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Age-Related Differences in the Association between Plasma High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Noncalcified or
Tiewei Li1, Ning Chen1, Zhengan Liu2
1Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Children's Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, 33 Longhu Waihuan East Street, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou 450000, China.
Insights
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) predicts noncalcified or mixed plaque (NCP/MP) in older adults. hsCRP is an independent risk factor for NCP/MP, suggesting potential therapeutic targets in this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biomarkers
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a known predictor of unstable coronary plaque.
- Noncalcified plaque (NCP) or mixed plaque (MP) is associated with higher risks of adverse outcomes.
- The association between hsCRP and NCP/MP in older adults, and age-related differences, remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of hsCRP in predicting the presence of NCP/MP.
- To evaluate age-related differences in the association between hsCRP and NCP/MP.
Main Methods:
- 951 subjects were analyzed, categorized by plaque type (calcified plaque [CP] vs. NCP/MP) and age (≥60 years as older adults, <60 years as nonelderly).
- Clinical and laboratory data, including hsCRP levels, were collected.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors.
Main Results:
- Older adults with NCP/MP had significantly higher hsCRP levels compared to controls or those with CP.
- The proportion of NCP/MP increased with higher hsCRP levels in older adults (27.0% for <1.25 mg/L to 42.7% for >2.70 mg/L).
- hsCRP was an independent risk factor for NCP/MP (OR=1.093, P=0.001) exclusively in older adults.
Conclusions:
- hsCRP is independently associated with the presence of NCP/MP in older adults, but not in nonelderly individuals.
- These findings highlight the potential significance of hsCRP-lowering therapies for older adults with NCP/MP.
Background:
Previous studies have demonstrated that plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was the predictor for unstable coronary plaque. Patients with noncalcified plaque (NCP) or mixed plaque (MP) have a higher risk of poor outcomes. However, the association between hsCRP and the presence of NCP or MP (NCP/MP) in old adults remains unclear, and if present, whether there exist differences between young and old adults remain unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of hsCRP in predicting the presence of NCP/MP and evaluate whether age has any impact on this association.
Methods:
A total of 951 subjects were included in this study. Complete clinical and laboratory data were collected. According to the characteristics of the most stenotic plaque, we divided them into 2 groups: calcified plaque (CP) and NCP/MP. Subjects with no plaque were classified as the control group (CR). Subjects with age ≥ 60 years were defined as older adults, and those with age < 60 years were classified as nonelderly people.
Results:
Patients with NCP/MP had significantly higher hsCRP level compared with subjects with CR or CP in older adults but not in nonelderly people. The proportion of NCP/MP was significantly increased from 27.0% in the hsCRP < 1.25 mg/L group to 42.7% in the hsCRP > 2.70 mg/L group in older adults. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that hsCRP was an independent risk factor for the presence of NCP/MP (odds ratio (OR) = 1.093, 95% CI 1.032-1.157, P = 0.001) only in older adults.
Conclusions:
hsCRP is independently associated with the presence of NCP/MP in older adults but not in nonelderly people. These results suggest the potential significance of hsCRP-lowering regimens in older adults with NCP/MP.
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