Correlations of C-Reactive Protein and Folate with Smoking, Sport, Hematological Inflammation Biomarkers and Anthropometrics in Syrian University Female Students Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

In Syria, high-Sensitive C-Reactive (hsCRP), folate, and, other health risk data in young women are limited. This cross-sectional study evaluates hsCRP and folate levels along with anthropometric characteristics, lifestyle factors and some biomarkers linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in healthy female students (n = 207, 18-25 years old). Among participants, hsCRP level was at average or high risk of CVD in 20.7% and 2.5% respectively and it was significantly higher in participants who had high body mass index (BMI) (Nonparametric statistical tests, p value < 0.05). Unexpectedly, it did not vary significantly between smokers and nonsmokers. And, it correlated positively with anthropometric and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measurements. While folate level was low in 3.4% of participants, no association between hsCRP and folate levels was found. Finally, low hemoglobin level and habit of waterpipe smoking are spreading; and, sport practicing is shrinking. After reviewing similar works, this study suggests that the possible correlation between hsCRP and folate could be displayed in patients older than 30 years. Also, the marked decrease in hemoglobin level needs more attention. Finally, young females in Syria are advised to consider a lifestyle free of smoking and packed with physical activity.

Figure 1

To investigate the effect of the participant’s BMI along with smoking, sports practicing, and the presence of medical history in one of the participant’s parents on hsCRP levels, each group of participants was separated, according to their BMI levels, into two groups. Vertical lines denote the median; horizontal lines represent participant’s group enclosed in interquartile range. Wilcoxon rank sum test of significance difference (p value) was applied between different pairs of groups. *p value < 0.001. **0.001 ≤ p value < 0.025. Note: hsCRP, high-sensetive C-reactive protein. There was no p value between 0.025 and 0.05.