Combined use of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-1 ratio prior to elective coronary angiography and oral glucose tolerance tests

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the combination of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and apolipoprotein B (apoB)/apoA-1 ratio for the outcomes of coronary angiography (CAG), echocardiography and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). Design and methods: Hs-CRP, apoB, apoA-1, and the profiles of CAG, echocardiography and OGTTs as well as traditional risk factors were measured in 1757 cardiology patients. Results: Hs-CRP or apoB/apoA-1 ratio was significantly correlated with the presence and severity of angiographic profiles, the levels of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, LV mass and LV mass index, and the presence of abnormal glucose metabolism. The combination of hs-CRP and apoB/apoA-1 ratio had greater correlation with abnormal glucose metabolism than its individual components in patients with normal fasting glucose, and was an independent predictor for coronary artery disease. Conclusions: The combination of hs-CRP and apoB/apoA-1 ratio may be a strong predictor for coronary artery disease and abnormal glucose metabolism. (C) 2011 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.