Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
07:29
Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
Does high C-reactive protein concentration increase atherosclerosis? The Whitehall II Study
Mika Kivimäki1, Debbie A Lawlor, George Davey Smith
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom. m.kivimaki@ucl.ac.uk
Plos One
|August 21, 2008
Summary
C-reactive protein (CRP) is linked to atherosclerosis, but this study found no causal link. Genetic analysis and adjusted regression models suggest the association may not be causal, challenging previous findings.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology
- Genetics and Atherosclerosis
- Inflammation Biomarkers
Background:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of systemic inflammation associated with coronary events and sub-clinical atherosclerosis.
- Establishing a causal link requires robust associations resistant to confounders and evidence from genetic studies (Mendelian randomization).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a marker of atherosclerosis.
- To assess whether CRP gene polymorphisms are associated with CIMT, using Mendelian randomization analysis.
Main Methods:
- Genotyped 3 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CRP gene in 4941 participants (aged 50-74).
- Assessed CRP levels and CIMT, adjusting for confounders using multivariable regression.
- Employed Mendelian randomization analysis using genetic variants as instrumental variables for serum CRP.
Main Results:
- CRP levels were consistently associated with CRP gene haplotypes but not with confounding risk factors.
- The association between CRP and CIMT attenuated to the null after adjusting for confounding factors in both prospective and cross-sectional analyses.
- Mendelian randomization analysis revealed no inferred association between CRP and CIMT.
Conclusions:
- Multivariable regression analysis suggests the association between CRP and carotid atheroma (indexed by CIMT) may not be causal.
- Mendelian randomization analysis further supports that the observed association between CRP and CIMT is likely not causal.
- These findings challenge the direct causal role of CRP in atherosclerosis development.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
01:27Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...