C-reactive Protein

Definition

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. It serves as a biomarker, providing information about the body's immune and inflammatory status.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CRP levels rise rapidly in response to inflammation, infection, or tissue damage, making it a sensitive marker of these conditions.
2. Elevated CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as inflammation plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis.
3. CRP is used to monitor the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory treatments, as its levels decrease when inflammation is reduced.
4. CRP testing is commonly used to help diagnose and monitor conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease.
5. CRP is produced exclusively by the liver, in contrast to other acute-phase proteins that can be produced by various tissues.

Review Questions

• Explain the relationship between C-reactive protein and the inflammatory response.
  • C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key biomarker of inflammation in the body. It is produced by the liver in response to various inflammatory stimuli, such as infection, tissue damage, or autoimmune disorders. CRP levels rise rapidly as part of the acute-phase response, providing a sensitive indicator of the presence and severity of inflammation. Monitoring CRP levels can help clinicians assess the body's inflammatory status and guide the use of anti-inflammatory treatments.
• Describe the clinical applications of CRP testing in the context of anti-inflammatory drug therapy.
  • CRP testing is widely used to monitor the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs. Since CRP levels decrease when inflammation is reduced, tracking CRP can help healthcare providers assess the patient's response to treatment. For example, in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, CRP levels are used to determine if an anti-inflammatory medication is effectively controlling the underlying inflammation. This information allows clinicians to adjust the treatment plan as needed to optimize patient outcomes.
• Analyze the role of CRP as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and the implications for preventive care.
  • Numerous studies have shown that elevated CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This is because inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries. By measuring CRP, healthcare providers can identify individuals with higher inflammatory status who may be at greater risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. This information can guide preventive strategies, such as lifestyle modifications, early intervention with anti-inflammatory medications, and closer monitoring of cardiovascular health. Incorporating CRP testing into routine preventive care can help identify and manage inflammation-related cardiovascular risk factors.

Related terms

Inflammation: The body's immune response to injury, infection, or irritation, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain.

Acute-Phase Proteins: Proteins, such as CRP, whose blood levels increase in response to inflammation or infection as part of the acute-phase response.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): A test that measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a tube, used as an indicator of inflammation.