Comparison of Homocysteine and C-reactive protein Levels Between Active and Inactive Veterans

Background: homocysteine and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP) are two novel cardiovascular risk factors that induce atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction through inflammatory mechanisms. The aim of this study was to comparison of levels of these variables among athlete and nonathlete veterans. Methods: in this cross-sectional study two groups of athletes (N=8) and nonathlete (N=8) veterans were compared. Fasting levels of homocysteine and CRP determined using Elisa and immunoturbidimetric methods respectively. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-smirnov (for normality of data) and independent T-test (for comparison of groups) methods. Results: analysis of data showed that levels of homocysteine and CRP were lower in the athlete’s group and this difference were significant for homocysteine (P≤0.05) and non-significant for CRP (P>0.05) levels, although difference of CRP between groups was almost significant (P=0.07). Conclusion: considering low levels of homocysteine and CRP lowers risk of atherosclerosis, thus it is advised to male veterans to have regular physical activity for reduction of cardiovascular events.