Relationship between C-Reactive Protein and Body Mass Index in Nigerians with Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background. C-reactive protein is an acute-phase protein synthesized in the liver and its release is stimulated by cytokines (interleukin 6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha). Baseline levels of C-reactive protein in apparently healthy men and women predict long-term risk of a first myocardial infarction. In older men and women, elevated level CRP was found to be associated with a 10-year risk of coronary heart disease
regardless of the presence or absence of cardiac risk factors. Studies have shown a significant correlation between CRP and body mass index (BMI). But data regarding CRP and BMI in our Nigerian population is lacking hence the decision to conduct this study.
Method. The study design was cross-sectional comprising 125 consecutive subjects consisting of 75 patients with type II diabetes mellitus with or without hypertension attending medical outpatient clinic of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals complex (OAUTHC) Ile Ife, Osun State (in southwestern Nigeria), and 50 apparently healthy age- and sex-comparable controls from the hospital staff and patient relatives who were themselves not relatives of the study patients were recruited. Measurement of C-reactive protein was based on the principle of solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results. Body mass index differed significantly between patients and controls as well as the C-reactive protein level. There was a positive
and significant correlation between serum CRP and body mass index among both patients and controls.
Conclusion. C-reactive protein was found to be significantly higher in diabetics compared to controls. In addition, there was a positive and
significant correlation between body mass index and C-reactive protein even after adjusting for hyperglycaemia.

Key words: C-Reactive Protein, Body Mass Index, Type II diabetes Mellitus.