OBJECTIVETo describe the distributions of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and its association with metabolic syndrome (MS) in population aged 45-74 in Beijing.

METHODSA population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Beijing during 2002-2004 and the component of MS and plasma hs-CRP concentration were assessed. Analysis was performed in a total of 1544 subjects with completed information. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for Asian Americans.

RESULTSThe median and geometric mean concentrations of hs-CRP among our study population were 1.00 mg/L and 0.79 mg/L, respectively, hs-CRP level showed an upward trend with increased age (P<0.05) but no statistically significant difference of hs-CRP levels between genders was observed (P>0.05). The prevalence of MS progressively increased with elevated hs-CRP quartiles (P<0.01). The prevalence rates of hypertension and central obesity were substantially higher in the highest quartile of hs-CRP levels than those in the lowest quartile. In a univariate logistic regression analysis, the risk for MS was higher in the highest quartile of hs-CRP than that in the lowest quartile. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking and drinking, the highest quartile of hs-CRP was found to be independently associated with each component of MS and 6.35-fold increased risk of MS.

CONCLUSIONThe hs-CRP level appeared to be increased with age and correlated to all the components of MS.