High sensitivity c-reactive protein: uncovering the metabolic delinquent in young adults

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. It is increasingly common among young adults. High- sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP) has been recognised as a cardiovascular biomarker. This study evaluated the association between HsCRP and metabolic syndrome in Malaysian young adult population. Method: The study was a comparative observational cross-sectional study performed in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. A total of 240 young adults age 18 to 45 years were assessed for anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and fasting lipids. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the revised Joint Interim Statement Criteria. Subjects with HsCRP protein that exceeded 10 ng/ml were excluded from subsequent analysis. Result: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 26.25% and no difference was seen between genders (p = 0.175). Mean high- sensitivity C-reactive protein level was 2.79 mg/l and not significantly different between genders (p = 0.807). HsCRP was significantly higher in subjects with metabolic syndrome compared to those without metabolic syndrome (p = 0.001). Significant association between increasing number of metabolic syndrome components present with HsCRP level (p < 0.05), with stronger association observed in females (p = 0.002). Conclusion: HsCRP is positively associated with metabolic syndrome in Malaysian young adults, with stronger association in females. HsCRP could serve as an adjunct to predict MetS in young adults. Prospective study is required to confirm the causality of increasing HsCRP on metabolic syndrome components