C-reactive protein exerts angiogenic effects on vascular endothelial cells and modulates associated signalling pathways and gene expression
2008

C-reactive protein and its role in blood vessel formation

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Turu Marta M, Slevin Mark, Matou Sabine, West David, Rodríguez Cristina, Luque Ana, Grau-Olivares Marta, Badimon Lina, Martinez-Gonzalez Jose, Krupinski Jerzy

Primary Institution: Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Bellvitge (HUB), Fundació IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain

Hypothesis

Does C-reactive protein (CRP) modulate angiogenesis in atherosclerotic lesions?

Conclusion

C-reactive protein is a potent inducer of angiogenesis and may contribute to the formation of new blood vessels in unstable atherosclerotic plaques.

Supporting Evidence

  • CRP significantly increased endothelial cell proliferation and migration.
  • CRP induced tube-like structure formation in endothelial cells.
  • CRP stimulated blood vessel formation in the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay.

Takeaway

C-reactive protein helps make new blood vessels, which can be important in heart disease.

Methodology

The study used in vitro assays with human and bovine endothelial cells and in vivo assays in chick chorioallantoic membranes.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2121-9-47

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