Self-reported CVD and smoking were associated with higher odds of elevated cystatin C, and self-reported renal disease with higher odds of elevated SAA and cystatin C. BMI ≥30 kg/m2 was associated with higher odds of elevated CRP, and female gender with lower odds of elevated MCP-1 (p < 0.05 for all; Additional file 1: Table S1). This evidence concerns the gene CRP and kidney disorder.