C-reactive Protein, Obesity, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in 7 Years-old Korean Children

ABSTRACT

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a nonspecific, but sensitive marker of systemic immune response. Many studies have suggested that CRP levels are associated with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors not only in adults, but also in children. We assessed the inter-relationships between CRP, obesity, and cardiovascular risk factors in Korean children aged 7 years old. Methods: A total of 126 children (40 overweight and 86 normal weight children) were recruited from seven elementary schools in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. Physical examinations including various obesity parameters were done. Fasting and post-prandial venous blood was withdrawn for the chemistry. The hsCRP was measured by the Nephelometry. Results: The hsCRP was associated with body weight, body fat (%), body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences, hip circumferences and waist/hip ratio (P<0.05). From the lowest to the highest quartile groups of hsCRP, mean fasting insulin levels (2.7+/-3.1micronIU/mL, 2.6+/-2.1micronIU/mL, 3.4+/-3.7micronIU/mL, and 4.2+/-3.6micronIU/mL, respectively)(P<0.05) and HOMA-IR levels (0.60+/-0.70, 0.59+/-0.49, 0.74+/-0.84, and 0.95+/-0.83, respectively)(P<0.05) increased. Serum lipid profiles were not associated with the hsCRP levels. Conclusion: In children aged 7 years old, the hsCRP was significantly associated with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors.