Original Article# Association of Leukocyte Count and hsCRP with Metabolic Abnormalities in Subjects with Normal Glucose Tolerance

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the association of leukocyte count and high sensitivity C-Reactive protein (hsCRP) with metabolic abnormalities in subjects with normal glucose tolerance. Methods: Subjects with Normal Glucose Tolerance (NGT) (n = 865) were recruited from the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study [CURES]. Standard methods were used for assessing hsCRP [Nephelometry, in a subset] and leukocytes [Flowcytometry, Sysmex SF-3000]. Insulin resistance was calculated using the Homeostasis Assessment model (HOMA-IR). Results: Body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HOMA IR and hsCRP increased significantly with increasing tertiles of leukocyte count [p for trend < 0.001]. Both leukocyte count and hsCRP showed a positive correlation with cardiovascular risk factors. Leukocyte count showed a positive correlation with hsCRP [p=0.008]. Both mean leukocyte count [p<0.001] and hsCRP [p=0.04] were higher in subjects with Metabolic Syndrome (MS), which increased with increase in number of metabolic abnormalities [p for trend <0.001]. Regression models showed leukocyte count [p<0.001] and hsCRP [p=0.03] to be associated with MS, even after adjusting for age and gender. Conclusion: A significant association exists between systemic inflammation [leukocyte count and hsCRP] and MS/ cardiovascular risk factors in Asian Indians even among non-diabetic subjects.