Role of High Sensitivity CRP as an Early Biomarker of Subclinical Inflammation in Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major public health concern characterized by central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Chronic low-grade inflammation has been recognized as a central mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of MetS. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an established inflammatory biomarker that may help in early detection of subclinical inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
Aim: To evaluate the role of hs-CRP as an early biomarker of subclinical inflammation in metabolic syndrome.
Materials and Methods: This hospital-based observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Bhagalpur, Bihar, from 2024–2026 among 180 participants. Ninety diagnosed cases of metabolic syndrome and ninety healthy controls were included. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, and hs-CRP levels were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. Student’s t-test, chi-square test, Pearson correlation analysis, and multivariate regression were used. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Mean hs-CRP levels were significantly elevated among MetS patients (5.92 ± 2.14 mg/L) compared to controls (1.48 ± 0.76 mg/L) (p<0.001). hs-CRP showed positive correlation with BMI (r=0.58), waist circumference (r=0.61), fasting blood glucose (r=0.52), triglycerides (r=0.49), and systolic blood pressure (r=0.46). hs-CRP levels progressively increased with increasing number of metabolic syndrome components.
Conclusion: hs-CRP is significantly elevated in metabolic syndrome and strongly correlates with various metabolic risk factors, suggesting its role as an early biomarker of subclinical inflammation and cardiovascular risk assessment.