Relations between Serum Reactive Oxygen Metabolites (ROMs) and Various Inflammatory and Metabolic Parameters in a Japanese Population

Aim: Both oxidative stress and inflammation are known to play roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the relations between reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) and various inflammatory and metabolic parameters in a Japanese population. Methods: We analyzed 48 male and 69 female subjects, aged 25 to 65 years, who underwent an annual health checkup in our university. Serum ROM level was assayed using a free radical elective evaluator. We also measured serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), insulin, and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin. Results: Although the serum ROM level in females (347 +/- 83 Carr U) was slightly higher than in males (333 +/- 53 Carr U), this was not statistically significant. In the 48 male subjects, the ROM level negatively correlated with age (r = -0.344, p=0.0161), and positively correlated with the hsCRP level (r = 0.306, P = 0.0338). In the 69 female subjects, the ROM level negatively correlated with serum creatinine (r = -0.293, p = 0.0141), and positively correlated with insulin (r = 0.278, p = 0.0202), the insulin resistance index (r=0.286, P=0.0170) and hsCRP levels (r=0.487, P<0.0001). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that serum hsCRP, creatinine, and age were independently correlated with the serum ROMs level (R-2 = 0.365; F value highest for hsCRP). When the study subjects were divided into tertiles according to the ROM level, serum hsCRP was significantly different among the three groups: its level was highest in the highest tertile of ROMs (p < 0.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that the serum ROM level is closely associated with serum hsCRP in Japanese adult subjects.