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Did you know how C-reactive protein affects the functioning of the immune system?
Did you know? C-reactive protein (CRP) is a pentameric protein found in plasma, and its concentration increases during inflammation in the body, making it an important player in the functioning of the immune system. CRP is an acute-phase protein synthesized by the liver. When macrophages and T cells release interleukin-6 (IL-6), its concentration increases, further affecting the immune system's response.
The physiological functions of CRP include binding to phosphatidylcholine on the surface, which activates the complement system and promotes phagocytosis by macrophages.
CRP was first discovered by Tillett and Francis in 1930. At that time, it was considered to be a pathological secretion caused by disease. However, with in-depth research on the background and function of CRP, scientists have discovered that it is a protein synthesized by the body itself and shows an increased trend during various diseases, such as cancer, infection and other inflammatory diseases. This makes CRP an important indicator for assessing physical health.
Structure and function of CRP
CRP is a member of the small pentraxins and has a polypeptide structure of 224 amino acids. In serum, CRP exists in a stable pentameric structure with a dish-like shape. Its main function is to bind to phosphatidylcholine expressed on the surface of bacteria and damaged cells, thereby initiating the complement system. This process is called "phagocytosis-mediated action." This not only promotes the removal of bacteria, but also cleans up dead or dying cells.
Detection and clinical significance of CRP
CRP detection methods include traditional and high-sensitivity methods. The traditional CRP detection range is 10 to 1,000 mg/L, while high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) can detect the range of 0.5 to 10 mg/L. . A CRP below 1 mg/L is generally considered low risk, while a CRP above 3 mg/L may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This makes CRP one of the valuable indicators for assessing cardiovascular risk.
Research shows that patients with high CRP levels are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Concentrations of CRP in normal adults increase with age, which may be related to underlying subclinical conditions. Under acute inflammation, CRP concentration can instantly rise from 50 μg/L to over 500 mg/L, reflecting the body's rapid response to inflammatory stimuli.
The relationship between CRP and disease
CRP is not only a marker of inflammation but is also associated with the progression of a variety of diseases. For example, studies have found that elevated CRP is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, making it a valuable reference in predicting heart disease. In addition, high CRP levels have also been found to be associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease and certain cancers (such as colon cancer), but the mechanisms of cancer are still not fully understood.
In chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), elevated CRP levels can indicate worsening of the condition.
Elevated CRP has also been found in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), suggesting a role in systemic inflammation. Studies have shown that treatment of OSA patients, such as the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, has a significant improvement effect on CRP levels and IL-6.
Summary
Taken together, C-reactive protein plays a key role in the operation of the immune system, both in the inflammatory response and as a marker for clinical diagnosis. As more research is conducted, our understanding of CRP will continue to deepen, allowing us to better utilize this biomarker to enhance health management and disease prevention. Have you ever considered the potential impact of your body’s CRP levels on your health?
