High C-reactive protein instead of metabolic syndrome is associated with lower bioimpedance phase angle in individuals clinically screened for a lifestyle modification program

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Phase angle (PhA) value is a useful tool for identifying cell membrane integrity dysfunction. It is known that metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases oxidative stress and inflammation; and consequently can promote cellular damage. We hypothesized that MetS and inflammatory blood markers could be associated with lower PhA values. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the association of PhA values with MetS and blood markers in individuals clinically screened for a lifestyle modification program. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 417 selected subjects (76 men and 341 women, 53.9 ± 9.4 years old) were evaluated. Assessments included clinics, anthropometric measures, body composition by bioimpedance, and laboratory blood markers, including plasma lipids, glucose, and C-reactive protein concentrations. According to the PhA median values, subjects were classified in low (≤6.3°) and high (>6.3°) PhA groups. RESULTS: Subjects with lower PhA values were older and showed lower body mass index, waist circumference, muscle mass index, creatinine, and uric acid; and higher gamma-GT and HDL cholesterol. Neither the presence of MetS nor the presence of the increasing number of MetS components was associated with PhA values. The logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, and muscle mass index showed that higherC-reactive protein concentrations (>3.0 mg/L) increased the odds of low PhA values (OR = 1.62; CI = 1.01­2.60).CONCLUSION: Higher C-reactive protein concentrations increased the odds of low PhA independently of the presence of MetS. Additionally, contrary to our hypothesis, MetS was not associated with PhA values.