C Reactive Protein (CRP)

C-reactive protein is a liver-derived pattern recognition molecule that is increased in inflammatory states. It rapidly increases within hours after tissue injury, and it is suggested that it is part of the innate immune system and contributes to host defense. Since cardiovascular disease is at least in part an inflammatory process, CRP has been investigated in the context of arteriosclerosis and subsequent vascular disorders. Based on multiple epidemiological and intervention studies, minor CRP elevation has been shown to be associated with future major cardiovascular risk.CRP is known for several decades as a nonspecific inflammation marker. High CRP levels are detected in human blood during bacterial, viral and other infections, as well as in noninfectious diseases such as rheumatic disorders and malignancies.