The association of plasma C-reactive protein levels with anthropometric and lipid parameters in elderly Taiwanese

C-reactive protein (CRP), a plasma inflammation marker, has been known to play a role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to evaluate the association of CRP with anthropometric and plasma lipid parameters in elderly Taiwanese 65 years or older. Data from the Elderly Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (1999-2000), a national probability sampling study conducted to gain an understanding of the dietary pattern, and nutritional and health status of elderly Taiwanese were analyzed. Results showed that in men, CRP was positively correlated with age and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (both p<0.05) whereas in women, CRP was positively correlated with waist and WHR but negatively correlated with HDL-C (all p<0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that log CRP was positively associated with WHR in both genders (p<0.05) after adjusting for confounders. The correlation of CRP with WHR was stronger than that with both waist circumference and body mass index (BMI). Log CRP was inversely associated with HDL-C in women, but not men. The study suggests that among the anthropometric parameters examined, WHR is a stronger predictor for elevated CRP in elderly Taiwanese men and women. Whereas low HDL-C is a predictor among the plasma lipid parameters for elevated plasma CRP, at least in women. Gender differences exist in the association of CRP with anthropometric and lipid parameters.