C-reactive protein levels

C-reactive protein is a protein commonly used to determine the degree of effectiveness of a treatment as it is linked to the immune system and participates in the defense system against infections.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein synthesized by the liver, the level of which increases in response to inflammation. CRP is an acute phase reactant protein that is mainly induced by the action of interleukin 6 on the gene responsible for CRP transcription during the acute phase of an inflammatory process.

Although CRP is mainly synthesized in hepatic hepatocytes as mentioned above, it can also be synthesized in smooth muscle cells, macrophages, endothelial cells, lymphocytes and adipocytes.

The name CRP arose because it was first identified as a substance in the serum of acutely inflamed patients that reacted with the antibody to the "C" carbohydrate of the pneumococcal capsule.

CRP has both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties. It plays a role in the recognition and elimination of foreign pathogens and damaged cells by binding to phosphocholine, phospholipids, histone, chromatin and fibronectin, enhancing macrophage phagocytosis and participating in innate immunity as a first defense system against infections.

There are many factors that can alter initial CRP levels, such as age, sex, smoking, weight, lipid levels and blood pressure.

CRP levels increase and decrease rapidly with the onset and removal of the inflammatory stimulus, respectively. Normal C-reactive protein levels increase within 6 hours and peak within 48 hours. Persistently elevated CRP levels may be seen in chronic inflammatory conditions, such as chronic infections or inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Measuring and quantifying the level of C-Reactive Protein can be useful in determining the effectiveness of a treatment or knowing how advanced a disease or infection is.

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