Effects of synthetic progestagens on autonomic tone, neurohormones and C-reactive protein levels in young healthy females in reproductive age

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the most commonly employed indicator of acute phase reaction and predictors of cardiovascular disease in healthy women; although, only a sparse information on its variations during a regular menstrual cycle is currently available. Our objective was to see whether CRP levels are affected during different phases of menstrual cycle.Methods: Females aged 15-45 years with regular menstrual cycle in terms of length, flow and variation from cycle to cycle were followed for one menstrual cycle. Serum levels of C-reactive protein were measured in the Follicular (10th day) and in the Luteal (22nd day) phase of the menstrual cycle.Results: C-reactive protein levels were observed to vary in response to the phases of menstrual cycle. The concentrations of C-reactive protein levels tend to be highest during the Follicular phase and it declined significantly in the Luteal phase.Conclusions: Identifying the fluctuations in C-reactive protein levels during the menstrual cycle is essential as there may be clinical implication of the suitable timing of assessment while framing and concluding studies in women of reproductive age.

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Serum leptin and C-reactive protein levels in the physiological spontaneous menstrual cycle in reproductive age women

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/eje.1.02178 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 155 (1) ◽

pp. 137-142 ◽

Cited By ~ 42

Author(s):

D M Wunder ◽

M Yared ◽

N A Bersinger ◽

D Widmer ◽

R Kretschmer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Menstrual Cycle ◽

Inflammatory Markers ◽

Free Testosterone ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Normal Body Mass Index ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Normal Cycle ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Reactive Protein

Objective: Only a few studies have investigated variations of different markers for inflammatory processes during the physiological menstrual cycle. The results are conflicting, particularly concerning the correlation between the marker leptin and steroid hormones. The aim of the study was to investigate the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and leptin in the serum of healthy, normally ovulating women and to correlate these with each other and with the hormones of the gonadal axis. A cycle-dependence of the markers studied would imply an exact timing of the blood sampling for clinical needs. Design: Observational study investigating the two inflammatory markers CRP and leptin in relation to the hormonal pattern of the gonadal axis during the normal cycle. Methods: Ovulatory cycles of 36 healthy, young, normo-androgenic women, having a normal body mass index were evaluated. Serum concentrations of leptin and CRP, as well as of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, 17β-oestradiol, progesterone, prolactin (PRL) and free testosterone were measured every 1–2 days during one full cycle. Results: Serum levels of leptin and CRP behaved differently during ovulatory cycles, with higher concentrations for leptin only during certain phases. Significant correlations were found in the follicular phase between leptin and PRL and leptin and free testosterone. Conclusions: Leptin levels change during the menstrual cycle. Leptin levels are more stable on cycle days 1–5 than later in the cycle. For precise cycle-independent measurements, these fluctuations have to be taken into account. There is no similar cyclic pattern for CRP.

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Positive correlation between neovascularization degree of carotid atherosclerosis determined by contrast-enhanced ultrasound and level of serum C-reactive protein

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526/a000429 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 44 (3) ◽

pp. 0187-0194 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Xiaoni Chang ◽

Jun Feng ◽

Litao Ruan ◽

Jing Shang ◽

Yanqiu Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Contrast Enhancement ◽

Rank Correlation ◽

Artery Stenosis ◽

Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Contrast Enhanced ◽

Grade 3 ◽

Axis View

Background: Neovascularization is one of the most important risk factors for unstable plaque. This study was designed to correlate plaque thickness, artery stenosis and levels of serum C-reactive protein with the degree of intraplaque enhancement determined by contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Patients and methods: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was performed on 72 carotid atherosclerotic plaques in 48 patients. Contrast enhancement within the plaque was categorized as grade 1, 2 or 3. Maximum plaque thickness was measured in short-axis view. Carotid artery stenosis was categorized as mild, moderate or severe. Results: Plaque contrast enhancement was not associated with the degree of artery stenosis or with plaque thickness. Serum C-reactive protein levels were positively correlated with the number of new vessels in the plaque. C-reactive protein levels increased in the three groups(Grade 1: 3.72±1.79mg/L; Grade 2: 7.88±4.24 mg/L; Grade 3: 11.02±3.52 mg/L), with significant differences among them (F=10.14, P<0.01), and significant differences between each two groups (P<0.05). Spearmans rank correlation analysis showed that serum C-reactive protein levels were positively correlated with the degree of carotid plaque enhancement (Rs =0.69, P<0.01). Conclusions: The combination of C-reactive protein levels and intraplaque neovascularization detected by contrast-enhanced ultrasound may allow more accurate evaluation of plaque stability.

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