Serum concentration of hs-CRP in obese individuals with and without metabolic syndrome and its association with parameters of metabolic syndrome

Introduction: Serum level of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), as an inflammatory marker, can play a role in development of metabolic syndrome in obese individuals. Objectives: This study aimed to determine serum concentration of hs-CRP in obese patients with metabolic syndrome and determine the association of this factor with factors involved in the progression of metabolic syndrome. Patients and Methods: In this study, samples were selected by convenient method from obese patients, admitted to Kashani and Hajar hospitals (Shahrekord, Iran). First, based on NCEP-ATPIII-defined metabolic syndrome, parameters of metabolic syndrome and serum levels of vitamin D were measured and a questionnaire containing demographics was completed for each participant. Accordingly, the samples (n=192) were divided into two identical groups; obese individuals without metabolic syndrome (controls) and obese individuals with metabolic syndrome (case group). Hs-CRP levels were measured in both groups. Results: Serum level of hs-CRP in the case group was 17.58±1.40 μg/mL and in the control group was 9.04±1.26 μg/mL, which was significantly higher in the case group than the control group (P < 0.001). Serum concentration of hs-CRP in case and control subjects had a negative significant correlation with vitamin D (P <0.001), however, serum level of hs-CRP had no significant association with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), fasting blood sugar (FBS), abdominal circumference, body mass index (BMI), and height (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Hs-CRP can be used for prognosis and early detection of patients at risk of metabolic syndrome.