title: High-normal levels of hs-CRP predict the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver in healthy men.
abstract: We performed a follow-up study to address whether high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels within the normal range can predict the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in healthy male subjects. Among15347 male workers between 30 and 59 years old who received annual health check-ups in 2002, a NAFLD-free cohort of 4,138 was followed through December 2009. Alcohol consumption was assessed with a questionnaire. At each visit, abdominal ultrasonography was performed to identify fatty liver disease. The COX proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the relationship between hs-CRP and incident NAFLD. During the follow-up period, 28.8% (1191 of 4138) of participants developed NAFLD. The hazard ratios of NAFLD were increased by hs-CRP categories within the normal range in the non-adjusted model and age-adjusted model. After adjusting for age, exercise, smoking, BMI, systolic BP, triglyceride, and fasting glucose, these incidences were only increased between the lowest and the highest hs-CRP categories. The risk for NAFLD increased as the hs-CRP level increased (p< 0.001). As the hs-CRP level increased within the healthy cohort, the risk of developing NAFLD increased. This trend remained true even if the hs-CRP level remained within the normal range. hs-CRP can be used as a predictor of NAFLD, as well as other obesity-associated diseases. Therefore, individuals with higher hs-CRP levels (even within the normal range) may require appropriate follow-up and management to prevent NAFLD development.
authors.affiliation: Health Promotion Center, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
authors.forename: Jieun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Health Screening Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Kijung
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yoon
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Seungho
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ryu
authors.affiliation: Health Screening Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Yoosoo
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Hyoung-Ryoul
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000503:physiopathology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D015444:Exercise; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D065626:Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D011379:Prognosis; D016016:Proportional Hazards Models; D012907:Smoking / Q000503:physiopathology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D001786:Blood Glucose; D014280:Triglycerides; D002097:C-Reactive Protein