Antioxidant Status and the Risk of Elevated C-Reactive Protein 12 Years Later

Abstract

Background/Aims: Low-grade inflammation is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Relationships between the antioxidant status and inflammatory biomarkers could give new insights into cardiovascular disease prevention. We investigated long-term associations between the antioxidant nutrient (vitamin C, α-tocopherol, β-carotene) status and C-reactive protein (CRP) in a population-based cohort. Methods: Subjects included in the French SU.VI.MAX trial study who had available data on baseline (1994-1995) blood nutrient concentrations and CRP measurements 12 years later (2007-2009) were included. Associations between baseline antioxidant circulating concentrations and elevated CRP (>3 mg/l) were investigated in multivariate logistic regression models. Subgroup analyses were performed according to gender, supplementation group of the initial trial, smoking status, and alcohol intake. Results: Serum α-tocopherol (n = 2,060) and vitamin C (n = 1,719) concentrations [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) quintile 5 vs. 1: OR 1.10 (95% CI 0.71-1.73), p for trend = 0.533, vs. OR 0.79 (95% CI 0.48-1.29), p for trend = 0.121, respectively] were not associated with elevated CRP concentrations. The β-carotene status (n = 2,048) was inversely associated with elevated CRP [adjusted OR quintile 5 vs. 1: OR 0.61 (95% CI 0.38-0.98), p for trend = 0.01]. Subgroup analyses showed that associations were stronger in women (p for trend = 0.004), never smokers (p for trend = 0.009) and subjects in the supplementation group (p for trend = 0.002). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the β-carotene status may be inversely associated with low-grade inflammation in the long term.

Associations between fruit and vegetable variety and low-grade inflammation in Portuguese adolescents from LabMed Physical Activity Study

“…Thus, our findings are in accordance with a review showing that a number of dietary intervention studies have provided evidence that dietary flavonoids can modulate CRP production [3]. In addition, studies have indicated that total flavonoid intake [61] or serum level of β-carotene [62] are inversely associated with serum CRP. Our results show a significant association (p for trend <0.05) between low-grade inflammation and vegetable variety but not for fruit variety, contrary to what we expected.…”

Weight Management: Inflammation

“…In spite of this, plasma carotenoids were associated with obesity, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HbA1c, and smoking [15,48]. Another study done by Julia et al suggested that the β-carotene status was inversely associated with low-grade inflammation [49]. Another cross-sectional meta-analysis study focusing on Syndrome X respondents showed an inverse association between total plasma carotenoids and metabolic syndrome.…”

Diet and asthma

“…Moreover, treatment of sensitized mice with fenretinide (60mg/kg/day) prevents ovalbumin (OVA)-induced changes in arachidonic acid metabolism, oxidative stress, AHR and inflammation in the lungs(10). Consistent with potential anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin A or vitamin A sources, increased levels of carotenoids (11) or β-carotene (12) in serum have been associated with reduced levels of markers of systemic inflammation (such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6) in humans.…”