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Cardiovascular Research 2006 71(1):30-39; doi:10.1016/j.cardiores.2006.03.004
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Copyright © 2006, European Society of Cardiology

C-reactive protein in atherosclerosis: A causal factor?

Elaine Paffena and Moniek P.M. deMaatb,*

aHemostasis and Thrombosis Research Centre, Dept. of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
bDepartment of Hematology, Room Ee 13.93, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +31 10 4089448; fax: +31 10 4089470. Email address: m.demaat{at}erasmusmc.nl

Atherosclerosis is considered a to be multifactorial disease driven by inflammatory reactions. The process of inflammation also contributes to the pathogenesis of acute atherothrombotic events. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein and its concentration in serum reflects the inflammatory condition of the patient. Levels of CRP are consistently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and predict myocardial infarctions and stroke. Since CRP is present in the atherosclerotic lesion, it may actively contribute to the progression and/or instability of the atherosclerotic plaque. The role of CRP in inflammation and its causality in atherosclerosis are the subject of many investigations but are not yet fully elucidated. This review focuses on recently identified mechanisms by which CRP may modulate and evolve the process of atherosclerosis. We discuss the function of CRP and review the most recent evidence for an independent role of CRP in the development of atherosclerosis. Many studies suggest such a role, but a number of the described effects may be the result of contamination of the CRP preparations.

KEYWORDS C-reactive protein; Azide; Atherosclerosis; Inflammation; Thrombosis

Time for primary review 28days


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