Plasma levels of C-reactive protein: a cardiovascular risk factor indicator in overweight and obese Sudanese adults

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a member of the class of acute-phase reactants, as its levels rise dramatically during inflammatory processes occurring in the body. This increment is due to a rise in the plasma concentration of IL-6, which is produced predominantly by macrophages as well as adipocytes. This study aims to test whether overweight and obesity are associated with low-grade systemic inflammation as measured by serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Methods: The study involved 20-60 years old Sudanese. Body weight and height were measured using standardized procedures. Blood samples were drawn in plain containers; Serum specimens for the measurement of CRP were analyzed using a high-sensitivity CPR test. Results: The sample of the present study has included 41 males and 20 females with an age range between 18 and 52 years, the sample was divided into 3 groups according to their body mass index into 21 normal weight (BMI=22.17±1.45 ), 20 overweight ( BMI= 27.68± 1.15 ) and 20 obese (BMI= 34.15± 3.54 ). The normal weight group had the lowest levels of C-reactive protein (2.15 ±2.52 mg/l) and obese the highest (3.95± 2.78 mg/l). Plasma levels of C-reactive protein showed a positive and significant correlation with body mass index (p< 0.05). Conclusion: This study has shown that, in Sudanese adults, a positive and significant relationship was observed between levels of CRP and measures of obesity (BMI). In addition, a relation was found between obesity and risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, these findings suggest a state of low-grade systemic inflammation in overweight and obese persons. This result study extends recent observations made by other investigators.