C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. It is a commonly used marker in blood tests to assess the presence and intensity of inflammation. Here is a detailed description of C-reactive protein:

1. Production and Release:

• The liver produces CRP in response to various inflammatory signals, especially those triggered by infection, injury, or other inflammatory processes in the body.

2. Types of CRP:

• There are two main types of CRP: native CRP and pentameric CRP. Pentameric CRP is the biologically active form and is the one typically measured in blood tests.

3. Blood Test Measurement:

• CRP levels in the blood can be measured using a simple blood test. It is often included as part of a broader panel of tests to assess inflammation and overall health.

4. Normal Levels:

• Normal CRP levels in the blood are generally low, indicating the absence of significant inflammation. The reference range may vary slightly between laboratories.

5. Clinical Significance:

• Elevated CRP levels are a non-specific indicator of inflammation in the body. It does not pinpoint the source of inflammation but indicates that there is an inflammatory process occurring.

6. Uses of CRP Testing:

• Infection Detection: Elevated CRP levels can be indicative of infections, whether bacterial or non-bacterial.
• Inflammatory Conditions: CRP is often monitored in individuals with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: High sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) tests are used to assess cardiovascular risk. Elevated levels may suggest an increased risk of heart disease.

7. Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation:

• CRP is particularly useful for detecting acute inflammation, and its levels tend to rise rapidly in response to injury or infection. However, it may not be as reliable for assessing chronic low-grade inflammation.

8. Monitoring Treatment:

• CRP levels can be monitored to assess the effectiveness of treatment for inflammatory conditions. A decrease in CRP levels may indicate a positive response to therapy.

9. Limitations:

• Elevated CRP levels do not specify the cause of inflammation, and additional tests or clinical evaluation may be needed to identify the underlying condition.

10. Interpretation:

• Interpretation of CRP levels is done in conjunction with other clinical information. A healthcare professional considers the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and other diagnostic tests to make an accurate diagnosis.

11. Role in Cardiovascular Risk Assessment:

• In the context of cardiovascular risk, CRP is used as a marker of systemic inflammation. Elevated hs-CRP levels may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

CRP testing is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of various medical conditions. However, it is important to note that elevated CRP levels alone do not provide a specific diagnosis, and further evaluation is typically needed to determine the underlying cause of inflammation. The interpretation of CRP results should be done by healthcare professionals.