C-reactive protein
Template:TOC-right C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the circulating blood proteins that help the host defense system begin immune defense by phagocytosis performed my macrophage. Its opsonization of target cells is much less precise than from immunoglobulin generated by B-lympocytes for T8 lymphocytes. When activated, it binds, with the antigen, to a surface receptor on macrophages and opsonize the threatening cells.
Diagnostic use
Along with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, when laboratory results are elevated, the clinician has warning an an acute inflammatory disorder exists.[1]
Elevation above the patient's baseline assist in assessing lipid measurements in apparently healthy people. They are also appear predictive of peripheral vacular disease, supporting the theory that chronic inflammation precedes atherosclerosis. There is early evidence exists that risk factor modification, particularly the use of aspirin and the Hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (i.e., statins, may reduce plaque inflammation.[2] CRP is a better predictor inflammatory disease than the erythrocyte sedimentation rate in a vasculitis such as giant cell arteritis, also called temporal arteritis; cranial arteritis; or Horton's disease [3] or microscopic polyangiitis[4]
The presence, in high-sensitivity CRP analysis, shows a predisposition to atherosclerotic blood vessel disease.[5]
References
- ↑ Husain TM, Kim DH (Spring 2002), "C-Reactive Protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Orthopaedics", University of Pennsylvania Orthopedic Journal 15: 13-16
- ↑ F Brian Boudi, Chowdhury H Ahsan, James L Orford, Andrew P Selwyn (Aug 10, 2006), "Atherosclerosis", eMedicine
- ↑ Giant cell arteritis, Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals
- ↑ Microscoping polyangiitis, Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals
- ↑ Flores-Alfaro E, Parra-Rojas I, Salgado-Bernabé AB, Chávez-Maldonado JP,Salazar-Martinez E. (July 2008), "Cardiovascular risk evaluated by C-reactive protein levels in diabetic and obese Mexican subjects.", Circ J. 72(7): 1170-4.