Serum C-reactive protein and plasma homocysteine levels are associated with hormone therapy use and other factors: a population-based study of middle-aged Australian-born women.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the associations between C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine levels, use of hormone therapy (HT) and other factors.


METHODS
A 12-year prospective study of 438 Australian-born women (Melbourne Women's Midlife Health Project), who at baseline were aged 45-55 years, had menstruated in the previous 3 months and were not taking HT. Fasting blood was collected in the 11th follow-up year for CRP, homocysteine, estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Physical measurements and face-to-face interviews obtained information on health and lifestyle variables.


RESULTS
A total of 258 women (mean age 60 years) participated in the 11th follow-up year. Multiple regression analysis found that CRP levels were positively associated with body mass index (p < 0.001), HT use (p < 0.01), and negatively associated with statin use (p < 0.005) and exercising (p < 0.05). In postmenopausal women currently not using HT (n = 173) and after adjusting for body mass index, exercise and smoking, CRP was negatively associated with FSH levels (beta = -0.32, p < 0.05). Homocysteine levels were positively associated with smoking (p < 0.001) and negatively associated with HT use (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
In middle-aged Australian-born women, HT use was associated with increased CRP and decreased homocysteine levels. High CRP levels were also associated with high relative weight, low exercise levels and no statin medication.
Guthrie
J R
JR
Office for Gender and Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Clark
M S
MS
Dennerstein
L
L
Burger
H G
HG
D001315:Australia; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D006710:Homocysteine; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D002097:C-Reactive Protein