Association of CRP Gene Polymorphisms with Serum CRP Level and Handgrip Strength in Community-dwelling Elders in Taiwan: Taichung Community Health Study for Elders (TCHS-E)

Low handgrip strength is one component of frailty, characterized by loss of reserves, including energy, physical ability, cognition and health. This study rated the effect of five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in C-reactive protein (CRP) gene on the serum CRP level and handgrip strength in elderly Taiwanese. Five SNPs (rs2794520, rs1205, rs1130864, rs1800947, and rs3093059) of CRP gene were utilized to genotype 472 unrelated elderly subjects (mean age 73.8years). Handgrip strength was measured by handgrip dynamometer (TTM Dynamometer, Tsutsumi, Tokyo). Our study demonstrated that minor alleles of rs2794520 and rs1205 were C, whereas they were T in most ethnic groups. There exist significant associations of three CRP polymorphisms (rs2794520, rs1205 and rs3093059) with serum CRP level and handgrip strength. All three had simultaneous influence on raising CRP levels and reducing handgrip strength. Genotype and sex interactions emerged for rs2794520 and rs1205 in relation to CRP levels (p<0.05). In addition, haplotype C-C-C-C-C was associated with higher levels of CRP (exp(β)=1.45; p<0.001) and lower handgrip strength (β=-1.00kg, p<0.05). We conclude that SNPs rs2794520, rs1205, and rs3093059 of CRP gene, as well as haplotype C-C-C-C-C may be important biomarkers for susceptibility to low handgrip strength and high serum CRP level in elders; further studies are required.