this C-reactive protein In recent years due to Key indicators of inflammation in the body.Analysis of levels of this protein can help detect conditions that cause inflammation, such as infections and certain autoimmune diseases, and whether chronic low-grade inflammation. But what exactly is this protein? Under what circumstances can it be elevated?
C-reactive protein or PCR: what is it
this C-reactive protein (CRP) Is a protein synthesized by liver Its levels increase in response to inflammation.
It is part of a group of proteins called acute phase reactants, Increased response to certain inflammatory proteins Cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), are produced by white blood cells during inflammation or infection.
Its main function is Remove dead or damaged cells (and some types of bacteria) by activating complement system (A defense mechanism of our immune system whose main task is to eliminate foreign pathogens).
C-reactive protein: normal value
C-reactive protein levels can be used blood test When a doctor suspects inflammation. Generally speaking, CRP levels below 0.3 mg/dl are considered normal (3 mg/L).
- light lifting: Between 0.3 to 1.0 mg/dl (3 to 10 mg/l).
- medium altitude: Between 1.0 to 10.0 mg/dl (10 to 100 mg/l)
- elevation: More than 10.0 mg/dL (100 mg/L).
- severe altitude: More than 50.0 mg/dL (500 mg/L).
The analysis only shows the degree of CRP elevation, which indicates that inflammation may be present, but what is the cause of the inflammation?
High C-reactive protein: causes
C-reactive protein is a marker of inflammation Its levels increase in response to inflammation in the body, but high levels do not indicate a specific type of disease.
this Causes of elevated C-reactive protein They can be diverse, including specific diseases and chronic conditions, and can be infectious or non-infectious. Generally speaking:
- CRP slightly elevated It can be detected in people with obesity, depression, diabetes, common cold, pregnant women, gingivitis, periodontitis, sleep disorders, sedentary lifestyle or smoking.
- CRP moderately elevated May be due to systemic inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or other conditions autoimmune disease, certain types of cancer, heart attack cardiac muscle, pancreatitisanyone bronchitis.
- Significantly elevated CRP maybe it’s because Infect Acute bacterial and viral infections, systemic vasculitis or a severe trauma.
- Severely elevated CRP usually due to acute bacterial infection.
It must be considered that certain drugs (such as NSAIDs or statins) may falsely lower CRP levels, and Women and older adults tend to have higher CRP levels.
High C-reactive protein: symptoms
Symptoms of high C-reactive protein levels Can vary significantly depending on root cause.
But, that symptoms of chronic inflammation They may include pain, tiredness, muscle stiffness or soreness, weakness, fever, headache, chills, nausea, loss of appetite, or insomnia.
C-reactive protein and cardiovascular disease risk
Some high levels of C-reactive protein In highly sensitive blood tests, with Increased risk of heart attack. Additionally, people who have had a heart attack are more likely to have another heart attack if CRP is elevated (but not if CRP is at normal levels).
Anyway, still Whether high-sensitivity CRP is a useful measure for cardiac risk screening is currently being studied.because, as we mentioned, it only indicates the degree of inflammation, not its cause.
bibliography:
Nelling SM, Goyal A, Patel BC. C-reactive protein. (Updated July 10, 2023). See: StatPearls (Internet). Treasure Island (Florida): StatPearls Publishing; January 2023-.