C-reactive protein induces pro- and anti-inflammatory effects, including activation of the liver X receptor alpha, on human monocytes.

Non-specific markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated statistically with an increased risk of atherosclerosis through mechanisms that have not yet been fully elucidated. We investigated the effects of CRP on several aspects of human monocyte biology, a cell type involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Blood monocytes isolated from healthy men and premenopausal women (n = 9/group) were exposed to purified CRP (25 microg/ml) for 12 hours.

C-reactive protein (CRP) increases VEGF-A expression in monocytic cells via a PI3-kinase and ERK 1/2 signaling dependent pathway.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an independent predictor of atherosclerosis and its complications. Monocytes/macrophages are implicated in this complex disease which is, among other mechanisms, characterised by angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to analyse whether CRP plays a role in VEGF-A regulation by monocytic cells.