Additional info: |
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a 224 amino acid protein that is synthesized primarily by hepatocytes, and to a lesser extent adipocytes. CRP plasma levels increase ~1,000-fold in response to acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, making it a useful gauge of inflammation in a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions. Normal levels of serum CRP (0.64 microg/ml) do not differ between healthy adult men and women, but tend to increase slightly with age. High plasma CRP concentrations (>3 microg/ml) are associated with an increased risk for atherosclerosis. CRP has been implicated as a contributor to atherogenesis by modulating endothelial function, stimulating coagulation, inducing the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin, mediating uptake of LDL into macrophages, and destabilizing plaques. In addition, CRP can bind in a calcium-dependent manner to phosphocholine on microbes, act as a ligand for specific receptors on phagocytic leukocytes, mediate activation of monocytes and macrophages via IL-6, TNF-.alpha. and other cytokines, and assist in the complement pathway. Cayman |