[C-reactive protein--marker of inflammation in atherosclerosis (new data)]

According to contemporary conceptions two interrelated processes underlie development and progression of atherosclerosis: changes of metabolism and transport of lipids inflammation of vessel wall. Vascular inflammation plays fundamental role in destabilization of atherosclerotic plaque and thus in development of vascular (atherothrombotic) complications. Within wide spectrum of biological and immunological markers (and mediators) of inflammation special meaning is attributed to C-reactive protein (CRP) which belongs to a family of 'acute phase' proteins. Measurement of CRP concentration by recently developed well standardized high sensitivity methods is informative complementary test for assessment of risk of vascular complications (and possibly their severity) of atherosclerosis.