C-reactive protein enhances tissue factor expression by vascular smooth muscle cells: mechanisms and in vivo significance.

Objective: We examined the impact of C-reactive protein (CRP) on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) expression of tissue factor (TF) and TF pathway inhibitor (TFPI).

Methods And Results: TF mRNA, protein, and activity levels were significantly higher in VSMCs isolated from CRP-transgenic (Tg) mice than from wild-type (WT) mice. TFPI expression was significantly downregulated in CRP-Tg versus WT VSMCs.

Carcinogen-induced tissue vitamin A depletion. Potential protective advantages of beta-carotene.

Exposure to benzopyrene, an enzyme-inducing PAH carcinogen, promotes vitamin A depletion in exposed tissues. This effect is evident while on a vitamin A sufficient diet and without a decline in serum retinol. The finding of local tissue vitamin depletion without systemic depletion may have considerable implications in maintaining tissue health.