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Aging, components of metabolic syndrome and serum C-reactive protein showed significant relationship with carotid atherosclerosis

Objective: metabolic syndrome (MetS) is known to be associated with an increased risk for cerebro- as well as cardio-vascular disease. Prediction of carotid atherosclerosis by components of MetS, serum C-reactive protein, aging and related factors was conducted for Japanese inhabitants. Methods: A total of 887 subjects (761 males, 126 females) were included in the present study. Early atherosclerosis was assessed by measurement of the intima-media thickness of the common carotid arteries. Results: The carotid arterial intima-media thickness on both the right and left sides significantly increased as the number of components of MetS increased. The maximum intima-media thickness values in the right (left) carotid arteries in the male and female subjects who fulfilled the criteria for MetS were 0.65 ± 0.18 (0.66 ± 0.17) mm and 0.58 ± 0.12 (0.59 ± 0.11) mm, respectively. After adjustment for several factors, the intima-media thickness related significantly with aging, some components of MetS and serum C-reactive protein by multiple regression analysis. β-coefficient of age was largest, presenting 0.457 in right side and 0.479 in left side. Conclusions: Aging, metabolic components and serum C-reactive protein are independent predictors of intima-media thickness in subjects.