PMID: 12756677May 22, 2003Paper

C-reactive protein. Should it be considered a coronary risk factor?

Geriatrics
Wilbert S Aronow

Abstract

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase reactant which is not associated with coronary atherosclerosis in many studies. However, it has been demonstrated in many, but not all, studies to predict cardiovascular events. Increased CRP levels may reflect tissue damage and inflammation not only in the arteries, but anywhere in the body. Elevated CRP levels may be induced by metabolic, infective, immunologic, or other processes. Increased CRP levels are probably an indirect marker of any increased cytokine response to inflammatory stimuli that are critical for atherosclerotic plaque progression and rupture. A large-scale prospective trial is needed to investigate whether reduction of elevated CRP will reduce cardiovascular events.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Atherosclerosis Disease Progression

Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque on artery walls, causing stenosis which can eventually lead to clinically apparent cardiovascular disease. Find the latest research on atherosclerosis disease progression here.

Cellular Immunometabolism

Immunometabolism involves not only the way metabolites are digested by the immune system, but the way in which they can alter the pathway of the immune system. These responses occur in day-to-day healthy cell functioning, but can result in diseases, such as autoimmune disorders. Discover the latest research on cellular immunometabolism here.