Relationship of fasting total homocysteine, high sensitivity C-reactive protein and features of the metabolic syndrome in Trinidadian subjects

Objectives: To assess the relationship of homocysteine, hs-CRP, with known cardiovascular risk factors of the metabolic syndrome. Method: Cross sectional study comprised 182 diabetic outpatients (70 males and 112 females), attending endocrinology clinics in Trinidad. Results: Both male and females showed significant linear relationships between high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), blood pressure and diabetes (r = -0.2 < R or R > 0.2). In females hs-CRP showed significant linear relationship with HDL, triglyceride, blood pressure and diabetes mellitus (p < 0.0001). The inverse relationship of hs-CRP with HDL implies the strong association of hs-CRP with metabolic syndrome. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed significant relation of hs-CRP, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. There was no significant relationship of tHCY to any of the features studied. Conclusion: Serum C-reactive protein is significantly related to features of the metabolic syndrome. Total plasma homocysteine, appears to be independent of both hs-CRP and features of the metabolic syndrome.