Korean J Fam Pract.  2021 Jun;11(3):191-196. 10.21215/kjfp.2021.11.3.191.

Association between Depression and hs-CRP Blood Levels in Korean Adults: Using the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2018

• Ahn MH
• Eom YJ
• Park YK

• KMID: 2516843
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2021.11.3.191

Abstract

Background
In previous studies, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1 increased in depressed patients. Experimental and clinical evidence has reported that inflammatory mediators can induce symptoms of depression. Therefore, using the high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination, we intend to investigate the association between depression and elevated hs-CRP.
Methods
Among male and female participants aged 20–65, people with no missing values on the National Health and Nutrition Survey were selected for the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) health questionnaire survey. A total of 3,743 participants were selected, excluding those who could be suspected of having malignant tumors, autoimmune diseases, or inflammatory conditions. An hs-CRP level of 2.2 mg/dL or higher was considered to show an increase in CRP. A cut-off score of 10 points was established on the PHQ-9, and a score of 10 or more indicated depression.
Results
In Model 1 with adjusted age and sex, P=0.007 and OR=1.849. In Model 2, adjusted for age, sex, alcohol, and smoking, P=0.014 and OR=1.738. However, in Model 3, in which education level and stress perception rate were additionally controlled for, P=0.066 and OR=1.540, indicating that there was no relationship between depression and hs-CRP elevation.
Conclusion
This study is meaningful in that it draws attention to the possibility of depressive disorder and elevated blood hs-CRP using the National Health and Nutrition Survey for the entire population.

Keyword

Depression; High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein; Patient Health Questionnaire 9; Inflammation