C-reactive Protein Levels In Women Research Articles

Poor self-rated health is significantly associated with elevated C-reactive protein levels in women, but not in men, in the Japanese general population

ObjectiveSelf-rated health (SRH) is associated with risk for mortality, but its biological basis is poorly understood. We examined the association between SRH and low-grade inflammation in a Japanese general population. MethodsA total of 5142 men and 11,114 women aged 40 to 69years were enrolled. SRH was assessed by a single question and classified into four categories: good, rather good, neither good nor poor, and poor. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were measured by the latex-enhanced immunonephelometric method. Elevated CRP was defined as hsCRP level of 1.0mg/L or higher. The association between SRH and elevated CRP was evaluated by using logistic regression with adjustment for age, socioeconomic status (job status, education and marital status), health-related behaviors (smoking status, drinking status, exercise habits and sleep duration), and cardiovascular risk factors (body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total- and HDL-cholesterol, HbA1c and prevalent stroke and/or myocardial infarction). ResultsCompared to persons with good SRH, persons with poor SRH had significantly higher risk for elevated CRP: age-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) were 1.33 (1.01–1.76) in men and 1.66 (1.36–2.02) in women. The significant association remained even after adjustment for socioeconomic status, health-related behaviors and cardiovascular risk factors in women, whereas the significance disappeared in men. ConclusionPoor SRH is associated with low-grade inflammation in both sexes. In women, but not in men, the association is independent of potential confounders. These findings provide an insight into the biological background of SRH in a general population.

Effect of oral contraceptive therapy on homocysteine and C-reactive protein levels in women: an observational study

Increased levels of homocysteine and C-reactive protein (CRP) are considered as independent risk factors for atherosclerosis. As the level of these factors is affected by sex hormones, a population-based assessment of their changes following oral contraceptive therapy is needed to avoid the side effects that might arise of these variations. To this aim, the present study was to investigate the effect of combined oral contraceptive (OCP) on CRP and homocysteine levels among young healthy women. We conducted an observational cross-sectional analysis of 90 healthy, non-obese women (mean age 25 years and body-mass index 22 kg/m2). Forty-five healthy women on OCP and 45 healthy controls were studied for CRP and homocysteine levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Unpaired t test and Chi-square test were used for comparison of variables between oral contraceptive users and non-oral contraceptive users. The results showed that the homocysteine (13.268±3.475 vs. 7.288±2.621 µmol/L) and CRP (5863.0±1349.5 vs. 1138.3±691.12 ng/ml) levels were significantly higher in women receiving OCP in comparison with the control group (p=0.027 and p<0.001, respectively). The alteration in homocysteine and CRP levels could be attributed to the OCP suggesting that use of these pills should be reviewed in women with increased risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Increased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels indicating early vascular damage in lean young PCOS patients

Serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and C-reactive protein levels, as early signs of vascular damage and cardiovascular disease, were increased in young, lean patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels were positively correlated with serum LH, T, and C-reactive protein levels.

Serum vaspin and C-reactive protein levels in women with polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective. Our aim was to evaluate C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum vaspin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or polycystic ovaries (PCO).Design. Twenty-four women with PCOS and 23 women with PCO constituted the study groups. The control group comprised 24 healthy women.Methods. Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), CRP and serum vaspin levels were measured. The receiver–operating characteristic curve (ROC) of vaspin for prediction of women with increased diabetogenic risk was constructed.Results. The three groups did not significantly differ in age and body mass index. HOMA-IR was significantly higher in the PCOS and PCO groups than in control group. Median CRP levels in the control, PCO and PCOS groups were 0.66, 1.28 and 3.2 mg/l, respectively (p = 0.0001). Women with PCOS had significantly higher serum vaspin levels than the healthy controls [3.52 ± 1.38 vs. 0.36 ± 0.19 ng/ml, p = 0.0001]. Serum vaspin could differentiate between women with and without increased diabetogenic risk at a cut-off value of 1.82 ng/ml with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 66.1%.Conclusion. The results of our study showed that the presence of the increased vaspin, CRP and higher HOMA-IR levels in women with PCOS and PCO could contribute to increased diabetogenic and atherogenic risk in these patients.

Sex Differences in the Relationship between C-Reactive Protein and Body Fat

C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are significantly influenced by adiposity and are higher in women compared with men. We postulated that there may be sex differences in the relationship between CRP and body fat. We measured CRP and body fat parameters in 1166 men and 1413 women ages 30-65 in the population-based Dallas Heart Study. Total fat mass (TFM) was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scanning and was subdivided into truncal fat (TrF) and lower body fat (LBF). The TrF/LBF ratio was used to measure fat distribution. Abdominal fat compartments (ip and sc) were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Log-transformed CRP was used as the outcome variable in sex-combined models with interaction tests. Median body mass index was higher in women than in men (29.9 vs. 28.2 kg/m(2)), as was TFM (29.7 vs. 20.5 kg) (P < 0.001 each). TFM was linearly associated with log CRP in both sexes, with a steeper slope of association in women (P interaction = 0.003). CRP increased to a greater degree with increasing TrF (P interaction = 0.0004) in women compared with men, even after adjustment for TFM; values were similar across sexes for LBF. Fat distribution (TrF/LBF ratio) was more strongly associated with CRP levels in women vs. men (R(2) adjusted for TFM = 0.04 vs. 0.008). Greater increases in CRP were also observed with increasing ip and sc fat in women compared with men. The quantity and distribution of body fat influence CRP to a greater extent in women compared with men. Adiposity as a contributor to subclinical inflammation may be particularly relevant in women.

Association of C-reactive protein (CRP) gene allelic variants with serum CRP levels and hypertension in Turkish adults

Objective Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to analyze the CRP gene allelic variations in the Turkish adult risk factor (TARF) study and relate them with serum CRP levels as well as MetS and its components. Methods We analyzed CRP gene polymorphisms (−286C > T > A [rs3091244], +1444C > T [rs1130864], +1059G > C [rs1800947], and +1846G > A [rs1205]) as well as their haplotypes, in addition to measuring CRP levels ( n = 1138) and collecting risk factor data from 1987 adults (mean age 54.3 ± 11.9 years, 51.3% women) participating in the TARF Study. MetS was defined by using the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program modified for pre-diabetes and in men for abdominal obesity. Results After adjustment for the major cardiovascular risk factors, four CRP SNPs (−286C > T > A, +1059G > C, +1444C > T, and +1846G > A) were significantly associated with serum CRP levels in women ( p < 0.05), whereas the −286C > T > A and +1444C > T polymorphisms were associated with CRP levels in men ( p < 0.05). The haplotype analyses revealed four common CRP haplotypes. The haplotype 1 (CGCA) in women and the haplotype 3 (TGTG) in men were associated with serum CRP levels and hypertension ( p < 0.05). However, no haplotype association was observed for MetS or its components. Conclusion CRP gene allelic variation is associated with serum CRP levels as well as hypertension in Turkish adults.

Association of body fat with C‐reactive protein in rheumatoid arthritis

The serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration is commonly used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a surrogate marker of systemic inflammation, presumably induced by synovitis. However, other tissues, such as adipose tissue, can induce CRP production. This study was undertaken to explore the associations between measures of adiposity and CRP levels in RA. One hundred ninety-six men and women with RA underwent anthropometric assessment and total body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry for measurement of total and regional body fat and lean mass. The associations between measures of fat and lean mass and serum levels of CRP and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined in analyses stratified by sex, with adjustment for pertinent demographic, lifestyle, and RA disease and treatment covariates as well as for the potential modifying effects of articular activity and biologic pharmacotherapeutic agents. All measures of adiposity were significantly associated with the level of CRP in women, but not in men. In women, the measure of adiposity that showed the strongest association with the CRP level was truncal fat, in which, in adjusted analyses, each kilogram increase was associated with a 0.101-unit increase in the logarithmically transformed CRP level (P < 0.001). Neither the level of articular activity nor the use of biologic agents significantly modified this association in women. However, in men, elevated articular involvement was associated with a decreasing CRP level as truncal fat increased. For all analyses, substitution of IL-6 for CRP produced similar findings. Adiposity is independently associated with CRP levels in women with RA, and thus may confound the estimation of RA disease activity when serum CRP concentration is used as a surrogate for systemic inflammation.

Association of HIV Infection and HIV/HCV Coinfection With C-Reactive Protein Levels

Inflammation is a potential mechanism to explain the accelerated atherosclerosis observed in HIV- and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected persons. We evaluated C-reactive protein (CRP) in HIV-infected and HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals in the era of effective antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. Cross-sectional study of Fat Redistribution and Metabolic Change in HIV Infection (FRAM) cohort and controls from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. CRP levels were measured in 1135 HIV-infected participants from the FRAM cohort and 281 controls from the CARDIA study. The associations of HIV and HIV/HCV infection with CRP levels were estimated by multivariable linear regression. Compared with controls, HIV monoinfection was associated with an 88% higher CRP level in men (P < 0.0001) but with no difference in women (5%; P = 0.80) in multivariate analysis. CRP levels were not associated with ARV therapy, HIV RNA level, or CD4 cell count. Compared with controls, HIV/HCV coinfection was associated with a 41% lower CRP level in women (P = 0.012) but with no difference in men (+4%; P = 0.90). Among HIV-infected participants, HCV coinfection was associated with 50% lower CRP levels after multivariable analysis (P < 0.0001) in men and women. Greater visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were strongly associated with CRP levels. Among HIV-infected participants, CRP levels were 17% (P < 0.001) and 21% (P = 0.002) higher per doubling of VAT and SAT; among controls, CRP levels were 34% (P < 0.001) and 61% (P = 0.009) higher, respectively. In the absence of HCV coinfection, HIV infection is associated with higher CRP levels in men. HCV coinfection is associated with lower CRP levels in men and women.

Association between serum levels of C-reactive protein and personality traits in women

BackgroundWhile low-grade inflammation has consistently been observed in subjects with depression, studies on the possible relationship between inflammation and other aspects of brain function are as yet sparse. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible association between serum levels of the inflammation marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and personality traits.MethodsIn this study, serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP were determined by ELISA in a population of 270 42-year-old women recruited from the population registry who had been assessed using the Temperament and Character Inventory. Self-reported previous or ongoing depression was also recorded. Unpaired two-tailed t-tests were used for comparison between two groups and correlations were evaluated by the calculation of Pearson's r-coefficient.ResultsThe temperament trait harm avoidance was positively (r = 0.227, p < 0.05) and the character trait self-directedness was negatively (r = -0.261, p < 0.01) associated with serum levels of CRP (p-values corrected for multiple comparisons). The correlations between the personality traits and CRP were observed also after exclusion of subjects reporting ongoing depression (n = 26). Whereas women reporting ongoing depression showed significantly increased levels of CRP as compared to non-depressed women (n = 155), women reporting a history of depression displayed no significant difference in CRP levels as compared to women that reported that they had never been depressed.ConclusionSerum levels of CRP in women was found to be associated with the personality traits harm avoidance and self-directedness. In addition, moderately elevated levels may be a state dependent marker of depression.

The Effect of Breastfeeding on Cardiorespiratory Risk Factors in Adult Life

Nutrition in the first weeks of life may program disease risk in adulthood. We examined the influence of initial infant feeding on cardiorespiratory risk factors in adulthood. A total of 9377 persons born during 1 week in 1958 in England, Scotland, and Wales were followed-up periodically from birth into adulthood. Infant feeding was recorded from a parental questionnaire at 7 years old as never breastfed, breastfed partially or wholly for <1 month, or breastfed for >1 month. Height; waist circumference; hip circumference; waist/hip ratio; body mass index; blood pressure; forced expiratory volume; total, high-density, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; triglycerides; hemoglobin A1c; fibrinogen; fibrin D-dimer; C-reactive protein; von Willebrand factor; and tissue plasminogen activator antigen were measured at 44 to 45 years of age. Breastfeeding for >1 month was associated with reduced waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, von Willebrand factor, and lower odds of obesity compared with formula feeding after adjustment for birth weight, prepregnancy maternal weight, maternal smoking during pregnancy, socioeconomic position in childhood and adulthood, region of birth, gender, and current smoking status. Infant feeding status was not associated with other cardiorespiratory risk factors after adjustment, except for lower fibrinogen and C-reactive protein levels in women. The inverse associations of breastfeeding for >1 month with measures of central obesity and inflammatory markers in the current study are small and of little public health importance. Although there was no substantial long-term protective effect of breastfeeding for >1 month on other cardiorespiratory risk factors in adult life, further studies with contemporaneous data on exclusive breastfeeding are needed to confirm these findings.

Higher C-reactive protein levels during IVF stimulation are associated with ART failure

Background C-reactive protein (CRP) is believed to be a sensitive marker of endothelial activation and inflammation. The association between an inflammatory state and CRP has prompted research on changes in CRP levels in assisted reproductive technique (ART) cycles. IVF success and CRP levels were not correlated previously. The aim of this prospective study was to assess CRP levels during IVF stimulation and correlate them with IVF success. Materials and methods Twenty-eight Women were stimulated using the ‘Flare-up’ protocol with down-regulation of Triprorelin. CRP levels were measured on cycle days 3, 8, ovum pick-up day and 12 days following embryo-transfer (βhCG testing day). Main outcome measures: CRP levels in women who conceived after IVF protocol ( n = 8) were compared to CRP levels in women who failed to conceive ( n = 20). Results The mean age for both groups was similar. CRP levels were significantly different on day 3 ( p < 0.05), but not on day 8, of the cycle. Average CRP levels on ovum pick-up and on βhCG test days were similar, as was the number of oocytes collected or embryos replaced. Patients who failed to conceive had significantly higher levels of CRP on day 3 of the cycle, before commencement of gonadotrophin administration, and the higher levels continued throughout treatment, although not reaching statistical significance. Conclusions An inflammatory state, indicated by high CRP levels during stimulation, may serve as a prognostic indicator of IVF success.

Higher plasma leptin largely explains increased C‐reactive protein levels in women

European Journal of Clinical InvestigationVolume 37, Issue 3 p. 231-233 Higher plasma leptin largely explains increased C-reactive protein levels in women R. P. F. Dullaart, R. P. F. Dullaart Department of Endocrinology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands,Search for more papers by this authorR. De Vries, R. De Vries Department of Endocrinology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands,Search for more papers by this authorL. D. Dikkeschei, L. D. Dikkeschei Department of Clinical Chemistry, Isala Clinics, Zwolle, The NetherlandsSearch for more papers by this authorW. J. Sluiter, W. J. Sluiter Department of Endocrinology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands,Search for more papers by this author R. P. F. Dullaart, R. P. F. Dullaart Department of Endocrinology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands,Search for more papers by this authorR. De Vries, R. De Vries Department of Endocrinology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands,Search for more papers by this authorL. D. Dikkeschei, L. D. Dikkeschei Department of Clinical Chemistry, Isala Clinics, Zwolle, The NetherlandsSearch for more papers by this authorW. J. Sluiter, W. J. Sluiter Department of Endocrinology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands,Search for more papers by this author First published: 26 February 2007 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2362.2007.01775.xCitations: 5 R. P. F. Dullaart, Department of Endocrinology, University Medical Center Groningen, PO Box 30·001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 50 3613731; fax: +31 50 3619392; e-mail: [email protected] Department of Endocrinology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (R. P. F. Dullaart, R. de Vries, W. J. Sluiter); Department of Clinical Chemistry, Isala Clinics, Zwolle, The Netherlands (L. D. Dikkeschei). Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Citing Literature Volume37, Issue3March 2007Pages 231-233 RelatedInformation

Association between the intake of vitamins and trace elements from supplements and C-reactive protein: results of the MONICA/KORA Augsburg study

To examine the association between plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the intake of vitamins and trace elements from supplements possibly related to inflammation such as vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, selenium and zinc. Cross-sectional study using data from the Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease/Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (MONICA/KORA) Survey 1994/95. Region of Augsburg, Southern Germany. Population-based sample of 2045 women and 2172 men, aged 25-74 years. Intake of dietary supplements containing vitamins and trace elements was associated with lower CRP levels in women. Especially vitamin E in combination with other vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin B(1), B(2), B(6), B(12), niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acid and selenium, was significantly associated with lower CRP levels. Odds ratios for elevated CRP levels (>3.0 mg/l) after multivariable adjustment were 0.57 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37, 0.89) for the intake of vitamin E and 0.57 (95% CI: 0.35, 0.91) for the intake of multivitamins, defined as taking three or more different vitamins. These associations were not seen in men. Intake of vitamin C, carotenoids or zinc was not significantly associated with levels of CRP in both men and women. Our data indicate that the intake of certain vitamins and trace elements from supplements is associated with lower CRP concentrations in women. Thus, intake of these micronutrients could influence the inflammatory process underlying the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Specific dose response relationships and the best combinations of vitamins and trace elements have to be determined in further studies.

Pre-eclampsia Versus Cardiovascular Disease Versus CRP

Pre-eclampsia (PE), a hypertensive disorder of human pregnancy, shares some similarities with atherosclerosis and some studies support the theory that PE may work as a marker of increased cardiovascular risk later in life. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease and raised C-reactive protein (CRP) levels have emerged as a powerful marker in predicting cardiovascular events. PE may represent an exacerbated form of inflammation compared with normal pregnancies; actually, a large number of studies have reported higher CRP levels in women with established PE. This paper reviews the association of elevated CRP levels with the development of PE and with the development of cardiovascular disease later in life. The need of studies evaluating CRP, as well as other novel cardiovascular risk factors, in non-pregnant women with a history of PE is highlighted, and attention is given to the potential preventive strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk in such women. Keywords: Pre-eclampsia, Cardiovascular disease, C-reactive protein

Gender and C-reactive protein: Data from the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) cohort

American Heart Association/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines support the measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) to further risk stratify individuals at intermediate risk (10%-20% 10-year risk) for heart disease. Determining gender-specific differences in CRP may alter how CRP levels are interpreted and used to determine risk. MESA is a prospective cohort consisting of 6814 men and women aged 45 to 84 years recruited from 6 US communities. Nonparametric analyses were performed to determine differences in CRP levels by gender in the entire cohort and after stratifying by use of estrogen medication (n = 944). Stratifying by median body mass index (BMI) and generalized linear models were also used to account for confounding variables associated with CRP. Overall, women had substantially higher median CRP levels compared with men (2.56 vs 1.43 mg/L, P < .0001). After excluding women using estrogen and individuals with CRP >10 mg/L, median CRP levels remained higher in women compared with men (1.85 vs 1.33 mg/L, P < .0001). When participants were stratified into high and low BMI groups, the gender difference in CRP levels remained. This pattern of higher CRP levels in women was consistent across all ethnic subgroups even after multivariable adjustment. C-reactive protein levels were higher in women compared with men despite accounting for BMI and other common confounding variables. This gender difference was maintained across all ethnic subgroups. These results suggest that evaluation of gender-specific CRP cut points to determine cardiovascular risk should be considered.

Hormone replacement therapy is associated with increased C-reactive protein in women with Type 2 diabetes in the Diabetes Heart Study.

Increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers, especially C-reactive protein (CRP), are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and sudden cardiac death. Medical interventions that increase CRP levels, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in post-menopausal women, are under increasing scrutiny. The effect of HRT on CRP levels in women with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is not well documented, and conflicting conclusions have been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of HRT on women with diabetes in a large cross-sectional study. Three hundred and twenty-seven post-menopausal women with T2DM from the Diabetes Heart Study participated. Current use of HRT was determined and serum CRP levels were measured using a high-sensitivity ELISA kit. Generalized estimating equation methods were used to assess the relationship of multiple clinical and lifestyle (e.g. smoking) measures on CRP levels including differences between women taking HRT (HRT+) and not taking HRT (HRT-). Overall serum CRP levels were strongly associated with body mass index (P < 0.0001) and age (P < 0.0001). Of the women, 243 were not using HRT and 84 were using HRT. HRT+ and HRT- women did not differ significantly in measures of clinical traits, with the exception of higher mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in HRT- women (P = 0.004). In all models tested, HRT+ women had significantly higher circulating CRP levels, with P-values ranging from 0.0045 to 0.010. In this study of serum CRP concentration as a function of HRT in women with Type 2 diabetes, there was consistent evidence for increased circulating CRP levels in women receiving oestrogen-containing HRT. Whether HRT-induced increases in CRP can account for the adverse cardiovascular effects of HRT remains to be established; however, based on these data, there is little reason to believe that diabetic women would be spared from such an effect.

Hormone therapy, C-reactive protein, and progression of atherosclerosis: Data from the Estrogen Replacement on Progression of Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis (ERA) trial

Objective To compare the effects of estrogen and estrogen plus progestin on levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and to examine the relationship between these changes and progression of angiographically defined coronary disease. Methods Baseline and follow-up (year 1 and year 3) plasma levels of IL-6 and CRP were measured in a subset of 232 patients from the Estrogen Replacement in Atherosclerosis (ERA) trial. Results Serial angiograms were also available at baseline and closeout. Estrogen alone increased CRP by 40% ( P = .01) at 1 year and 38% P = .002) at closeout. Estrogen plus medroxyprogesterone acetate increased CRP by 44.7% P = .001) at 1 year and 54.7% P = .0001) at closeout as compared with baseline levels. There were no significant changes in IL-6 with either treatment. In women in the active treatment arm, change in CRP during the first year was not associated with progression of coronary disease P = .2). Conclusions Estrogen and estrogen plus medroxyprogesterone significantly raise CRP levels in women with established coronary disease. In contrast, IL-6 levels are not affected by estrogen or estrogen plus progestin. Estrogen-induced changes in CRP are not associated with progression of atherosclerosis.

Low cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with elevated C-reactive protein levels in women with type 2 diabetes.

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in novel markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women with type 2 diabetes stratified according to cardiorespiratory fitness. A total of 28 women (mean age 57 +/- 6 years) with type 2 diabetes who were free from overt CVD were placed into low cardiorespiratory fitness (LCF) or average cardiorespiratory fitness (ACF) groups based on a graded exercise test to exhaustion. A group of eight women without type 2 diabetes were also examined and served as healthy control subjects. The median VO(2peak) value was used as a cutoff for group determination. We assessed both conventional CVD risk factors, including blood pressure, BMI, and lipid profile, as well as novel CVD risk factors, such as left ventricular filling dynamics, arterial stiffness, fasting insulin, and C-reactive protein (CRP). VO(2peak) values were 69 +/- 14 and 91 +/- 24% of predicted values for sedentary age-matched healthy individuals in the LCF and ACF groups, respectively. BMI was significantly greater in the LCF group (P < 0.05); however, no differences were observed in age, lipid profile, or resting hemodynamics. CRP was 3.3-fold higher in the LCF group (6.3 +/- 41. vs. 1.9 +/- 1.7 mg/l, P < 0.05), whereas other novel markers of CVD were not significantly different between the groups. Significant negative relationships were observed between VO(2peak) and both CRP (r = -0.49) and the homeostasis model assessment index (r = -0.48) (P < 0.05). The novel finding of this investigation is that low cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with elevated CRP and reduced fasting glucose control in women with type 2 diabetes.

Diet and C-reactive protein.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in healthy individuals and those with pre-existing disease. It also probably contributes to the disease process. CRP levels are higher in obese subjects and this link is almost certainly because of increased insulin resistance. Interventions that alter insulin resistance, such as weight loss, exercise, and conjugated linoleic acid, also alter CRP. Glycemic load is associated with CRP, but there have been no interventions with altered macronutrient composition. In the context of weight loss, macronutrient composition is probably not important. Alcohol lowers CRP, but the mechanism is unknown. The interaction between gender and obesity needs further work, but it appears that obesity has a greater effect on CRP levels in women.

Increased C-reactive protein levels in women at increased cardiovascular risk predict one-year events only when associated with increased interleukin-6 levels

Increased C-reactive protein levels in women at increased cardiovascular risk predict one-year events only when associated with increased interleukin-6 levels