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Background/Aim. There is growing evidence suggesting that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a reliable biomarker in patients with hypertension. While the relation-ship between hypertension and age is well established, the connection between hs-CRP and age remains unclear. The aim of the study was to determine a relationship between hs-CRP and age, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure in middle-aged people. Methods. This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Shanghai, China, and it included data from 1,677 healthy male participants aged 18 to 50 years and 1,127 healthy female participants aged 19 to 49 years recruited during routine health examinations. The hs-CRP, BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded. Results. The participants were first separated into four age quartile groups, in which an increase in BMI, SBP, and DBP was observed but not in hs-CRP. Afterward, the participants were divided into four hs-CRP quartile groups, in which an increase in BMI, SBP, and DBP was noted, but not in age. Finally, using Pearson correlation, positive correlations were found between hs-CRP, BMI, SBP, and DBP, but no correlation was discovered between age and hs-CRP. Conclusion. The authors showed that age is likely a confounding factor that correlates with SBP, DBP, and BMI, but it does not directly correlate with hs-CRP.

ObjectiveTo study the composition and concentration of atmospheric particulate pollutants in four seasons in the industrial and clean living areas， and to provide a scientific basis for the strategy of controlling industrial pollution and atmospheric environment.MethodsAn industrial area dominated by the automobile industry in Shanghai and a relatively clean living area were selected. Samples were collected simultaneously in both areas and continuously for 7 days in the middle of each season. The composition and concentration of PM2.5 were determined， and the ecological risk of heavy metals in PM2.5 was evaluated by the potential ecological risk index method.ResultsWe found PM2.5 concentration was associated with seasonal changes. The PM2.5 concentration in living areas was the highest in winter， followed by spring， and the lowest in summer. The PM2.5 concentration in industrial areas was the highest in spring， followed by winter， and the lowest in summer. The heavy metals in PM2.5 were the same， including Al， Cr， Mn， Ni， As， Cd， Hg and Pb. The content of Cr， Cd and Pb in PM2.5 in the industrial area is significantly higher than that in the living area. The potential ecological hazard coefficient of PM2.5 heavy metal Cd in the industrial zone was the highest， up to 189.47， and it was the main component of the total potential ecological hazard index of heavy metals. According to the total potential risk grade of heavy metals， the heavy metal Cd in the industrial area had different degrees of ecological harm with seasonal changes. The ecological harm degree of heavy metal Cd was the highest in winter， high in spring and autumn， and low in summer.ConclusionAlthough the concentration of PM2.5 in the industrial area is not higher than that in the living area， the content of Cr， Cd and Pb in the PM2.5 in the industrial area is significantly higher than that in the living area. The concentration of PM2.5 in the industrial area is mainly related to seasons， industrial production and human factors. The potential ecological harm coefficient of heavy metal Cd in PM2.5 is the highest in comparison with other heavy metals such as Cr， Hg and Pb， and it is the main component of the total potential ecological harm index of heavy metals.

Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors declare no conflict of interest.