title: C-reactive protein (CRP): more than just an innocent bystander?
abstract: This editorial discusses whether measuring C-reactive protein (CRP) levels can be used as a predictor of vascular risk. The agents that reduce CRP levels and the evidence for a possible causative role of CRP in the pathogenesis of coronary events and atherosclerosis are also considered. There is a need to further elucidate the role of CRP, as well as the clinical relevance, if any, of CRP-lowering agents.
authors.forename: Kosmas I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Paraskevas
authors.forename: Dimitri P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Mikhailidis
mesh_terms: D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis* / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein