Serum C-reactive protein and plasma homocysteine levels are associated with hormone therapy use and other factors: a population-based study of middle-aged Australian-born women.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the associations between C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine levels, use of hormone therapy (HT) and other factors.

METHODS

A 12-year prospective study of 438 Australian-born women (Melbourne Women's Midlife Health Project), who at baseline were aged 45-55 years, had menstruated in the previous 3 months and were not taking HT. Fasting blood was collected in the 11th follow-up year for CRP, homocysteine, estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Physical measurements and face-to-face interviews obtained information on health and lifestyle variables.

RESULTS

A total of 258 women (mean age 60 years) participated in the 11th follow-up year. Multiple regression analysis found that CRP levels were positively associated with body mass index (p < 0.001), HT use (p < 0.01), and negatively associated with statin use (p < 0.005) and exercising (p < 0.05). In postmenopausal women currently not using HT (n = 173) and after adjusting for body mass index, exercise and smoking, CRP was negatively associated with FSH levels (beta = -0.32, p < 0.05). Homocysteine levels were positively associated with smoking (p < 0.001) and negatively associated with HT use (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In middle-aged Australian-born women, HT use was associated with increased CRP and decreased homocysteine levels. High CRP levels were also associated with high relative weight, low exercise levels and no statin medication.