C-reactive protein and atherothrombosis: Cause or effect?

Risk Factors and Long-Term Outcomes of Acute Kidney Disease in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant-Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney disease (AKD) is a recent definition reflecting ongoing physiopathological processes of an acute renal injury (AKI). Information on AKD in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is scarce and there is no available data on long-term outcomes. We aimed to determine the cumulative incidence of AKD in the first 100 days after HSCT; to identify risk factors for AKD in HSCT; and to determine the impact of AKD in 3-year overall survival and relapse-free survival in HSCT.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, considering AKD when AKI was present and the patient continued to meet the KDIGO criteria (creatinine and/or urinary output criteria) for 7 days or more. Survival analysis methods considering competing events were used for risk factors and disease-free survival, Cox proportional regression for overall survival, and stepwise regression methods for multivariable models.

RESULTS

We enrolled 422 patients. AKD incidence was 22.9% (95% CI: 19.2-27.4%). Higher body mass index (HR: 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.10; p = 0.034), HCT-CI score ≥ 2 (HR: 1.83, 95% CI 1.11-3.13; p = 0.027), allogeneic transplantation (HR:2.03, 95% CI 1.26-3.33; p = 0.004), higher C-reactive protein (HR:1.01, 95% CI 1.01-1.02; p < 0.001), and exposure to nephrotoxic drugs (HR: 4.81, 95% CI 1.54-4.95; p = 0.038) were independently associated with AKD. AKD had a significant impact on overall survival (HR: 1.75; 95% CI 1.27-2.39; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

An awareness of the risk factors for AKD allows the identification of high-risk patients, enabling the timely implementation of preventive measures to alleviate the progression and impact of the disease.

Molecular Pathways of Vulnerable Carotid Plaques at Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Narrative Review

The concept of vulnerable carotid plaques is pivotal in understanding the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke secondary to large-artery atherosclerosis. In macroscopic evaluation, vulnerable plaques are characterized by one or more of the following features: microcalcification; neovascularization; lipid-rich necrotic cores (LRNCs); intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH); thin fibrous caps; plaque surface ulceration; huge dimensions, suggesting stenosis; and plaque rupture. Recognizing these macroscopic characteristics is crucial for estimating the risk of cerebrovascular events, also in the case of non-significant (less than 50%) stenosis. Inflammatory biomarkers, such as cytokines and adhesion molecules, lipid-related markers like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and proteolytic enzymes capable of degrading extracellular matrix components are among the key molecules that are scrutinized for their associative roles in plaque instability. Through their quantification and evaluation, these biomarkers reveal intricate molecular cross-talk governing plaque inflammation, rupture potential, and thrombogenicity. The current evidence demonstrates that plaque vulnerability phenotypes are multiple and heterogeneous and are associated with many highly complex molecular pathways that determine the activation of an immune-mediated cascade that culminates in thromboinflammation. This narrative review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current knowledge on molecular biomarkers expressed by symptomatic carotid plaques. It explores the association of these biomarkers with the structural and compositional attributes that characterize vulnerable plaques.

Networks of C-reactive protein and depression symptoms in patients with stable coronary heart disease: Findings from the Heart and Soul Study

OBJECTIVE

Research addressing the associations between C-reactive protein (CRP) and depression among patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) has produced inconsistent results. This might be attributable to varying associations of CRP with specific depression symptom profiles. We responded to this challenge using various network analysis techniques.

METHODS

A total of 967 outpatients with documented CHD were drawn from the baseline cross-sectional data of the Heart and Soul Study. We first estimated mixed graphical models that included CRP and individual depression symptoms, before and after adjusting for relevant covariates, to explore whether CRP is correlated with specific facets of depression. We also investigated whether CRP levels moderated the associations between specific depression symptoms using moderated network models. Finally, we performed a network comparison test and compared the symptom network properties between non-elevated and elevated CRP groups.

RESULTS

In the network model without covariates, CRP was positively associated with fatigue, appetite changes, and psychomotor problems. CRP maintained its negative association with concentration difficulty regardless of covariate adjustment. Few symptom-symptom associations, especially those involving appetite changes, were moderated by CRP. Further, the elevated CRP group showed greater overall symptom connectivity as compared to the non-elevated group.

CONCLUSION

This study segues into CRP-depression relationship with sophisticated methodology.

C-Reactive Protein Signaling Pathways in Tumor Progression

Many cancers arise from sites of chronic inflammation, which creates an inflammatory microenvironment surrounding the tumor. Inflammatory substances secreted by cells in the inflammatory environment can induce the proliferation and survival of cancer cells, thereby promoting cancer metastasis and angiogenesis. Therefore, it is important to identify the role of inflammatory factors in cancer progression. This review summarizes the signaling pathways and roles of C-reactive protein (CRP) in various cancer types, including breast, liver, renal, and pancreatic cancer, and the tumor microenvironment. Mounting evidence suggests the role of CRP in breast cancer, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is typically associated with a worse prognosis. Increased CRP in the inflammatory environment contributes to enhanced invasiveness and tumor formation in TNBC cells. CRP promotes endothelial cell formation and angiogenesis and contributes to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. In pancreatic and kidney cancers, CRP contributes to tumor progression. In liver cancer, CRP regulates inflammatory responses and lipid metabolism. CRP modulates the activity of various signaling molecules in macrophages and monocytes present in the tumor microenvironment, contributing to tumor development, the immune response, and inflammation. In the present review, we overviewed the role of CRP signaling pathways and the association between inflammation and cancer in various types of cancer. Identifying the interactions between CRP signaling pathways and other inflammatory mediators in cancer progression is crucial for understanding the complex relationship between inflammation and cancer.

Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaque: Is There a Molecular Signature?

Atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations, coronary and cerebral artery diseases, are the most common cause of death worldwide. The main pathophysiological mechanism for these complications is the rupture of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques and subsequent thrombosis. Pathological studies of the vulnerable lesions showed that more frequently, plaques rich in lipids and with a high level of inflammation, responsible for mild or moderate stenosis, are more prone to rupture, leading to acute events. Identifying the vulnerable plaques helps to stratify patients at risk of developing acute vascular events. Traditional imaging methods based on plaque appearance and size are not reliable in prediction the risk of rupture. Intravascular imaging is a novel technique able to identify vulnerable lesions, but it is invasive and an operator-dependent technique. This review aims to summarize the current data from literature regarding the main biomarkers involved in the attempt to diagnose vulnerable atherosclerotic lesions. These biomarkers could be the base for risk stratification and development of the new therapeutic drugs in the treatment of patients with vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.

Associations between fibrinogen levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause death: a cohort study from the Chin-Shan community in Taiwan

OBJECTIVES

Although several studies have investigated the association between fibrinogen level and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), few studies have been conducted in Asia.

SETTING

We conducted a community-based prospective cohort study in the Chin-Shan community, Taiwan.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 2222 participants (54.6±11.9 years, 53.4% women, and 22.4 years of follow-up) who underwent plasma fibrinogen measurements and were without CVD at baseline were recruited, among which 735 participants with available C reactive protein (CRP) were included in the joint analysis of the association of fibrinogen and CRP levels with the risk of CVD.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Fibrinogen and CRP levels were measured by clotting and high-sensitivity immunoturbidimetric assays, respectively. The study outcomes were CVD events and all-cause death. Our definition of CVD included both coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke cases. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the HRs and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Compared with the lowest quartile, participants with higher fibrinogen levels tended to have a higher risk of CAD (adjusted HR for the highest quartile=1.48 (95% CI 0.90 to 2.44); test for trend p=0.037) regardless of CRP level (adjusted HR=2.12 (95% CI 1.24 to 3.63) and 2.17 (95% CI 1.06 to 4.44) for high fibrinogen/low CRP and high fibrinogen/high CRP, respectively). The association was not observed for stroke (adjusted HR for the highest quartile=0.99 (95% CI 0.62 to 1.60); test for trend p=0.99) and was only observed for all-cause death among participants <65 years of age (adjusted HR for the highest quartile=1.47 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.95); test for trend p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Fibrinogen may be a potential risk factor for CAD but not for stroke. Further studies are necessary to clarify the differences in the role of fibrinogen levels on the risk of CVD between Asian and Western countries.

Mechanisms contributing to adverse outcomes of COVID-19 in obesity

A growing amount of epidemiological data from multiple countries indicate an increased prevalence of obesity, more importantly central obesity, among hospitalized subjects with COVID-19. This suggests that obesity is a major factor contributing to adverse outcome of the disease. As it is a metabolic disorder with dysregulated immune and endocrine function, it is logical that dysfunctional metabolism contributes to the mechanisms behind obesity being a risk factor for adverse outcome in COVID-19. Emerging data suggest that in obese subjects, (a) the molecular mechanisms of viral entry and spread mediated through ACE2 receptor, a multifunctional host cell protein which links to cellular homeostasis mechanisms, are affected. This includes perturbation of the physiological renin-angiotensin system pathway causing pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic challenges (b) existent metabolic overload and ER stress-induced UPR pathway make obese subjects vulnerable to severe COVID-19, (c) host cell response is altered involving reprogramming of metabolism and epigenetic mechanisms involving microRNAs in line with changes in obesity, and (d) adiposopathy with altered endocrine, adipokine, and cytokine profile contributes to altered immune cell metabolism, systemic inflammation, and vascular endothelial dysfunction, exacerbating COVID-19 pathology. In this review, we have examined the available literature on the underlying mechanisms contributing to obesity being a risk for adverse outcome in COVID-19.

Pronounced Diurnal Pattern of Salivary C-Reactive Protein (CRP) With Modest Associations to Circulating CRP Levels

C-reactive protein (CRP), a humoral component of the innate immune system with important functions in host-defense, is extensively used as a sensitive biomarker of systemic inflammation. During inflammation, hepatocyte-derived CRP rises dramatically in the blood due to increased interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Reliable detection of CRP in saliva, instead of blood, would offer advantages regarding sampling procedure and availability but using saliva as a diagnostic body fluid comes with challenges. The aims of this study were to evaluate associations between salivary CRP, total protein levels in saliva and serum CRP. Furthermore, we examined associations with plasma IL-6, body mass index (BMI), tobacco smoking and age. Salivary CRP was investigated by ELISA in 107 middle-aged participants from the general population. We employed spectrophotometric determination of total protein levels. Correlation analyses were used for associations of salivary CRP with serum CRP (turbidimetry), plasma IL-6 (Luminex^®), BMI and smoking habits. Salivary median CRP was 68% higher (p=0.009), and total protein levels were 167% higher (p<0.0001), in morning compared to evening saliva. The correlation coefficients between serum and salivary CRP were low to moderate, but stronger for evening than morning saliva. Plasma IL-6 correlated significantly with serum CRP (r_s=0.41, p<0.01), but not with morning or evening salivary CRP. Non-smokers showed 103% higher salivary CRP levels (p=0.015), whereas serum CRP was independent of smoking status. As opposed to CRP in serum, salivary CRP was not associated with BMI. Salivary CRP was 90% higher among the age interval 60–69 years compared to subjects aged 45–59 (p=0.02) while serum CRP levels did not differ between the age groups. In conclusion, CRP in saliva did not straightforwardly reflect serum concentrations. This raises questions regarding adequate reflection of biological events. The pronounced diurnal salivary CRP pattern accentuates the importance of standardizing the time-point of sampling.

Relationship between plasma high-sensitivity c-reactive protein and traditional cardiovascular risk factors among active-duty military personnel in Republic of Serbia

Background/Aim. Approximately one third of individuals with no or one risk factor, as well as 40% individuals with concentraction of cholesterol less than average die from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent study underlined significant role of inflammation in atherosclerosis and its complications. Our study is the first one in Serbia which have for the aim that analyses the association of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with traditional risk factors for coronary heart disease. Metods: This study is observational cross-sectional study which included 205 active-duty military personnel similar socioepidemiological and economic characteristics. Plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and traditional cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated. The relative cardiovascular risk was staged as low (hs-CRP <1mg/L), intermediate (hs-CRP between 1 and 3mg/L) and high (hs-CRP >3mg/L). The Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) system was used for absolute cardiovascular risk assessment, and total risk (fatal and non-fatal events). Results: Our study included 205 participants, average age of 39 (35-43) years, with median and interquartile range values of hs-CRP 0.80 mg/L (0.43-1.75), with average hs-CRP values 0.71mg/L in the youngers than 40 years and 1.2 mg/L in the olders. Between the study groups the significant diferrence in hsCRP-a values was registrated; hs-CRP was significantly higher in the group older than 40 years ( p=0.006). There was a significant positive correlation between hsCRP and age (r=0.266, p<0.001); weight (r=0.223 p=0.001), body mass index (BMI) (r=0.344, p<0.001), diastolic hypertension (r=0.190, p=0.007), LDL cholesterol (r=0.152, p=0.032), triglycerides (r=0.144, p=0.039), number of risk factors (r=0.210, p<0.003), as well as negative correlation with HDL cholesterol concentration (r=-0.159, p<0.023). There was no significant correlation between hsCRP concentration and total cholesterol (r=0.131, p=0.062). According to hs-CRP values, high CV risk was found in 17.7% participants older than 40 years, and based on SCORE system staging, 90% participants have intermmediate CV risk. The results of stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that BMI was independently associated with hsCRP concentration in the group younger than 40 years. Among the olders, age was found to be associated with fibrinogen values. Conclusions. In the population of active military personnel in the Republic of Serbia, hs-CRP is correlated with some of the risk factors for CVD, and only BMI is independently 4 correlated with hs-CRP in those under 40 years of age. Levels of serum hs-CRP are increased with aging, imply that hs-CRP measurement may provide a more accurate assessment of the individual overall risk profile for CVD in the Serbian military personnel population.

The hematologic consequences of obesity

The prevalence of obesity is increasing and progressively influencing physician-patient interactions. While there is a sizable amount of data demonstrating that obesity is a state of low-grade inflammation, to our knowledge, there is no single review summarizing its effects on hematologic parameters and thrombotic risk. We performed a literature search which largely surfaced observational studies, with a few systematic reviews and meta-analyses of these studies. We took care to review the mechanisms driving an inflammatory state and obesity's effect on white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and thrombotic risk. There is an observed relative, and sometimes absolute leukocytosis driven by this inflammatory state. Obesity is also associated with increased platelet counts and an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Lastly, the association between obesity, iron deficiency (ID), and red blood cell counts may be present but remains uncertain. Recognizing the above associations may provide clinicians with reassurance regarding otherwise unexplained hematologic abnormalities in obese individuals. We hope this review will prompt future studies to further understand the underlying mechanisms driving these abnormalities and identify modifiable risk factors and potential therapeutic targets to prevent the development of probable obesity-associated conditions with significant morbidity and mortality, such as ID and VTE.

Impact of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein on coronary artery disease severity and outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in coronary artery disease (CAD). Few data from large-size studies are available on the association of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and severity of CAD. Our aim was to investigate their relationship as well as their impact on long-term outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

METHODS

In 2013, 10,020 patients were consecutively included. Patients were divided into three groups based on hs-CRP on admission: 0-3mg/L (n=6978, 69.6%), 3.01-10mg/L (n=1997, 19.9%), >10mg/L (n=1045, 10.4%). Disease severity was determined by SYNTAX score (SS). Their differences were assessed in SS and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs, including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, and in-stent thrombosis) among groups.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 874 days. Patients with elevated hs-CRP were older, had more risk factors such as hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cigarette smoking. Multivariate regression analysis showed that hs-CRP >10mg/L (OR 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.21-1.84, p<0.001), age, previous myocardial infarction, serum creatinine, and left ventricular ejection fraction were independent predictors of intermediate-high SS (>22). Subgroup analysis indicated that the relation between hs-CRP and SS was also consistent in acute coronary syndrome and its subtypes. Although elevated hs-CRP was positively associated with increased rates of MACEs (11.0% versus 12.1% versus 14.3%, p=0.006), death (1.0% versus 1.3% versus 3.0%, p<0.001), and revascularization (8.6% versus 10.4% versus 10.0%, p=0.032), it did not show any prognostic effect for adverse outcomes in multivariate regression analyses (all adjusted p> 0.05). While SS>22 remained independently predictive of MACEs and revascularization after adjusting confounders, the risks of which were increased by 56% and 68%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Serum hs-CRP could be a useful biomarker for indicating CAD severity and could aid in risk stratification.

The Multiple Faces of C-Reactive Protein-Physiological and Pathophysiological Implications in Cardiovascular Disease

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an intriguing protein which plays a variety of roles in either physiological or pathophysiological states. For years it has been regarded merely as a useful biomarker of infection, tissue injury and inflammation, and it was only in the early 80s that the modified isoforms (mCRP) of native CRP (nCRP) appeared. It soon became clear that the roles of native CRP should be clearly discriminated from those of the modified form and so the impacts of both isoforms were divided to a certain degree between physiological and pathophysiological states. For decades, CRP has been regarded only as a hallmark of inflammation; however, it has since been recognised as a significant predictor of future episodes of cardiovascular disease, independent of other risk factors. The existence of modified CRP isoforms and their possible relevance to various pathophysiological conditions, suggested over thirty years ago, has prompted the search for structural and functional dissimilarities between the pentameric nCRP and monomeric mCRP isoforms. New attempts to identify the possible relevance between the diversity of structures and their opposing functions have initiated a new era of research on C-reactive protein. This review discusses the biochemical aspects of CRP physiology, emphasizing the supposed relevance between the structural biology of CRP isoforms and their differentiated physiological and pathophysiological roles.

Association Between Systemic Inflammation, Carotid Arteriosclerosis, and Autonomic Dysfunction

Systemic inflammation is associated with arteriosclerotic disease progression and worse stroke outcome in patients with carotid arteriosclerotic disease. We hypothesize that systemic inflammation is mediated by impaired carotid baroreceptor and chemoreceptor function induced by carotid arteriosclerosis rather than by the generalized inflammatory arteriosclerotic process.Heart rate variability (HRV), serum levels of inflammatory markers, demographic and life style factors, and concomitant diseases with potential impact on systemic inflammation were determined in 105 patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis of varying degree. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to ascertain independent determinants of carotid stenosis severity, autonomic function, and inflammation.Systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein, beta = .255; P = .014), age (beta = .232; P < .008), and arterial hypertension (beta = .206; P = .032) were associated with carotid stenosis severity. Only carotid stenosis severity and not generalized arteriosclerotic disease, concomitant diseases (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism), life style factors (smoking, obesity), or age was associated with a reduction in vagal tone (HRV HF band power beta = - .193; P < 0.049). Systemic inflammation was related to a reduction in vagal tone (HRV HF band power, beta = - .214; P = .031), and not to generalized arteriosclerotic disease, concomitant diseases (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia), life style factors (smoking, obesity), and age.In conclusion, systemic inflammation is associated with carotid rather than with generalized arteriosclerotic disease. The association between systemic inflammation and carotid arteriosclerosis is mediated by a reduction in vagal tone which indicates a major role of carotid arteriosclerosis-mediated autonomic dysfunction in the pathogenesis of systemic inflammation in arteriosclerotic disease.

Low-grade inflammation is negatively associated with physical Health-Related Quality of Life in healthy individuals: Results from The Danish Blood Donor Study (DBDS)

BACKGROUND

Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) represent individuals' subjective assessment of their mental and physical well-being, and is highly predictive of future health. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-established marker of inflammation. Low-grade inflammation (LGI), defined as slightly increased CRP levels, is associated with increased risk of several diseases. LGI may reflect subclinical pathology, which could affect individual's subjective health assessment. This study aimed to examine whether LGI has an independent impact on self-reported health or rather is a mediator of a confounder in a large population of healthy individuals.

METHODS

Plasma CRP levels were measured in 17,024 participants from the Danish Blood Donor Study (DBDS). All participants completed a standard questionnaire including smoking status, and the 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12), which is a widely used scale for HRQL. SF-12 is reported as a mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) score. The relationship between LGI (defined as a plasma CRP level between 3 mg/L and 10 mg/L) and MCS or PCS was explored by mediation analysis and adjusted multivariable linear regression analysis. Multiple imputation modelling was used to remedy missing values. The analyses were stratified according to sex and use of combined oral contraception (OC).

RESULTS

In the study, 1,542 (10.3%) participants had LGI. PCS was associated with LGI in all strata, i.e. women using OC: RC = -0.36 points lower PCS in participants with LGI vs no LGI, CI: -0.94 to -0.19, women not using OC: RC = -0.63, CI: -1.05 to -0.21 and men: RC = -0.76, CI: -1.10 to -0.42. But LGI had no impact on MCS. Predictors of lower PCS included obesity, current smoking, and waist circumference in all strata. Physical activity in leisure time was the only factor positively associated with PCS. Age and physical activity in leisure time was associated with increased MCS in all strata whereas current smoking was the only strong predictor of a reduction in MCS. Only a small effect of smoking on PCS was mediated through LGI.

CONCLUSION

In this population of healthy individuals, LGI had independent impact on lower self-rated physical health score in HRQL in both sexes, but was not associated with self-rated mental health score. A small and significant effect of smoking on physical health score was mediated through LGI.

Role of C-reactive protein in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by both non-inflammatory and inflammatory process, and accumulating evidence has demonstrated that inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of AKI. C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute reactant produced by liver and many inflammatory cells, acts not only as an inflammation biomarker, but also as a pathogenic factor for AKI. Indeed, increased concentration of CRP is associated with poor outcome of varied etiologically related AKI patients. In recent years, the role of CRP is gradually recognized as an active participant in the pathogenesis and progression of AKI by exacerbating local inflammation, impairing the proliferation of damaged tubular epithelial cells and promoting fibrosis of injured renal tissue.

Additive effects of obesity and loneliness on C-reactive protein

Obesity and loneliness are associated with C-reactive protein (CRP), a predictor of cardiovascular disease. It is unknown whether the co-presence of obesity and loneliness is associated with additional risk for clinically elevated CRP. The present study thus examines their independent and combined effects on elevated CRP in older adults. Data come from 10,912 respondents who completed the 2008 and 2010 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Loneliness was measured using an 11-item Loneliness Scale and body mass index was calculated from technician measured height and weight. Our primary outcome is high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP). Survey-weighted logistic regression models were used to test whether loneliness and BMI category are independent predictors of CRP after adjusting for demographics and other inflammatory-related covariates. In the fully adjusted model for men, obesity (OR = 2.36, p < .0001) was associated with increased odds of hsCRP >3.0. Among females, being overweight (OR = 1.75, p < .0001) or obese (OR = 4.01, p < .0001) were associated increased odds of hsCRP>3.0. Among both men and women, results from fully adjusted models indicated that loneliness was not associated with clinically elevated hsCRP (OR = 1.34, p = .0535; OR = 0.97, p = 0.6776, respectively).

Intervention of integrative medicine treatment has impact on serum levels of ET-1, TNF-α, MLT in RA-CVD

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that can destroy peripheral joints. However, very little is known regarding specific biological marker for RA in Chinese patients. In this study, we determined the serum biomarkers and clinical features of RA-CVD. We also evaluated the short-term efficacy of routine RA treatment combined with integrative medicine treatment on RA-CVD. We found that anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) and disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) are associated with risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in RA. And, melatonin (MLT) may play a negative regulatory role in cardiovascular damage in patients with RA. Furthermore, endothelin (ET-1) and inflammatory markers may be subclinical cardiovascular damages in RA. Moreover, of the 17 patients with RA-CVD, test results of ET-1, TNF-α and OSCAR after integrative medicine treatment were significantly decreased than before treatment. Collectively, our results provide a therapeutic potential of integrative medicine to the treatment of RA-CVD.

New insights into the role of adipose tissue in thrombosis

Central obesity is independently associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly thrombotic complications. Increasing data supports a link between excess body weight and the risk to suffer acute myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis after percutaneous interventions, ischemic stroke and vein thrombosis. Experimental and in vitro data have provided insights as to the mechanisms currently presumed to increase the thrombotic risk in obese subjects. Obesity is characterized by a chronic low grade inflammation and systemic oxidative stress that eventually damage the endothelium losing its antithrombotic properties. Obesity also stimulates the expression of leptin and attenuates adiponectin release, a protective adipokine. Although the contribution of adipokines to thrombosis has been questioned, recent work has suggested that they enhance platelet activation and, although to a lesser extent, induce the coagulation cascade through tissue factor (TF) expression. Increased body weight also impairs platelet sensitivity to insulin signaling and enhances the production of bioactive isoprostanes further promoting platelet reactivity. Finally, obese subjects have shown elevated circulating levels of von Willebrand factor, TF, factor VII and VIII, and fibrinogen, favoring a mild-to-moderate hypercoagulable state, and, on the other hand, increased secretion of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 and thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) contributing to impair the fibrinolytic system. In the present review, we provide an overview of the impact of excess body weight on thrombosis. We will focus on the link between dysfunctional adipose tissue and endothelial damage, platelet reactivity, enhanced coagulation and impaired fibrinolysis; mechanisms currently recognized to increase arterial thrombotic risk in obese subjects.

FcγRIIB and autoimmunity

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by adaptive immune responses against self-antigens, including humoral responses resulting in the production of autoantibodies. Autoantibodies generate inflammation by activating complement and engaging Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). The inhibitory receptor FcγRIIB plays a central role in regulating the generation of autoantibodies and their effector functions, which include activation of innate immune cells and the cellular arm of the adaptive immune system, via effects on antigen presentation to CD4 T cells. Polymorphisms in FcγRIIB have been associated with susceptibility to autoimmunity but protection against infections in humans and mice. In the last few years, new mechanisms by which FcγRIIB controls the adaptive immune response have been described. Notably, FcγRIIB has been shown to regulate germinal center B cells and dendritic cell migration, with potential impact on the development of autoimmune diseases. Recent work has also highlighted the implication of FcγRIIB on the regulation of the innate immune system, via inhibition of Toll-like receptor- and complement receptor-mediated activation. This review will provide an update on the role of FcγRIIB in adaptive immune responses in autoimmunity, and then focus on their emerging function in innate immunity.

Managing cardiovascular risk in patients with inflammatory arthritis: practical considerations

Patients with inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis, have higher rates of cardiovascular mortality. While the increased cardiovascular risk is only explained to some extent, a lot of research is currently conducted to improve our understanding of its pathogenesis, risk stratification, and optimal cardiovascular risk management. This review sought to report epidemiological data pertaining to the cardiovascular disease burden in patients with inflammatory arthritis, underlying mechanisms accounting for excessive cardiovascular risk, along with recommendations regarding risk assessment and management in this patient population.

Cardiovascular complications in inflammatory bowel disease

Over the past years, a growing number of studies have indicated that patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Both are chronic inflammatory diseases and share certain pathophysiological mechanisms that may influence each other. High levels of cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine in IBD patients may lead to endothelial dysfunction, an early sign of atherosclerosis. IBD patients, in general, do not show the typical risk factors for cardiovascular disease but changes in lipid profiles similar to the ones seen in cardiovascular events have been reported recently. Higher levels of coagulation factors frequently occur in IBD which may predispose to arterial thromboembolic events. Finally, the gut itself may have an impact on atherogenesis during IBD through its microbiota. Microbial products are released from the inflamed mucosa into the circulation through a leaky barrier. The induced rise in proinflammatory cytokines could contribute to endothelial damage, artherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Although large retrospective studies favor a link between IBD and cardiovascular diseases, the mechanisms behind still remain to be determined.

Cardiovascular complications in inflammatory bowel disease

Over the past years, a growing number of studies have indicated that patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Both are chronic inflammatory diseases and share certain pathophysiological mechanisms that may influence each other. High levels of cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine in IBD patients may lead to endothelial dysfunction, an early sign of atherosclerosis. IBD patients, in general, do not show the typical risk factors for cardiovascular disease but changes in lipid profiles similar to the ones seen in cardiovascular events have been reported recently. Higher levels of coagulation factors frequently occur in IBD which may predispose to arterial thromboembolic events. Finally, the gut itself may have an impact on atherogenesis during IBD through its microbiota. Microbial products are released from the inflamed mucosa into the circulation through a leaky barrier. The induced rise in proinflammatory cytokines could contribute to endothelial damage, artherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Although large retrospective studies favor a link between IBD and cardiovascular diseases, the mechanisms behind still remain to be determined.

Protective Effects of BDNF against C-Reactive Protein-Induced Inflammation in Women

Background. Since high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is predictive of cardiovascular events, it is important to examine the relationship between hsCRP and other inflammatory and oxidative stress markers linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) etiology. Previously, we reported that hsCRP induces the oxidative stress adduct 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and that these markers are significantly associated in women. Recent data indicates that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may have a role in CVD. Methods and Results. We examined BDNF levels in 3 groups of women that were age- and race-matched with low (<3 mg/L), mid (>3–20 mg/L), and high (>20 mg/L) hsCRP (n = 39 per group) and found a significant association between hsCRP, BDNF, and 8-oxodG. In African American females with high hsCRP, increases in BDNF were associated with decreased serum 8-oxodG. This was not the case in white women where high hsCRP was associated with high levels of BDNF and high levels of 8-oxodG. BDNF treatment of cells reduced CRP levels and inhibited CRP-induced DNA damage. Conclusion. We discovered an important relationship between hsCRP, 8-oxodG, and BDNF in women at hsCRP levels >3 mg/L. These data suggest that BDNF may have a protective role in counteracting the inflammatory effects of hsCRP.

C-reactive protein stimulates RAGE expression in human coronary artery endothelial cells in vitro via ROS generation and ERK/NF-κB activation

AIM

The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) plays an important role in development of atherosclerosis, and C-reactive protein (CRP) has been found to stimulate its expression in endothelial cells. In this study we investigated how CRP regulated the expression of RAGE in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs).

METHODS

HCAECs were treated in vitro with CRP (50 μg/mL) in combination with a variety of inhibitors. ROS generation was determined by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. The RAGE expression and phosphorylation of relevant signaling proteins were measured using Western blot analyses.

RESULTS

CRP stimulated the expression of RAGE in the cells, accompanied by markedly increased ROS generation, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB p65, as well as translocation of NF-κB p65 to the nuclei. CRP also stimulated phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK. Pretreatment of the cells with the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine, ERK inhibitor PD98059 or NF-κB inhibitor PDTC blocked CRP-stimulated RAGE expression, but pretreatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor DPI, JNK inhibitor SP600125 or p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 did not significantly alter CRP-stimulated RAGE expression.

CONCLUSION

CRP stimulates RAGE expression in HCAECs in vitro via ROS generation and activation of the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

C-Reactive Protein: An In-Depth Look into Structure, Function, and Regulation

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the adult population worldwide, with atherosclerosis being its key pathophysiologic component. Atherosclerosis possesses a fundamental chronic inflammatory aspect, and the involvement of numerous inflammatory molecules has been studied in this scenario, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a plasma protein with strong phylogenetic conservation and high resistance to proteolysis, predominantly synthesized in the liver in response to proinflammatory cytokines, especially IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF. CRP may intervene in atherosclerosis by directly activating the complement system and inducing apoptosis, vascular cell activation, monocyte recruitment, lipid accumulation, and thrombosis, among other actions. Moreover, CRP can dissociate in peripheral tissue—including atheromatous plaques—from its native pentameric form into a monomeric form, which may also be synthesized de novo in extrahepatic sites. Each form exhibits distinct affinities for ligands and receptors, and exerts different effects in the progression of atherosclerosis. In view of epidemiologic evidence associating high CRP levels with cardiovascular risk—reflecting the biologic impact it bears on atherosclerosis—measurement of serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP has been proposed as a tool for assessment of cardiovascular risk.

Thrombosis formation on atherosclerotic lesions and plaque rupture

Atherosclerosis is a silent chronic vascular pathology that is the cause of the majority of cardiovascular ischaemic events. The evolution of vascular disease involves a combination of endothelial dysfunction, extensive lipid deposition in the intima, exacerbated innate and adaptive immune responses, proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and remodelling of the extracellular matrix, resulting in the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque. High-risk plaques have a large acellular lipid-rich necrotic core with an overlying thin fibrous cap infiltrated by inflammatory cells and diffuse calcification. The formation of new fragile and leaky vessels that invade the expanding intima contributes to enlarge the necrotic core increasing the vulnerability of the plaque. In addition, biomechanical, haemodynamic and physical factors contribute to plaque destabilization. Upon erosion or rupture, these high-risk lipid-rich vulnerable plaques expose vascular structures or necrotic core components to the circulation, which causes the activation of tissue factor and the subsequent formation of a fibrin monolayer (coagulation cascade) and, concomitantly, the recruitment of circulating platelets and inflammatory cells. The interaction between exposed atherosclerotic plaque components, platelet receptors and coagulation factors eventually leads to platelet activation, aggregation and the subsequent formation of a superimposed thrombus (i.e. atherothrombosis) which may compromise the arterial lumen leading to the presentation of acute ischaemic syndromes. In this review, we will describe the progression of the atherosclerotic lesion along with the main morphological characteristics that predispose to plaque rupture, and discuss the multifaceted mechanisms that drive platelet activation and subsequent thrombus formation. Finally, we will consider the current scientific challenges and future research directions.

Neurokinin 3 receptor and phosphocholine transferase: missing factors for pathogenesis of C-reactive protein in preeclampsia

C-reactive protein (CRP), an innate immune mediator, is elevated in the circulation before symptoms in patients with preeclampsia, a severe hypertensive pregnancy disorder with high mortality and morbidity. However, the specific sources underlying increased CRP and the role of elevated CRP in preeclampsia are undefined. Here, we report that circulating CRP levels are significantly increased in a large cohort of normotensive pregnant individuals when compared with nulligravid women and is further increased in patients with preeclampsia. These findings led us to discover further that placental syncytiotrophoblasts are previously unrecognized cellular sources of CRP and underlie elevated CRP in normotensive pregnant women and the additional increase in patients with preeclampsia. Next, we demonstrated that injection of CRP induces preeclampsia features, including hypertension (157 mm Hg CRP treated versus 119 mm Hg control), proteinuria (35.0 mg/μg CRP treated versus 14.1 mg/μg control), kidney, and placental damage and increased levels of sFlt-1 in pregnant mice but not in nonpregnant mice. Our study implicates that phosphocholine transferase, a placental-specific enzyme post-translationally modifying neurokinin B, is essential for the pathogenic role of CRP in preeclampsia through activation of the neurokinin 3 receptor. Overall, our studies have provided significant new insight on the pathogenic role of CRP in preeclampsia and highlighted innovative therapeutic strategies.

Is there a role of C-reactive protein in red blood cell aggregation?

INTRODUCTION

Numerous clinical studies related the plasma level of C-reactive protein (CRP) to the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) independent of the kind of disease. The molecular regulation of the process is unknown.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of 10 previous studies and experimentally probed for a direct action of CRP on red blood cells (RBCs) by different methods including determination of a microscopic aggregation index, Ca(2+) imaging and analysis of sedimentation experiments.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation (Pearson coefficient of 0.37; P < 0.0001), but we could not find any experimental evidence for a direct CRP-RBC interaction. Instead, we could confirm a correlation between fibrinogen level and ESR.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, we concluded that CRP and ESR cannot account for nor replace each other as a diagnostic measure. The correlation between CRP level and ESR is most probably caused by fibrinogen, because its increase coincides with elevated CRP levels.

CRP genotype and haplotype associations with serum C-reactive protein level and DAS28 in untreated early rheumatoid arthritis patients

INTRODUCTION

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CRP gene are implicated in the regulation of the constitutional C-reactive protein (CRP) expression and its response to proinflammatory stimuli. Previous reports suggest that these effects may have an impact on clinical decision-making tools based on CRP, such as the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28). We aimed to investigate the possible association between seven CRP SNPs, their haplotypes and the serum levels of CRP, as well as DAS28 scores, in two cohorts of untreated active early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients followed during their initial treatment.

METHODS

Overall, 315 patients with RA from two randomized controlled trials (the CIMESTRA and OPERA trials) who were naïve to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and steroids with disease durations less than 6 months were included. Seven CRP SNPs were investigated: rs11265257, rs1130864, rs1205, rs1800947, rs2808632, rs3093077 and rs876538. The genotype and haplotype associations with CRP and DAS28 levels were evaluated using linear regression analysis adjusted for age, sex and treatment.

RESULTS

The minor allele of rs1205 C > T was associated with decreased CRP levels at baseline (P = 0.03), with the TT genotype having a 50% reduction in CRP from 16.7 to 8.4 mg/L (P = 0.005) compared to homozygosity of the major allele, but no association was observed at year 1 (P = 0.38). The common H2 haplotype, characterized by the T allele of rs1205, was associated with a 26% reduction in CRP at baseline (P = 0.043), although no effect was observed at year 1 (P = 0.466). No other SNP or haplotype was associated with CRP at baseline or at year 1 (P ≥ 0.09). We observed no associations between SNPs or haplotypes and DAS28 scores at baseline or at year 1 (P ≥ 0.10).

CONCLUSION

CRP genotype and haplotype were only marginally associated with serum CRP levels and had no association with the DAS28 score. This study shows that DAS28, the core parameter for inflammatory activity in RA, can be used for clinical decision-making without adjustment for CRP gene variants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The OPERA study is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00660647). The CIMESTRA study is not listed in a clinical trials registry, because patients were included between October 1999 and October 2002.

Sleep duration during the school week is associated with C-reactive protein risk groups in healthy adolescents

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of short sleep duration in adolescence and the relevance of early risk factors to cardiovascular disease in adulthood suggest that adolescence is an opportune time to evaluate links between sleep duration and cardiovascular disease risk. We examined associations among actigraphy-assessed sleep duration and sleep debt with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

Participants were 244 (56% Black, 48% male) healthy high school students, each of whom wore wrist actigraphs for one week and provided a fasting blood draw. CRP was examined as both a continuous and categorical outcome, with CRP >3 mg/L identifying a High Risk Group.

RESULTS

Sleep duration and sleep debt were significantly associated with CRP High Risk Group in covariate-adjusted analyses. Shorter sleep duration on school nights was associated with a greater likelihood of being in the High Risk CRP Group. Likelihood of being in the High Risk CRP Group was doubled in students who obtained an average of two or more hours of "catch up" sleep on weekend nights.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced weekday sleep duration and sleep debt were both associated with CRP Risk Group in adolescence. That these relationships may be observed prior to the onset of clinical disease suggests that adolescence may provide an opportune period for disease prevention.

Occlusal disharmony accelerates the initiation of atherosclerosis in apoE knockout rats

Background

Psychosocial stress is one of the risk factors for atherosclerosis. As occlusal disharmony induces psychological stress, we hypothesized that psychological stress by occlusal disharmony accelerates atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of occlusal disharmony on the initiation of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E (apoE) knockout rats.

Methods

Fourteen male apoE-knockout rats (age; 8 weeks) (Sprague–Dawley strain background) were divided into two groups of seven rats: the occlusal disharmony group and the no treatment (control) group. In the occlusal disharmony group, the maxillary molar cusps were cut off for the 8-week experimental period.

Results

In the occlusal disharmony group, the percentages of the area of total aortic lumen occupied by plaques and lipid were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05, t-test). The occlusal disharmony group also showed significantly higher serum levels of very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL), plasma levels of corticosterone (1.9, 1.3 and 1.3 times, respectively), higher aortic protein expression levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) (1.5 and 1.4 times, respectively), and higher aortic gene expression of levels of VCAM1 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) (1.9 and 4.3 times, respectively), as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in serum levels of oxidized LDL, reactive oxygen metabolites and C-reactive protein between the two groups.

Conclusion

In apoE knockout rats, occlusal disharmony may induce VCAM1, ICAM1 and TLR4 expression and accelerate the initiation of atherosclerosis.

Homocysteine induces the expression of C-reactive protein via NMDAr-ROS-MAPK-NF-κB signal pathway in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE

Homocysteine (Hcy) is known as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. C-reactive protein (CRP) directly participates in initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. However, there is no direct evidence to demonstrate pro-inflammatory effect of Hcy on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) through CRP. In the present study, we examined the effect of Hcy on CRP expression and investigated the related mechanism in VSMCs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Protein expression and secretion were detected by Western blot and ELISA, respectively. mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR. Superoxide anion was detected by lucigenin chemiluminometry and the immunofluorescence staining was observed by a fluorescence microscope. The results revealed that Hcy significantly induced mRNA and protein expressions of CRP in VSMCs both in vitro and in vivo, and anti-IL-1β or anti-IL-6 neutralizing antibody alone or in combination partially reduced Hcy-induced CRP expression. Hcy increased the expression of NR1 subunit of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAr), and MK-801 alleviated Hcy-induced CRP expression in VSMCs. Further studies showed that Hcy-stimulated superoxide anion generation in VSMCs. Nevertheless, pretreatment of the cells with MK-801, TTFA and DPI significantly reduced Hcy-stimulated superoxide anion generation, and antioxidant NAC decreased Hcy-induced CRP expression in VSMCs. Additionally, PD98059, SB205380 or PDTC antagonized Hcy-induced CRP expression, and MK-801, NAC, PD98059 or SB205380 inhibited Hcy-activated phosphorylations of ERK1/2 and p38.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that Hcy is able to initiate an inflammatory response in VSMCs by stimulating CRP production, which is mediated through NMDAr-ROS-ERK1/2/p38-NF-κB signal pathway. These findings provide new evidence for a role of Hcy in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Targeting the unstable plaque in acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND

Rupture or erosion of an unstable atherosclerotic plaque is the typical pathology and usual cause of acute coronary syndromes. Despite detailed understanding of the processes of lipid accumulation, thinning of the fibrous cap, and inflammation leading to plaque instability, there are no strategies in clinical use that uniquely target the unstable plaque.

OBJECTIVE

A critical review of recent publications on potential therapies that could be used to stabilize unstable plaque.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, other literature databases, drug development sites, and clinical trial registries to retrieve clinical studies on anti-inflammatory and lipid-modulating therapies that could be used to stabilize unstable atherosclerotic plaque.

RESULTS

Multiple experimental targets involving lipid and inflammatory pathways have the potential to stabilize the plaque and expand the armamentarium against coronary artery disease. Randomized clinical trials of darapladib, methotrexate, canakinumab, and colchicine are well advanced to establish if plaque stabilization is feasible and effective in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there are still no agents in clinical use for plaque stabilization, there are important advances in understanding plaque instability and several encouraging approaches are being evaluated in Phase III clinical trials.

Combined oral contraception and obesity are strong predictors of low-grade inflammation in healthy individuals: results from the Danish Blood Donor Study (DBDS)

BACKGROUND

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-established marker of inflammation. The level of CRP is affected by several lifestyle factors. A slightly increased CRP level, also known as low-grade inflammation (LGI), is associated with increased risk of several diseases, especially cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of increased CRP levels in healthy individuals. We therefore assessed CRP in a large cohort of blood donors.

METHODS

We measured plasma CRP levels in 15,684 participants from the Danish Blood Donor Study. CRP was measured by a commercial assay. Furthermore, all participants completed a standard questionnaire on smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diet, and various body measurements. Female participants also reported the use of contraception, childbirth, and menopausal status. The relationship between LGI (defined here as a plasma CRP level between 3 mg/L and 10 mg/L) and predictors was explored by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results were presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

We found LGI in a total of 1,561 (10.0%) participants. LGI was more frequent in women using combined oral contraception (OC) (29.9%) than in men (6.1%) and women not using OC (7.9%). Among premenopausal women, OC was the strongest predictor of LGI (odds ratio = 8.98, p<0.001). Additionally, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were positively associated with LGI.

CONCLUSION

High BMI and abdominal obesity strongly predicted LGI among healthy individuals. However, the most striking finding was the high prevalence of LGI among premenopausal women who used combined oral contraception. Although the significance of CRP as a marker of inflammation is well known, the role of CRP in pathogenesis is still uncertain. The impact of oral contraception on CRP levels should nevertheless be considered when CRP is used in risk assessment.

Plasma levels of high-sensitive C-reactive protein do not correlate with inflammatory activity in carotid atherosclerotic plaques

BACKGROUND

It is well established that subjects with moderately elevated plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) have an increased risk of development of cardiovascular events. As atherosclerosis is a disease characterized by chronic arterial inflammation, it is possible that moderate increases in CRP level reflect the presence of plaque inflammation. To investigate this possibility, we compared plasma levels of hsCRP the day before carotid endarterectomy with the degree of inflammation in the excised plaque tissue.

METHODS

Luminex immunoassays were used to determine the levels of IL-6, IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in plasma and in homogenized plaque tissue from 160 endarterectomy specimens. Plaque sections were stained with antibodies against CD68 to determine the plaque macrophage content.

RESULTS

Plasma high-sensitivity (hs)CRP levels were significantly correlated with plasma IL-6 and TNF-α. However, there were no significant associations between plasma hsCRP concentration and plaque cytokine levels or macrophage contents.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings strongly argue against hsCRP as a marker of plaque inflammation. Hence, it is more likely that elevated hsCRP is a sign of a subclinical systemic inflammation and this in turn may contribute to progression of cardiovascular disease.

Plasma urokinase antigen and C-reactive protein predict angina recurrence after coronary angioplasty

This study evaluates the predictive value of several biochemical indices of the coagulation-fibrinolysis system, platelet function, and inflammatory state for angina recurrence after successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). We measured preprocedural and follow-up plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and urokinase plasminogen activator antigen (uPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity, tissue plasminogen activator activity, and adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation in 53 patients with chronic stable angina who underwent successful elective PTCA of single hemodynamically significant lesions in coronary arteries. All patients were followed up for 12 months after PTCA. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association of variables with angina recurrence rate. At the end of the follow-up, 16 patients had angina recurrence. Among 36 clinical, biochemical, and angiographic variables, the duration of stable angina more than 12 months before PTCA (χ (2) = 5.73; P = 0.02, hazard ratio (HR) 3.7, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.26-10.6), high baseline levels of CRP (>7 mg/l) (χ (2) = 8.34; P = 0.004, HR 2.9, 95 % CI 1.4-5.9), uPA antigen baseline (>1 ng/ml) (χ (2) = 17.11; P = 0.0001, HR 11.5, 95 % CI 3.6-36.7) and 48 h after PTCA (χ (2) = 15.73; P = 0.0001, HR 8.8, 95 % CI 3.01-25.96), baseline PAI-1 activity (>18 IU/ml) (χ (2) = 9.37; P = 0.002, HR 7.6, 95 % CI 2.07-27.84) were significant predictors of recurrent angina by univariate analyses. According to stepwise multivariate analyses, only the levels of plasma uPA antigen and serum CRP were shown to be significant independent predictors of angina recurrence (multivariate uPA χ (2) = 8.22, P = 0.004, HR 6.2, 95 % CI 1.78-21.67; CRP χ (2) = 4.09, P = 0.04, HR 1.9, 95 % CI 1.02-3.68). High preprocedural plasma uPA and serum CRP levels are indicative of angina recurrence after successful PTCA, and are valuable for the prognosis of restenosis.