Direct association between C-reactive protein serum levels and endothelial dysfunction in patients with claudication

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Inflammation Biology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) pathogenesis.
• Inflammation plays a significant role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a widely recognized marker of systemic inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between hsCRP levels and endothelial dysfunction in patients with intermittent claudication.
• To determine if hsCRP is related to impaired flow-mediated arterial dilation (FMAD) in this patient group.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 156 patients with intermittent claudication was conducted.
• Patients were selected using stratified sampling based on various risk factors.
• Flow-mediated arterial dilation (FMAD) and plasma hsCRP levels were measured to assess endothelial function and inflammation.

Main Results:

• Patients with reduced FMAD (<3%) exhibited significantly higher plasma hsCRP levels compared to those with normal FMAD (>3%).
• A significant negative correlation was observed between hsCRP levels and FMAD (r=-0.465, p<0.05).
• Elevated fibrinogen levels were also associated with impaired endothelial function.

Conclusions:

• Impaired endothelial function in intermittent claudication is linked to increased plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers like hsCRP.
• These findings suggest that inflammation, indicated by hsCRP, may contribute to the underlying mechanisms of peripheral arterial disease.