Aassociation of C-Reactive Protein with the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis

Aim To investigate the association of C reactive protein (CRP) with carotid intima media thickness and some risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Methods Carotid IMT was measured by high resolution B mode ultrasound, and blood levels of CRP, lipids, clotting factors and fibrinolytic parameters were determined by relevant biochemical assay in 91 subjects. Results The difference in level of CRP between subjects with carotid IMT≥0.8 mm and those with IMT 0.8 mm was not significant (4.4±4.3 mg/L vs 2.7±1.3 mg/L, P=0.07), while the IMT was significantly higher in 6 subjects with CRP≥8.0 mg/L than those with CRP8.0 mg/L (1.033±0.294 mm vs 0.812±0.222 mm, P0.05). The level of CRP was positively correlated with triglyceride level, activities of coagulating factor VII and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 on multiple stepwise regression analysis. Conclusion Higher level of CRP, the reactant of inflammation, may account for the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.