Correlation between the body fat composition and high sensitive C-reactive protein in Turkish adults

The adipose tissue is an active immune organ. High sensitive C-reactive protein CRP (hs-CRP) is a strong independent predictor of a possible future myocardial infarction and stroke, and it has also been shown to be related to the subclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between the body fat composition, metabolic syndrome, and the hs-CRP plasma levels.

Total 246 consecutive Turkish subjects, admitted to the internal medicine clinic with the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome, were included into the study. The total body fat composition was measured in every participant with a commercially available bio-impedance meter. The hs-CRP levels, body composition parameters, and biochemical variables were compared.

The hs-CRP levels increased in parallel with the body weight in Turkish subjects. This increase was significant especially in the women. The waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and body composition variables (visceral fat level, total body fat, and total body muscle mass) were significant correlates of the hs-CRP. The waist circumference and BMI were independent predictors of the hs-CRP.

The waist circumference, BMI, and body composition variables (visceral fat level, total body fat and total body muscle mass) were significant correlates of the hs-CRP in Turkish adults. Body weight control may account for an important target especially in patients with the metabolic syndrome.