Correlations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and atherosclerosis in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients

Background: The elevated level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HSCRP) and aortic stiffness Eire associated with high mortality in type 2 diabetic patients. We tested the hypothesis that the HSCRP correlates with aortic stiffness and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients. Material and methods: The study consisted of 46 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and high HSCRP group (0.3-1.0 mg/dl, age: 57 +/- 5 years. mean +/- S.D) and a control group of 5 5 age-matched patients with low HSCRP group (< 0.3 mg/dl, 57 +/- 6 years). Brachiat-ankle pulse wave velocity (BaPWV) was measured by automatic oscillometric method and was used as an index of atherosclerosis. Results: The body mass index (BMI) values (P < 0.05) and waist circumferences (P < 0.0005) and the waist-to-hip ratios (P < 0.05),were higher in the high HSCRP group than in the low HSCRP group. The BaPWV was higher in the high HSCRP group than in the low HSCRP group (P < 0.0001). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG; P < 0.005) and insulin concentrations (P < 0.0001), and the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index (P < 0.0001.), were higher in the high HSCRP group than in the low HSCRP group. Multiple regression analysis showed that HSCRP levels were independently predicted by BaPWV and HOMA index. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the elevated level of HSCRP in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes is characterized by increased aortic stiffness and insulin resistance, and that the BaPWV and HOMA index are independent predictors of HSCRP.