C-Reactive Protein and Cardiovascular Risk in the Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes: Controversy and Challenge
- David M. Capuzzi, MD, PhD and
- Jeffrey S. Freeman, DO
Abstract
IN BRIEF
Although recent findings link high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) with occurrence of future cardiovascular events, views about its biological activity and predictive value vary. The conditions under which CRP indicates or mediates inflammatory processes remain undefined. Much evidence indicates that inflammation may drive the development of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and the progression of atherosclerosis. The interaction among various cytokines and cell types in these pathogenic processes remains unclear. Thus, the indications for CRP measurement for risk prediction and disease surveillance steadily evolve.
Footnotes
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David M. Capuzzi, MD, PhD, is director of the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Center at the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research and the Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pa. Jeffrey S. Freeman, DO, is director of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa.
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Note of disclosure: Drs. Capuzzi and Freeman have received educational grant support from AstraZeneca, which manufactures rosuvastatin and supports the ongoing JUPITER study.
- American Diabetes Association
