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Tissue resident C reactive protein in degenerative aortic valves: correlation with serum C reactive protein

D Skowasch1, S Schrempf, C J Preusse

  • 1Heart Centre University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. Dirk.Skowasch@ukb.uni-bonn.de

Heart (British Cardiac Society)
|September 15, 2005
PubMed

Insights

C-reactive protein (CRP) is present in degenerative aortic valves, particularly bioprostheses. Statin use was associated with lower CRP levels in both valves and serum, suggesting a role in aortic stenosis management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Inflammation Biology
  • Biomaterials Science

Background:

  • Degenerative aortic valve disease involves complex inflammatory processes.
  • C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key inflammatory marker, but its role in aortic valve pathology is not fully understood.
  • Bioprosthetic valves may elicit distinct inflammatory responses compared to native valves.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and location of CRP in native degenerative aortic valves and bioprosthetic valves.
  • To determine the relationship between CRP levels in valve tissue and serum.
  • To explore the impact of statin medication on CRP expression in aortic valves and serum.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of degenerative aortic valve tissue (native stenosis and bioprostheses) and control valves using immunostaining and morphometry.
  • Preoperative measurement of serum CRP concentrations.
  • Comparison of CRP levels between patients with and without statin treatment.

Main Results:

  • CRP was detected in the majority of native degenerative aortic valves and bioprosthetic valves, primarily in the fibrosa layer.
  • CRP expression was significantly higher in bioprosthetic valves compared to native aortic stenosis valves.
  • Serum CRP levels were elevated in bioprosthetic valve patients and correlated significantly with valvar CRP.
  • Patients receiving statin treatment exhibited lower valvar and serum CRP concentrations compared to non-statin users.

Conclusions:

  • C-reactive protein is a common finding in degenerative aortic valves, with higher prevalence in bioprosthetic valves.
  • Serum CRP levels may serve as a biomarker for underlying aortic valve inflammation.
  • The observed reduction in CRP with statin use suggests a potential mechanism for the pleiotropic benefits of statins in aortic stenosis.
Abstract

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