C-Reactive Protein and Inflammatory Cytokines during Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is significantly associated with cardiovascular diseases; however, whether CRP plays a causal role in coronary artery disease has yet to be determined. In addition, the relationship between CRP, atherosclerosis, and inflammation remains controversial.

Methods And Results: Serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and CRP levels were determined in 160 patients at time points around percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent implantation.

Interleukin 6 augments mechanical strain-induced C-reactive protein synthesis via the stretch-activated channel-nuclear factor κ B signal pathway.

Objectives: C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker, is a strong independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Vessels are able to express CRP; however, the molecular mechanism behind this expression is not clear.

Methods: Reverse transcription PCR and ELISA were used to detect messenger RNA and proteins of CRP and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activity in vessel rings stretched with different mechanical strains.