Key result
Although C-reactive protein is a confirmed biomarker for cardiovascular disease, its direct causal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains controversial and requires further investigation.
Why the study?
The association between CRP and CVD remains controversial, and whether CRP is directly involved in the development and progression of CVD has yet to be fully elucidated.
Does targeting or lowering C-reactive protein reduce the incidence and progression of cardiovascular disease in animal models and clinical populations?
Does targeting or lowering C-reactive protein reduce the incidence and progression of cardiovascular disease in animal models and clinical populations?
This review highlights that while CRP is a strong clinical predictor of cardiovascular disease, its direct causal role in atherosclerosis remains controversial based on conflicting animal studies.
CRP unsuitable as therapeutic target; leaves open whether lowering it alters atherosclerosis progression.
C-reactive protein (CRP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) have long been important research topics. CRP is an acute phase protein, while CVD is an inflammatory condition. The association between CRP and CVD remains controversial and has been attracting increasing attention. Traditionally, the main marker of CVD is considered to be low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, due to its unique characteristics, CRP may represent a novel marker or a new therapeutic target for CVD. Clinical studies have demonstrated that CRP is a predictor of CVD, but whether it is directly involved in the development and progression of CVD has yet to be fully elucidated. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that lowering plasma CRP levels may reduce the incidence of CVD. The aim of the present review was to investigate the association between CRP and CVD, particularly atherosclerosis, from laboratory animal studies to clinical research.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Fu et al. (2020) conducted a review in Cardiovascular disease. Although C-reactive protein is a confirmed biomarker for cardiovascular disease, its direct causal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains controversial and requires further investigation.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: