Combined association of physical activity and diet with C-reactive protein among smokers

Abstract

BackgroundIn the general population, both physical activity and dietary behavior are independently associated with less systemic inflammation, with this relationship less examined among smokers. To our knowledge, no study has examined the combined association of both physical activity and dietary behavior on systemic inflammation among daily smokers, which was the purpose of this study.MethodsData from the 2003–2006 NHANES were employed. 810 adult smokers provided C-reactive protein data (CRP; a marker of inflammation), and sufficient physical activity (accelerometry) and dietary data (healthy eating index).ResultsThe fully adjusted model showed that participants meeting physical activity guidelines and eating a healthy diet (β = −0.34, p = 0.03) had lower CRP levels when compared to those not engaging in these health behaviors, but only having one health behavior was not a significant predictor of CRP (β = −0.19, p = 0.14).ConclusionsSmokers engaging in regular physical activity while consuming a healthy diet demonstrate lower CRP levels than their counterparts. When taken together, these behaviors may mitigate inflammation associated with various chronic diseases, which is of particular importance as very few smokers successfully quit smoking.

Obesity indices are predictive of elevated C‐reactive protein in long‐haul truck drivers

“…In our analysis, only smoking status trended toward a significant correlation with CRP. While other studies have found smoking status to influence CRP [Loprinzi, ; Loprinzi and Walker, ; Rom et al, ] or other inflammatory markers [Shiels et al, ], we did not find this to be the case in our cohort. Many individuals provided incomplete information related to smoking and we did not collect information on past smoking history, both of which may have influenced our ability to observe this relationship.…”

“…Many individuals provided incomplete information related to smoking and we did not collect information on past smoking history, both of which may have influenced our ability to observe this relationship. However, the strongest negative effects of smoking on CRP values appear to occur in current heavy smokers [Loprinzi and Walker, ; Rom et al, ] and our population contained few current heavy smokers (only 7.3% of truckers smoked more than one pack per day).…”

“…Smoking is also known to alter metabolism such that smokers have lower BMI and lower lean mass but higher central adiposity [Rom et al, ]. Several studies have shown elevated CRP in smokers in the general population [Shiels et al, ; Loprinzi and Walker, ; Rom et al, ], but the relationship appears to be strongest in long‐term habitual smokers with high pack‐year histories [Loprinzi and Walker, ; Rom et al, ]. One study showed that CRP is elevated at a very low threshold (1–10 cigarettes per day), suggesting that even a low degree of exposure to cigarette smoke may alter the systemic levels of inflammatory markers [Shiels et al, ].…”

Brief Walking Test and Cognitive Function among Congestive Heart Failure Patients: Effect Modification by Duration of Congestive Heart Failure

“…In a weighted multivariable linear regression adjusting for the complex survey design employed in NHANES, for every 1 additional second to complete the 20 foot walk test, participants had a .83 decreased score on the DSST (β = -0.83; 95% CI: -1.63 to -0.02; P=0.04). This model was adjusted for age (yrs; continuous), gender, race-ethnicity, income-to-poverty ratio, 13 measured body mass index (kg/m2; continuous), C-reactive protein (mg/dL; continuous), [14][15][16] self-reported smoking status (current, former, never), self-reported engagement in free-living moderate-to-vigorous physical activity 17 and comorbid illness (ordinal variable indicating the number of physician-diagnosis conditions, including arthritis, coronary artery disease, heart attack, COPD, hypertension and diabetes). From a crossproduct term of duration to complete the walking test and duration of congestive heart failure, along with their main effects and the covariates in a regression model, there was evidence of an interaction between the walking test and duration of congestive heart failure on cognitive function (β = 0.05; P=0.05).…”

The fat‐but‐fit paradigm within the context of cognitive function

“…Covariates included age (years, continuous); sex; race/ethnicity; C‐reactive protein [mg/dL, continuous, assessment details described elsewhere (Loprinzi et al, ; Loprinzi & Walker, )]; self‐reported smoking status (current smoker/non‐smoker); energy intake [kcals, continuous, assessment details described elsewhere (Loprinzi, Cardinal, Lee, & Tudor‐Locke, )]; and comorbid illness. With regard to comorbid illness, an index variable was created indicating the summed number of the following chronic diseases: arthritis, coronary artery disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, heart attack, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, hypertension, and diabetes.…”