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

J De Haro1, F Acin, A Lopez-Quintana

  • 1Angiology and Vascular Surgery Service, Hospital Universitario Getafe, Madrid, Spain. deharojoaquin@yahoo.es

European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery : the Official Journal of the European Society for Vascular Surgery
|December 14, 2007
PubMed

Insights

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), an inflammation marker, is elevated in patients with endothelial dysfunction and intermittent claudication. This suggests hsCRP may play a role in peripheral arterial disease development.

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.
Abstract

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