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Endothelial dysfunction as a possible link between C-reactive protein levels and cardiovascular disease
S J Cleland1, N Sattar, J R Petrie
1Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Western Infirmary, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G11 6NT, Scotland, U.K.
Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|April 27, 2000
Summary
Low-grade chronic inflammation, indicated by C-reactive protein (CRP), is linked to impaired endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. This suggests inflammation plays a role in cardiovascular disease development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Inflammation Research
- Endothelial Function
Background:
- Low-grade chronic inflammation, marked by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), increases atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk.
- Endothelial cell activation is an early step in atherogenesis, with prior studies linking CRP to indirect markers of this activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between CRP concentration and basal endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthesis.
- To explore if inflammation markers correlate with endothelial dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Measured CRP and leptin concentrations in nine healthy subjects.
- Assessed basal endothelial NO synthesis using intra-brachial infusions of N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) and noradrenaline.
- Utilized univariate and multivariate regression analyses.
Main Results:
- CRP concentration was significantly correlated with the percentage decrease in forearm blood flow during L-NMMA infusion (indicating reduced NO synthesis).
- CRP also correlated with serum leptin concentration.
- The association between CRP and forearm blood flow response to L-NMMA remained significant after adjusting for age, BMI, and lipid profiles.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrates a direct relationship between low-grade chronic inflammation (CRP) and impaired basal endothelial NO synthesis.
- Supports the hypothesis that endothelial dysfunction is a key factor linking inflammation to cardiovascular disease.