hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein)
DEhs-CRP (hochsensitives C-reaktives Protein)
hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) is a blood marker of inflammation. Your liver makes CRP, mainly when prompted by the signal IL-6. The 'high-sensitivity' assay can detect even low-grade, body-wide inflammation. Outside of an acute infection, a persistently high hs-CRP points to chronic inflammation. That is linked to atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. But note the nuance on cause. hs-CRP is a downstream marker of IL-6-driven inflammation. Genetic (Mendelian randomization) studies do not support CRP itself as a cause of coronary heart disease. Meanwhile, trials that target upstream inflammation (like CANTOS, with canakinumab) do cut heart events. So hs-CRP stays a useful gauge of your inflammatory burden and its links to heart and death risk.
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Sources
- Ridker PM, Danielson E, Fonseca FA, Genest J, Gotto AM, Kastelein JJ, et al.. (2008). Rosuvastatin to prevent vascular events in men and women with elevated C-reactive protein (JUPITER trial). *New England Journal of Medicine*doi:10.1056/NEJMoa0807646
- Ridker PM, Hennekens CH, Buring JE, Rifai N. (2000). C-reactive protein and other markers of inflammation in the prediction of cardiovascular disease in women. *New England Journal of Medicine*doi:10.1056/NEJM200003233421202