High-sensitivity CRP reflects insulin resistance in smokers.
OBJECTIVE
The elevation of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a strong risk factor for cardio-vascular disease (CVD) and is associated with insulin resistance. The hs-CRP concentration also increases in smokers known to be at a high risk for CVD. We examined whether hs-CRP concentra-tion reflects insulin resistance in smokers.


METHODS
The hs-CRP levels were measured in 121 male subjects (54 nonsmokers and 67 smokers) with a normal glucose tolerance. The hs-CRP concentration was compared to the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and other clinical variables related to insulin resistance.


RESULTS
Smokers had a 64.5% higher hs-CRP concentration than nonsmokers (p<0.0001). In both nonsmokers and smokers, hs-CRP positively correlated with HOMA-IR (r=0.301, p<0.05 and r=0.312, p<0.01) and fasting insulin (r=0.281, p<0.05 and r=0.356, p<0.01). The correlation between hs-CRP and HOMA-IR or fasting insulin was stronger in smokers than in nonsmokers. In smokers, hs-CRP significantly correlated with BMI and HDL-cholesterol (r=0.386, p<0.01 and r=-0.307, p<0.05). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that BMI and HOMA-IR were significant predictors of hs-CRP in smokers (r=0.423, p<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The hs-CRP concentration reflects insulin resistance in smokers. It would be preferable to consider insulin resistance in evaluating hs-CRP concentrations, even in smokers.
Hanyu
Osamu
O
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Homeostatic Regulation and Development, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Japan. hanyuo@med.niigata-u.ac.jp
Yoshida
Junko
J
Abe
Eri
E
Hirayama
Satoshi
S
Miyake
Kazunori
K
Aizawa
Yoshifusa
Y
Miida
Takashi
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D057230:Limit of Detection; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012907:Smoking / Q000503:physiopathology*
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D007328:Insulin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein