Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2009 Jun;29(2):112-116.

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein as a Marker of Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness and Lung Function

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Bronchial hyperresponsiveness is a characteristic feature of asthma and closely related with airway inflammation in part. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a very sensitive marker for systemic inflammation, and several studies has reported the association between hs-CRP and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study are to evaluate the association between hs-CRP and bronchial hyperresponsiveness or lung function in healthy Korean subjects. METHOD: A total of 7,709 subjects underwent methacholine bronchial provocation tests in Seoul National University Hospital health care Gangnam center from October 2003 to January 2009. Among them, 508 subjects were positive for the methacholine bronchial provocationtest. Another 508 subjects negative for the test were enrolled as control, who were matched for age, sex and body mass index. We reviewed the medical records and compared serum hs-CRP levels and the results of the methacholine bronchial provocation test and pulmonary function tests. RESULT: Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was more frequently observed in subjects with higher hs-CRP levels (group IV). (24.6% vs. 14.8%) than in subjects with lower hs-CRP levels (group I). There was a negative correlation with hs-CRP levels and FEV1, FVC or FEV1/FVC.
CONCLUSION
There was a negative association between serum hs-CRP levels and bronchial hyperresponsiveness or lung function.

MeSH Terms

Asthma
Body Mass Index
Bronchial Provocation Tests
C-Reactive Protein
Delivery of Health Care
Inflammation
Lung
Medical Records
Methacholine Chloride
Respiratory Function Tests
C-Reactive Protein
Methacholine Chloride