High-sensitivity CRP: possible link between job stress and atherosclerosis
Weixian Xu1, Baoxia Chen, Lijun Guo
1Department of Cardiology, Peking University Third Hospital and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China. xwxbird05@163.com
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|August 11, 2015
Summary
Job stress, particularly high effort and low reward, is linked to elevated inflammation markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). This suggests inflammation may mediate the connection between job stress and atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
- Inflammation Biomarkers
Background:
- Chronic inflammation is implicated in the link between job stress and atherosclerosis.
- Investigating the association between job stress and hs-CRP in Chinese workers is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between job stress and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in a Chinese working population.
- To understand the role of inflammation in mediating the effects of job stress on cardiovascular health.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) model to assess job stress.
- Analyzed data from 731 Chinese workers (506 men, 225 women).
Main Results:
- In men, higher effort, overcommitment, and ERI correlated positively with hs-CRP; reward showed an inverse relationship.
- High effort, overcommitment, or ERI significantly increased the odds of elevated hs-CRP in men (ORs 2.0-3.5).
- In women, high overcommitment and ERI also increased the risk of elevated hs-CRP (ORs 2.8, 4.1).
Conclusions:
- Elevated effort, overcommitment, and ERI are positively associated with higher hs-CRP levels.
- Inflammation, as indicated by hs-CRP, may serve as a key mediator connecting job stress to atherosclerosis.
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