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.

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 (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (i.e., statins, may reduce plaque inflammation. CRP is a better predictor inflammatory disease than the electrolyte sedimentation rate in a vasculitis such as giant cell arteritis, also called temporal arteritis; cranial arteritis; or Horton's disease or Microscopic polyangiitis

The presence, in high-sensitivity CRP analysis, shows a predisposition to atherosclerotic blood vessel disease.