Distribution of plasma C-reactive protein measured by high-sensitivity assay in healthy Nigerian adults

Background: The plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) within the reference interval have been shown to be a strong predictor of coronary heart disease (CHD) and are being considered in cardiovascular disease risk assessment. And for effective utilization of CRP in this regard, its distribution among healthy individuals in the general population should be established, using the high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP). Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the plasma distribution of hsCRP concentration in healthy adult Nigerians and to estimate the proportions of those at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Materials and Methods: hsCRP glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides were measured in 120 adult Nigerians free of clinical and biochemical features, suggestive of cardiovascular disease and not on any form of hormonal therapy. The blood pressure, height and weight of the participants were also measured. hsCRP was measured by synthron CRP ultrasensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, glucose was measured by the glucose oxidase method, while the lipid profile parameters were measured by enzymatic colorimetric methods. Results: hsCRP concentration ranged from 0.62 to 11.64 mg/L (median: 1.3 mg/L, mean: 2.3 mg/L, 95% confidence interval, 0.75-11.0 mg/L). About 81.7%, 15.0%, and 3.3% of the participants had hsCRP concentrations of less than 3 mg/L, 3-10 mg/L, and higher than 10 mg/ L, respectively. The plasma levels of glucose and lipid profile parameters were within the reference limits established at the Chemical Pathology Laboratory of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). None of the participants was obese (mean body mass index was 18.6 kg/m 2 ). Conclusion: This study describes the plasma distribution of hsCRP in healthy Nigerian adults. The results obtained would be of further help in the risk-assessment of individuals for future cardiovascular disease.