title: What Do Very Low Plasma Concentrations of High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hs-CRP) Mean among Healthy Middle-aged Koreans?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Systemic low-grade inflammation (SLGI), as assessed by measurements of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), is a strong independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Although individuals with hs-CRP ≤ 1 mg/L have been defined as being at low risk according to AHA/CDC guidelines, the value of very low hs-CRP levels (<0.5 mg/L) for public health practices is unclear.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional cohort study assessed 104 healthy Koreans aged 34-60 years. Their anthropometric indices, results of computed tomography and bioelectrical impedance analysis, and biomarker concentrations in fasting venous blood samples were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 104 subjects, 88 (84.6%) had hs-CRP concentrations ≤ 1.0 mg/L. When this low risk group was subdivided into subjects with hs-CRP <0.5 mg/L and hs-CRP levels between 0.5 and 1 mg/L, the former group showed better anthropometric profiles for central obesity and lipidemia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Even in low risk subjects, higher serum concentrations of hs-CRP may be associated with increased central obesity. Lifestyle modifications to lower hs-CRP should be recommended in public health practice, with hs-CRP viewed not as a risk marker, but rather as a marker of wellness.
authors.affiliation: Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Min-Gul
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea ; Department of Surgery, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Baik-Hwan
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea ; Department of Pharmacology, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Soo-Wan
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Chae
authors.affiliation: Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea ; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Tae-Sun
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea ; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea.
authors.forename: Dal-Sik
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Kim
keywords: Anthropometry; Biomarker; High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP); Obesity