The evolving role of C-reactive protein in atherothrombosis.
BACKGROUND
Inflammation is pivotal in all phases of atherosclerosis. Among the numerous inflammatory biomarkers, the largest amount of published data supports a role for C-reactive protein (CRP) as a robust and independent risk marker in the prediction of primary and secondary adverse cardiovascular events. In addition to being a risk marker, there is much evidence indicating that CRP may indeed participate in atherogenesis.


BACKGROUND
In this review, we focus on the role of CRP in promoting atherothrombosis by discussing its effects on endothelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells, monocyte-macrophages, and smooth muscle cells.


CONCLUSIONS
CRP is clearly a risk marker for cardiovascular disease and is recommended for use in primary prevention. In addition, CRP appears also to contribute to atherogenesis. However, much further research is needed, especially in appropriate animal models, to confirm the possible role of CRP in promoting atherothrombosis.
Devaraj
Sridevi
S
Laboratory for Atherosclerosis and Metabolic Research, University of California-Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA.
Singh
Uma
U
Jialal
Ishwarlal
I
D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / Q000378:metabolism
D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III