[Relation of serum levels of C-reactive protein to anthropometric meaurements; a sustematic review of studies in South America].

UNLABELLED: In many studies the Body Mass Index (BMI) is associated with serum markers of inflammation such as CRP. In obesity there is an increase of adipose tissue resulting in an increase in BMI. It has been reported that adipose tissue has a high production and secretion of a variety of proinflammatory molecules such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and C-reactive protein, which may have local effects on the physiology of fat cell and systemic effects on other organs.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of studies conducted in South America where they relate serum levels of CRP and anthropometric measurements, BMI and waist circumference (CC) in the healthy adult population.

METHODS: We searched the PubMed database for articles published until January 2012, in English, Spanish and Portuguese, which relates serum levels of CRP and anthropometric measurements, BMI and WC. Search for words used PCR, BMI and WC and the names of each of the South American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela).

RESULTS: We identified 141 potential studies, of which 8 met the inclusion criteria. In studies serum levels of CRP were positively correlated with BMI (r 0.08 to 0.84) and CC (r 0.27 to 1.03), being highly relevant correlation between BMI and CC with CRP serum levels observed in obese people in South America.

CONCLUSION: Serum levels of CRP, and therefore subclinical inflammation seems to be related to increased rates of anthropometric measures in the South American population. A better understanding of the mechanisms and molecular components of the inflammatory response induced by an increase in BMI may lead to identifying new therapeutic targets that can prevent the complications associated with obesity.