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C-reactive protein and cardiovascular disease: From animal studies to the clinic (Review)
1MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China.
Insights
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a potential cardiovascular disease (CVD) marker. Lowering CRP may reduce CVD incidence, warranting further investigation into its role in atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiology
- Immunology
Background:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein.
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an inflammatory condition.
- The association between CRP and CVD is controversial, with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol traditionally being the primary CVD marker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between CRP and CVD, specifically atherosclerosis.
- To explore CRP as a potential novel marker or therapeutic target for CVD.
- To review existing laboratory animal and clinical research on CRP and CVD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of laboratory animal studies.
- Analysis of clinical research findings.
- Examination of CRP's role in atherosclerosis development and progression.
Main Results:
- Clinical studies indicate CRP predicts CVD.
- Lowering plasma CRP levels may decrease CVD incidence.
- The direct involvement of CRP in CVD development requires further elucidation.
Conclusions:
- CRP is a significant predictor of CVD.
- Targeting CRP may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for CVD.
- Further research is needed to fully understand CRP's role in atherosclerosis.
Abstract:
C-reactive protein (CRP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) have long been important research topics. CRP is an acute phase protein, while CVD is an inflammatory condition. The association between CRP and CVD remains controversial and has been attracting increasing attention. Traditionally, the main marker of CVD is considered to be low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, due to its unique characteristics, CRP may represent a novel marker or a new therapeutic target for CVD. Clinical studies have demonstrated that CRP is a predictor of CVD, but whether it is directly involved in the development and progression of CVD has yet to be fully elucidated. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that lowering plasma CRP levels may reduce the incidence of CVD. The aim of the present review was to investigate the association between CRP and CVD, particularly atherosclerosis, from laboratory animal studies to clinical research.
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