[C-reactive protein and atherosclerosis]

Human C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein which arises rapidly and tremendously in serum when the subject is exposed to infection and tissue injury. CRP can effectively opsonize by both activating the complement classical pathway and potentiating the phagocytosis of phagocytes, thus clearing the invading pathogens and tissue cells undergoing injury, necrosis and apoptosis and performing an important protective role in the innate immune system. It has been over 70 years since CRP was first discovered. Traditional wisdom holds that CRP is a non-specific marker of inflammation. However, accumulating evidence during the last decade has elucidated that CRP, plays a direct role in the inflammation and cardiovascular disease such as atherosclerosis and can be recognized as the most powerful risk factor and predicator of cardiovascular disease, hence at present receiving attention worldwidely.