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Widespread vascular production of C-reactive protein (CRP) and a relationship between serum CRP, plaque CRP and

A M Wilson1, J D Swan, H Ding

  • 1University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. awilson@cvmed.stanford.edu

Atherosclerosis
|June 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Vascular tissue expresses C-reactive protein (CRP) mRNA. Elevated serum hsCRP correlates with atherosclerosis markers and shows a coronary gradient, suggesting local vascular secretion contributes to systemic CRP levels in cardiovascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker implicated in atherosclerosis.
  • Understanding the local vascular production of CRP is crucial for elucidating its role in cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate local vascular production of CRP in patients with vascular disease.
  • To determine the relationship between serum high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) levels and tissue expression of CRP.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of vascular tissue from coronary artery bypass grafting (CABGS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) patients.
  • Immunohistochemistry for CRP expression and real-time polymerase chain reaction for CRP mRNA quantification.
  • Measurement of serum hsCRP and assessment of coronary circulation gradients.

Main Results:

  • CRP mRNA was detected in all vascular tissues examined, including atherosclerotic plaques and non-atherosclerotic arteries.
  • Serum hsCRP levels correlated significantly with intima-media ratio and plaque CRP staining.
  • A significant gradient of hsCRP was observed in the coronary circulation, indicating local production.

Conclusions:

  • Widespread vascular expression of CRP mRNA and its correlation with serum hsCRP suggest a local vascular contribution.
  • The observed coronary hsCRP gradient supports the hypothesis that vascular tissue secretes CRP, influencing systemic levels.
  • These findings support a direct role for CRP in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Abstract

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