The C-reactive protein and cardio-ankle vascular index of Mongolian and Japanese people

Mongolian people suffer from atherosclerotic diseases more than Japanese people, while both people are thought to share similar genetic background under different lifestyles and environments. Comparative studies using novel atherosclerotic parameters of Mongolian and Japanese people may demonstrate the atherosclerotic features of both populations. We have recently reported the findings regarding atherosclerosis of both populations using circulating high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP: as low-grade inflammatory parameter) and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI: as arterial stiffness parameter), herein summarizing the data. Our studies revealed that in comparison to the Japanese subjects, the Mongolian subjects had higher levels of CRP and CAVI, in addition to a higher percentage of current smoking and higher levels of body mass index, heart rate and blood pressure and insulin, even though there were not so higher levels of serum total cholesterol and glucose. These results were confirmed in healthy young subjects and patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus. These comparative studies used recent parameters suggest that Mongolian people may be at higher risk for cardiovascular disease than Japanese people. The management strategies of atherosclerotic diseases are also expected in the near future.