title: Plasma C-reactive protein concentrations in active and passive smokers: influence of antioxidant supplementation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  C-reactive protein (CRP) may directly affect the progression of atherosclerosis, and therefore, may be a target for reducing disease risk. The objective was to determine whether antioxidant supplementation reduces plasma CRP in active and passive smokers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial with 2 months exposure to study supplements.
  
  
  METHODS
  Berkeley and Oakland, California.
  
  
  METHODS
  Healthy adult men and women, consuming <4 daily servings of fruits and vegetables, and who were actively or passively exposed to cigarette smoke. Analysis was limited to participants with detectable baseline CRP concentrations and no evidence of inflammation associated with acute illness at baseline or follow-up as reflected in CRP elevations (> or =10.0 mg/L). A total of 1393 individuals were screened, 216 randomized, 203 completed the study, and 160 were included in the analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were randomized to receive a placebo or vitamin C (515 mg/day) or antioxidant mixture (per day: 515 mg vitamin C, 371 mg alpha-tocopherol, 171 mg gamma-tocopherol, 252 mg mixed tocotrienols, and 95 mg alpha-lipoic acid).
  
  
  METHODS
  Change in plasma CRP concentration.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Vitamin C supplementation yielded a 24.0% reduction (95% confidence interval, -38.9% to -5.5%, p = 0.036 compared to control) in plasma CRP, whereas the antioxidant mixture and placebo produced a nonsignificant 4.7% reduction (-23.9% to 19.3%) and 4.3% increase (-15.1% to 28.2%), respectively. Results were adjusted for baseline body mass index and CRP concentrations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Plasma CRP itself may serve as a potential target for reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, and antioxidants, including vitamin C, should be investigated further to confirm their CRP-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects.
authors.affiliation: Division of Community Health and Human Development, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA. Gblock@berkeley.edu
authors.forename: Gladys
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Block
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: Marion
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dietrich
authors.forename: Edward P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Norkus
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hudes
authors.forename: Lester
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Packer
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood*; D008063:Thioctic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects; D024508:Tocotrienols / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D024504:gamma-Tocopherol / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D010919:Placebos; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution; D024508:Tocotrienols; D014815:Vitamins; D008063:Thioctic Acid; D024504:gamma-Tocopherol; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol; D001205:Ascorbic Acid