title: C-reactive protein and cardiorespiratory fitness in young adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fitness and obesity are both independently associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. C-reactive protein (CRP), a predictor of cardiovascular events is associated with obesity; but its association with cardiorespiratory fitness in early adulthood is uncertain. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and CRP, controlling for obesity in an unselected cohort of young adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study in a representative birth cohort.
  
  
  METHODS
  We measured CRP levels, cardiorespiratory fitness, anthropometric variables, blood pressure and smoking in 26-year-old men (n=400) and women (n=315). Log CRP levels were compared across cardiorespiratory fitness with adjustment for body mass index (BMI), sex, blood pressure, smoking and combined oral contraceptive use.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Geometric mean CRP levels were higher in women (3.23 mg/l, 95% CI 2.85-3.64) compared with men (1.70 mg/l, 1.52-1.89). Regression analysis adjusting for sex and weight showed an inverse association between fitness and CRP (beta=-0.16, P<0.001). This association held after statistical controls were added for BMI, systolic blood pressure and smoking and combined oral contraceptive use (P< or =0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cardiorespiratory fitness levels are inversely associated with CRP levels in young adults independent of obesity, blood pressure, smoking and combined oral contraceptive use in women. Physical fitness may decrease the risk of cardiovascular events by reducing inflammation.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. michael.williams@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
authors.forename: Michael J A
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Barry J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Milne
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Hancox
authors.forename: Richie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Poulton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012907:Smoking
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D002097:C-Reactive Protein