Factors Associated with Multiple Biomarkers of Systemic Inflammation

Abstract

Background While much is known about correlates of C-reactive protein (CRP), little is known about correlates of other inflammation biomarkers. As these measures are increasingly being used in epidemiologic studies, it is important to determine what factors affect inflammation biomarker concentrations. Methods Using age, sex and body mass index (BMI) adjusted linear regression, we examined 38 exposures (demographic and anthropometric measures, chronic disease history, NSAIDs, dietary factors, supplement use) of 8 inflammation biomarkers [CRP, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR) in plasma; and prostaglandin E2 –metabolite (PGE-M) in urine] in 217 adults, aged 50-76 years. Results Increasing age was associated with higher concentrations of all biomarkers except IL-1β. BMI was positively associated with CRP and sTNFR I and II. Saturated fat intake was associated with increased CRP, sTNFRII, TNF-α, and IL-1β, while EPA+DHA intake (diet or total) was associated with decreased CRP, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Results for sex were varied: CRP and IL-6 were lower among men, whereas PGE-M and sTNFRI were higher. Higher CRP was also associated with smoking, HRT use, and γ-tocopherol intake; lower CRP with physical activity, and intakes of dietary vitamin C and total fiber. Conclusions Although the associations varied by biomarker, the factors having the greatest number of significant associations (p<=0.05) with the inflammation biomarkers were age, BMI, dietary saturated fat and EPA+DHA omega 3 fatty acids. Impact Our results suggest that potential confounders in epidemiologic studies assessing associations with inflammation biomarkers vary across specific biomarkers.

Latent class analysis of ARDS subphenotypes: a secondary analysis of the statins for acutely injured lungs from sepsis (SAILS) study

“…The perturbing influence of anthropometric factors such as age and BMI on CRP that are not observed with IL-6 and IL-8, may in part explain this observation. [39] In addition, the higher incidence of liver impairment in the hyper-inflammatory subphenotype may also lead to lower CRP levels compromising its utility as a classifier. [40]…”

Vegetable and Fruit Intakes Are Associated with hs-CRP Levels in Pre-Pubertal Girls

“…The association between a higher intake of fruit and vegetables and lower hs-CRP levels appears to be consistent in both adults [10,11] and children [14,15]. However, the association seems to depend on age and sex [15] and weight category status [10].…”

“…In support of this theory, some studies in adults have reported inverse associations between hs-CRP and other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin A and β-carotene [10,11,13], although the association has not been found in children [27]. …”

“…Several studies suggest an association between diet and CRP levels [7,8]. Oxidative stress has pro-inflammatory effects, and CRP has an important role in this pathway [9], and antioxidant vitamins have been inversely related to CRP concentrations [10,11]. As vegetables and fruits are a major source of antioxidant vitamins, their association with CRP levels has been extensively studied.…”

Impact of chemotherapy on medium-term physical function and activity of older breast cancer survivors, and associated biomarkers

“…The literature is heterogeneous. In the VITAL study, investigators assessed the correlation of 8 chronic inflammation markers [such as CRP, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR) in plasma; and prostaglandin E2 -metabolite (PGE-M) in urine] in 217 adults aged 50-76 years with multiple exposures and function, including a history of cancer[24]. In that study, CRP had the largest number of associations.…”