C-Reactive Protein Triggers Cell Death in Ischemic Cells.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key acute phase protein elevated during inflammation.
• CRP's primary known function is marking cells for phagocytosis, activating the complement system.
• Elevated CRP levels correlate with poor prognosis in conditions like heart attack and stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review clinical findings from CRP-apheresis studies.
• To explore CRP's direct effects on blood pressure and its role in inflammation-associated tachycardia.
• To investigate CRP's potential involvement in COVID-19 pathogenesis and its impact on blood pressure.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical studies involving CRP-apheresis.
• Examination of research on CRP's physiological effects in animal models (rabbits).
• Analysis of clinical observations in COVID-19 patients regarding CRP levels and physiological responses.

Main Results:

• CRP-apheresis is a method to reduce circulating CRP levels.
• CRP has been shown to directly affect blood pressure in rabbits.
• High CRP levels and associated physiological effects are observed in COVID-19, potentially contributing to ischemic conditions and blood pressure dysregulation.

Conclusions:

• CRP plays a multifaceted role beyond pathogen clearance, potentially harming vital tissues during internal inflammation.
• CRP-apheresis offers a potential therapeutic strategy for managing inflammatory diseases.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate CRP's role in cardiovascular events and severe COVID-19.