Fecal calprotectin is associated with cardiovascular risk markers, and carotid atherosclerosis in a population-based sample

Objective: To identify associations of fecal calprotectin with cardiovascular risk factors including vascular damage in population-based sample. Design and method: 77 patients without cardiovascular diseases from population-based sample were randomly invited and signed informed consent. All patients underwent a questionnaire (eating habits, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, anxiety and depression, quality of life, EFPQ), anthropometry, blood pressure and pulse measurement, laboratory examination (biochemical blood test, lipids, fecal calprotectin), vascular examination (carotid ultrasound, applanation tonometry by SphygmoCor, volume sphygmomanometry by Vasera). Results: Results The analysis included 77 patients, 33 (42.8%) males with mean age 52 [43;59] years, and 44 (57.2%) females with mean age 60.5 [47;66] years. The results of the linear regression analysis adjusted for sex and age of the level of calprotectin are presented in Table 1. Table 1 Results of linear regression analysis of fecal calprotectin levels. Conclusions: Fecal calprotectin as intestinal wall inflammation marker has been associated with dietary patterns, metabolic disorders, behavioral habits such as a tendency to depression and increased alcohol consumption, as well as carotid atherosclerosis.