[Inflammatory markers, especially the mechanism of increased CRP]

Acute phase proteins are synthesized mainly in the liver cells, induced by various inflammatory cytokines which are produced by activated macrophages/monocytes at the inflammatory sites. C-reactive protein is a principal acute phase protein, and increased most significantly upon various inflammations. False negative results may be recognized in the patients with viral infections, collagen diseases such as SLE, PSS, dermatomyositis, ulcerative colitis, Sjögren's syndrome, leukemia, cerebral infarction, etc.