C-Reactive Proteins

Paper Summary:

This paper defines c-reactive protein (CRP), an acute phase plasma protein that responds to inflammatory conditions by binding to damaged cells and activating complement, increasing proportionately to inflammatory stimuli. It explains that CRP as an indicator of heart disease risk or onset of myocardial infarction could be valuable in terms of early detection and potential future use of CRP inhibitors for therapeutic value. This paper also shows that evaluation, on an individual basis, for the serum testing of CRP should be based on findings from the physical exam and medical history to determine the true nature of CRP elevations, with positive implications for disease prevention and treatment.

From the Paper:

"Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the Western World, killing approximately 17 million people per year. It can take the form of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, or rheumatic heart disease. Risk factors include old age, smoking, obesity, heredity, race, physical inactivity, hyperlipidemia, poor diet, high blood pressure, increased alcohol consumption, diabetes, and stress. The medical history would consider these risk factors, with a physical exam noting the patient's condition relative to the presented risk factors. Combined, these elements could warrant further testing to diagnostically determine the patient's risk or development of heart disease, its stage, and characterization."

More papers on C-Reactive Proteins:

• Article Review # 106716 : "C-Reactive Protein"
• Essay # 36391 : "Protein Kinase C"
• Essay # 72820 : "Proteins, Carbohydrates and Lipids"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: