title: C-reactive protein, anti-C-reactive protein antibodies and clinical atherosclerosis.
abstract: There has been considerable interest in the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and atherosclerosis. We have previously demonstrated that individuals, especially those with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, may produce antibodies to CRP. This study was therefore undertaken to determine the possible association between anti-CRP antibodies and atherosclerosis. A total of 103 individuals were identified with or without atherosclerosis, and without clinical rheumatic diseases. They were evaluated with respect to cholesterol, HDL, LDL, high-sensitivity (hs)CRP, and anti-CRP antibody levels, as well as use of statin medications. Individuals with atherosclerosis were much more likely to be taking a statin, and thus have lower lipid levels. However, there was no association between hsCRP or anti-CRP antibody levels with atherosclerosis, statin use, or each other. These observations suggest that anti-CRP antibody is not involved in atherosclerosis, and may represent an epiphenomenon.
authors: Division of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Department of Medicine and the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors: Barbara J
authors: BJ
authors: Rosenau
authors: Karen H
authors: KH
authors: Costenbader
authors: Peter H
authors: PH
authors: Schur
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D002784:Cholesterol