blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), heart rate and C-reactive protein in women with hypertension. Methods &amp; Materials: In this quasi-experimental study, 44 volunteer women with Mean±SD age of 42.12±5.31years were selected from women referred to Arak Oil Company specialized polyclinic with hypertension. Four women excluded from the study for some reason, and the rest were divided into experimental and control groups. In massage group massage was done for three sessions per week, 45-60 minutes in each session, on the back and upper limbs for eight weeks. Data analysis was conducted using dependent and independent t-test by SPSS V. 25 statistical software at the significant level of (P≤0.05). Ethical Considerations: This study (Code: 92-160-26) was approved in Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences. Results: The results showed that eight weeks of massage reduced blood pressure (P=0.001), the heart rate (P=0.001), and C-reactive protein (P=0.001) in women with hypertension compared to the control group (P=0.62). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that massage for eight weeks is an efficient and appropriate method to improve systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and C-reactive protein in patients with hypertension.

Association of Hand Grip Strength and Cardiometabolic Markers in Korean Adult Population: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015-2016.

BackgroundMuscle strength has been suggested as a cardiovascular marker. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between hand grip strength and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease in the Korean population.MethodsA total of 9,083 participants aged 20–80 years from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2016 were investigated.ResultsAmong men, both relative and dominant hand grip strength showed a positive association with diastolic blood pressure in those aged 65–80 years (95% confidence interval, P-value of dominant and relative hand grip strength: β=0.06, 0.01; P<0.05). Among women, relative and dominant hand grip strength showed a positive relationship to diastolic blood pressure in those aged 20–64 years (β=0.06, 0.01; P<0.001). Body mass index was positively associated with dominant hand grip strength in younger women (β=0.18, P<0.05), whereas it was positively associated with relative hand grip strength in all sex and age groups. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein showed a negative association with relative and dominant hand grip strength in all women, although the same association was observed only in younger men. Diabetes was inversely related to hand grip strength in younger women and men.ConclusionIncreased hand grip strength may be associated with lower C-reactive protein in women and with less risk of diabetes in the Korean adult population. Further prospective studies are needed for the determination of causality between cardiometabolic markers and hand grip strength.

Fibrin lysability is associated with central obesity and inflammation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by increased central fat mass (CFM), hyper-inflammation, and hemostatic alterations; the risk of cardiovascular disease may also be increased. Reduced fibrin lysability is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The present study assessed fibrin lysability in women with PCOS and controls of similar age and body mass index. Ninety women with PCOS and 35 controls of comparable age and body mass index were included. Hemostatic markers (fibrin lysability, fibrinogen, coagulation factor XIII, plasminogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 [PAI-1], plasmin inhibitor, thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), D-dimer), C-reactive protein (CRP), body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, CFM determined by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, and sex hormones (testosterone estradiol, and sex hormone binding globulin) were determined. TAFI and CRP were higher in women with PCOS, than controls. In women with PCOS, fibrin lysability correlated with CFM, waist-to-hip ratio, CRP, fibrinogen, and all hemostatic variables (P≤.004) except TAFI and D-dimer. CFM correlated with fibrinogen, CRP, coagulation factor XIII, waist-to-hip ratio, plasminogen, PAI-1, plasmin inhibitor, and TAFI (P<.02). In controls, fibrin lysability correlated with CFM, fibrinogen, coagulation factor XIII, and plasmin inhibitor (P≤.02). CFM correlated with PAI-1, plasmin inhibitor, coagulation factor XIII, fibrinogen, and CRP (P≤.05). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that fibrin lysability was associated with CFM, fibrinogen and CRP in women with PCOS (r2 =.46, P≤.001), but only with CFM in controls (r2 =.28, P<.001). Fibrin lysability was comparable in women with PCOS and controls. Fibrin lysability was associated with CFM and hyper-inflammation in women with PCOS, but only with CFM in controls. These findings suggest that obese women with PCOS and augmented inflammation could have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Dietary fiber and blueberry intervention lowers gestational weight gain and C-reactive protein in women at high risk for gestational diabetes

Background: The prevalence of GDM has been shown to be higher in specific ethnicities (e.g. Asian, Black and Hispanic origin vs. non-Hispanic whites), who also disproportionately carry the burden of obesity, low socioeconomic status, and nutritional disparities as prominent risks. Dietary bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and fiber have been shown to play an important role in the management of diabetes, but there is a lack of studies in GDM. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effects of a 20-week dietary intervention (blueberry +soluble fiber) vs. control (standard prenatal care) on gestational weight gain and cardio-metabolic parameters in high-risk Hispanic women with obesity and previous history of GDM. Women [n=25; BMI: 36.3±4.3 (means±SD] were recruited in early pregnancy (14±4 weeks gestation), and data were collected at baseline (< 20wk), 24-28wk and at 32-36wk gestation. Those in the intervention group were provided with frozen blueberries (2 cups/day) and soluble fiber (12g/day); both groups received nutrition education based on Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Results: The prevalence of GDM was observed as follows: one in the dietary intervention (n=12; 8%) and three in standard care group (n=13; 23%). Gestational weight gain and serum C-reactive protein was significantly lower in the dietary intervention vs. standard care (16.5&#177;9.2lb vs. 27.0&#177;11.3lb, respectively; 7.0&#177;3.1 mg/L vs. 17.0&#177;10.2 mg/L, respectively, mean&#177;SD, all p<0.05). Conclusions: Dietary strategies that increase fiber and fruit intake may ameliorate excess gestational weight gain and subsequently reduce the risk of GDM in obese women with previous history of GDM.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Group Counseling on Psychological and Inflammatory Responses of the Women With Breast Cancer.

Introduction: Breast cancer is common among women and reduces their quality of life. The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction group counseling in alleviating psychological responses such as anxiety, depression, stress, and regulating laboratory tests including cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP) in women with breast cancer. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted based on convenience sampling. Participants were divided into 2 groups (control and intervention groups) with block randomization. The intervention group received mindfulness-based stress reduction group counseling during 8 weeks. The participants completed the Beck anxiety inventory, Beck-II depression inventory, and perceived stress scale before and after the intervention and their blood samples were taken to check their cortisol and CRP. Results: After the intervention, the MBSR group had significantly lower anxiety compared with the control group (P < .001). No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in the reduction of perceived stress and depression (P < .05). In addition, no significant difference was found between the 2 groups in CRP and cortisol levels after the intervention (P > .05). Conclusion: The present study showed the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in improving anxiety rather than the stress, depression, and inflammatory laboratory factors such as cortisol and CRP in women with breast cancer. Therefore, the psychological symptoms of these patients can be improved at different stages of treatment by providing this type of training.

Interaction Among Sex, Aging, and Epigenetic Processes Concerning Visceral Fat, Insulin Resistance, and Dyslipidaemia.

The distribution of adipose tissue is influenced by gender and by age, shifting from subcutaneous to visceral depots with longevity, increasing the development of several aging-related diseases and manifestations such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. Epigenetics might have an important role in aging processes. The aim of this research was to investigate the interactions between aging and epigenetic processes and the role of visceral adipose tissue, insulin resistance, and dyslipidaemia. Two different study samples of 366 and 269 adult participants were analyzed. Anthropometric, biochemical (including the triglycerides-glucose (TyG) index), and blood pressure measurements were assessed following standardized methods. Body composition measurements by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were also performed for the second sample. Methylation data were assessed by Infinium Human Methylation BeadChip (Illumina) in peripheral white blood cells. Epigenetic age acceleration was calculated using the methods DNAmAge (AgeAcc) and GrimAge (AgeAccGrim). Age acceleration (AgeAccGrim) showed better correlations than AgeAcc with most of the measured variables (waist circumference, glucose, HOMA-IR, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and TyG index) for the first sample. In the second sample, all the previous correlations were confirmed, except for HOMA-IR. In addition, many of the anthropometrical measurements assessed by DXA and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also statistically associated with AgeAccGrim. Associations separated by sex showed statistically significant correlations between AgeAccGrim and HDL-cholesterol or CRP in women, whereas, in men, the association was with visceral adipose tissue mass DXA, triglycerides and TyG index. Linear regression models (model 1 included visceral adipose tissue mass DXA and TyG index and model 2 included HDL-cholesterol and CRP) showed a significant association for men concerning visceral adipose tissue mass DXA and TyG index, while HDL-cholesterol and CRP were associated in women. Moreover, structural equation modeling showed that the TyG index was mediating the majority of the visceral adipose tissue mass action on age acceleration. Collectively, these findings showed that there are different mechanisms affecting epigenetic age acceleration depending on sex. The identified relationships between epigenetic age acceleration and disease markers will contribute to the understanding of the development of age-related diseases.