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Seasonal variation of C-reactive protein in apparently healthy Koreans
1Division of Cardiology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Pyung Dong, Jongro-Ku, Seoul 110-746, Republic of Korea. kcmd.sung@samsung.com
Insights
Seasonal variations in C-reactive protein (CRP) were observed in healthy Koreans, with higher levels in winter and spring. This suggests a potential link between CRP, cardiovascular risk, and seasonal changes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Biomarkers
- Epidemiology
Background:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is an emerging marker for cardiovascular disease risk.
- Cardiovascular events show higher incidence during winter months.
- Seasonal variations in CRP levels are not well-established in Korean populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate seasonal variations in CRP levels among apparently healthy Koreans.
- To assess the relationship between season and CRP levels, adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A large cohort of 18,445 healthy Koreans (men and women) was studied.
- Anthropometric, metabolic, and blood pressure variables were measured.
- High-sensitivity CRP was quantified using immunonephelometry.
Main Results:
- Mean CRP levels varied seasonally, with highest levels in spring and winter.
- After adjustment for confounders, elevated CRP was significantly associated with spring (OR 1.196), fall (OR 1.086), and winter (OR 1.258) compared to summer.
- Winter and spring showed statistically significant higher CRP levels than summer.
Conclusions:
- Significant seasonal variation in CRP levels exists in healthy Koreans.
- Higher CRP levels in winter and spring may contribute to increased cardiovascular event risk during colder months.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of seasonal CRP variations on cardiovascular health.
Background:
C-reactive protein (CRP) is known as an emerging recognized marker of the potential risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, and several studies have reported higher incidences of cardiovascular events during the winter months. Here, we investigated seasonal CRP variations using a high-sensitivity immunoradiometric assay in apparently healthy Koreans.
Methods:
This study included 18,445 apparently healthy Koreans (12,064 men and 6381 women, 47.2 (11.5) years of age). Anthropometric indices of adiposity, metabolic variables, blood pressure (BP), and several cardiovascular risk factors were measured. High sensitivity CRP testing was performed by immunonephelometry.
Results:
The mean (SD) CRP level in the study population was 1.66 (2.15) mg/L, and mean (SD) CRP levels in the spring, summer, fall and winter were 1.76 (2.30) mg/L, 1.51 (1.94) mg/L, 1.61 (2.08) mg/L, and 1.76 (2.30) mg/L, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, regular exercise, smoking, and body mass index, the odds ratios of an elevated CRP in the spring, fall and winter season were 1.196 (95% CI, 1.024-1.396 p = 0.024), 1.086 (95% CI, 0.943-1.250 p = 0.251) and 1.258 (95% CI, 1.088-1.456 p = 0.002), respectively, as compared with the summer season.
Conclusions:
Our results indicate a highly significant seasonal variation in CRP levels, with higher values during winter and spring than in summer. Elevated plasma CRP levels can be related to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, which are more prominent during the winter months. To further elucidate this relationship additional studies are needed.
