High-sensitivity C-reactive protein in schoolchildren and its relationship to adiposity, physical activity, physical fitness and habitual diet.

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To investigate the relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), adiposity, physical activity, physical fitness and habitual diet in a cohort of schoolchildren. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 164 schoolchildren aged 12-13 years was conducted in two schools. Adiposity was estimated using body mass index and waist circumference. Blood samples were taken after an overnight fast and measured for hsCRP. Aerobic fitness and habitual physical activity were assessed using the 20m multistage fitness test, and a seven-day recall, respectively. A seven-day food diary provided measures of dietary intake. Results: To improve the distribution of this variable, hsCRP levels were logarithmically transformed in all analyses. There was no significant difference in mean hsCRP concentration between boys (1.07 ± 1.33 mg/L) and girls (1.24 ±1.87 mg/L) (P > 0.05). Compared to girls, boys reported significantly higher (i) aerobic fitness 59.2 ± 20.3 shuttles vs 42.9 ± 15.3 shuttles, (ii) vigorous activity levels per week 92 ± 123 mins vs 11.2 ± 34.6 mins, and (iii) waist circumference 69.8 ± 1.1 vs 65.2 ± 0.9 centimetres (P ≤ 0.05). Among boys and girls, adiposity was significantly associated with log transformed hsCRP (P ≤ 0.05). High-sensitivity CRP was not significantly related to any other variable. Conclusion: Elevated hsCRP was evident in this cohort, however, whether high CRP levels during childhood and adolescence leads to an increased risk of CVD in later life has not been determined. Adiposity was related to hsCRP concentration, suggesting that reducing adiposity may be effective in lowering hsCRP and preventing future cardiovascular events.