1
|
Zhao X, Gao C, Chen H, Chen X, Liu T, Gu D. C-Reactive Protein: An Important Inflammatory Marker of Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease. Angiology 2024:33197241273360. [PMID: 39126663 DOI: 10.1177/00033197241273360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death worldwide, with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CHD) accounting for the majority of events. Evidence demonstrates that inflammation plays a vital role in the development of CHD. The association between C-reactive protein (CRP), a representative inflammatory biomarker, and atherosclerosis (AS), CHD, and inflammation has attracted attention. Therefore, we conducted an extensive search on PubMed using the aforementioned terms as search criteria and identified a total of 1246 articles published from January 2000 to April 2024. Both review and research-based articles consistently indicate CRP as a risk enhancer for CVD, contributing to the refinement of risk stratification and early identification of apparently healthy at-risk populations. Additionally, CRP reflects disease progression and predicts the prognosis of recurrent cardiovascular events. Anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies targeting CRP also provide new treatment options for patients. This review focuses on the link between CRP and CHD, highlighting how CRP is involved in the pathological progression of AS and its potential value for clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Zhao
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cheng Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongfang Chen
- School of Public Health, Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Medical Department, Shenzhen Luohu People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tonggong Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dayong Gu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Quintana-Castanedo L, Sánchez-Ramón S, Maseda R, Illera N, Pérez-Conde I, Molero-Luis M, Butta N, Arias-Salgado EG, Monzón-Manzano E, Zuluaga P, Martínez-Santamaría L, Fernández-Arquero M, Llames SG, Meana Á, de Lucas R, Del Río M, Vicente Á, Escámez MJ, Sacedón R. Unveiling the value of C-reactive protein as a severity biomarker and the IL4/IL13 pathway as a therapeutic target in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: A multiparametric cross-sectional study. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e15146. [PMID: 39075828 DOI: 10.1111/exd.15146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) experience numerous complications, which are exacerbated by inflammatory dysregulation and infection. Understanding the immunological mechanisms is crucial for selecting medications that balance inflammation control and immunocompetence. In this cross-sectional study, aiming to identify potential immunotherapeutic targets and inflammatory biomarkers, we delved into the interrelationship between clinical severity and systemic inflammatory parameters in a representative RDEB cohort. Encompassing 84 patients aged 1-67 and spanning all three Epidermolysis Bullosa Disease Activity and Scarring Index (EBDASI) severity categories, we analysed the interrelationship of infection history, standard inflammatory markers, systemic cytokines and Ig levels to elucidate their roles in RDEB pathophysiology. Our findings identify C-reactive protein as an excellent biomarker for disease severity in RDEB. A type 2 inflammatory profile prevails among moderate and severe RDEB patients, correlating with dysregulated circulating IgA and IgG. These results underscore the IL4/IL13 pathways as potential evidence-based therapeutic targets. Moreover, the complete inflammatory scenario aligns with Staphylococcus aureus virulence mechanisms. Concurrently, abnormalities in IgG, IgE and IgM levels suggest an immunodeficiency state in a substantial number of the cohort's patients. Our results provide new insights into the interplay of infection and immunological factors in the pathogenesis of RDEB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Quintana-Castanedo
- Department of Dermatology, IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Dermatology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Santander, Spain
| | - Silvia Sánchez-Ramón
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdISSC Health Research Institute, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Maseda
- Department of Dermatology, IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Illera
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Pérez-Conde
- Department of Dermatology, IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Nora Butta
- Department of Hematology and Hemotherapy, IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena G Arias-Salgado
- Department of Hematology and Hemotherapy, IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Monzón-Manzano
- Department of Hematology and Hemotherapy, IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Zuluaga
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Faculty of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucía Martínez-Santamaría
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Fernández-Arquero
- Department of Immunology, IML and IdISSC Health Research Institute, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara G Llames
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Ingeniería Tisular, Centro Comunitario Sangre y Tejidos de Asturias (CCST), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica (FIO), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Álvaro Meana
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Ingeniería Tisular, Centro Comunitario Sangre y Tejidos de Asturias (CCST), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario Fernández-Vega, Fundación de Investigación Oftalmológica (FIO), Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Raúl de Lucas
- Department of Dermatology, IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcela Del Río
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángeles Vicente
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, UCM, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Escámez
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Sacedón
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, UCM, Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dammavalam V, Rupert D, Lanio M, Jin Z, Nadkarni N, Tsirka SE, Bergese SD. Dementia after Ischemic Stroke, from Molecular Biomarkers to Therapeutic Options. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7772. [PMID: 39063013 PMCID: PMC11276729 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. While much of post-stroke recovery is focused on physical rehabilitation, post-stroke dementia (PSD) is also a significant contributor to poor functional outcomes. Predictive tools to identify stroke survivors at risk for the development of PSD are limited to brief screening cognitive tests. Emerging biochemical, genetic, and neuroimaging biomarkers are being investigated in an effort to unveil better indicators of PSD. Additionally, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists, dopamine receptor agonists, antidepressants, and cognitive rehabilitation are current therapeutic options for PSD. Focusing on the chronic sequelae of stroke that impair neuroplasticity highlights the need for continued investigative trials to better assess functional outcomes in treatments targeted for PSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vikalpa Dammavalam
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (V.D.); (M.L.); (N.N.)
| | - Deborah Rupert
- Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA;
| | - Marcos Lanio
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (V.D.); (M.L.); (N.N.)
| | - Zhaosheng Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA;
| | - Neil Nadkarni
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (V.D.); (M.L.); (N.N.)
| | - Stella E. Tsirka
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA;
| | - Sergio D. Bergese
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (V.D.); (M.L.); (N.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gao N, Yuan P, Tang ZM, Lei JG, Yang ZR, Ahmed M, Yao ZY, Liang D, Wu Y, Li HY. Monomeric C-reactive protein is associated with severity and prognosis of decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1407768. [PMID: 38895111 PMCID: PMC11183496 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1407768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to infection and during chronic inflammatory disorders. Systemic inflammation is a major driver of cirrhosis progression from the compensated to the decompensated stage. Previous studies have shown that pentameric CRP (pCRP) to be a weak predictor of disease severity and prognosis in patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis, with it being only helpful for identifying patients with a higher short-term risk of death under certain conditions. Accumulating evidence indicates that pCRP dissociates to and acts primarily as the monomeric conformation (mCRP) at inflammatory loci, suggesting that mCRP may be a potentially superior disease marker with higher specificity and relevance to pathogenesis. However, it is unknown whether mCRP and anti-mCRP autoantibodies are associated with disease severity, or progression in decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis. In this study, we evaluated the serum levels of mCRP and anti-mCRP autoantibodies in patients with decompensated cirrhosis of hepatitis B and their association with disease severity and theoretical prognosis. The results showed that patients with high mCRP and anti-mCRP autoantibody levels had more severe liver damage and that coagulation function was worse in patients with high anti-mCRP autoantibodies. Analysis of the correlation between pCRP, mCRP and anti-mCRP autoantibody levels with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI), and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) prognostic scores showed that mCRP was the most strongly correlated with MELD score, followed by anti-mCRP autoantibodies; conversely, pCRP was not significantly correlated with prognostic score. Therefore, mCRP and anti-mCRP autoantibodies may be more advantageous clinical indicators than pCRP for evaluating the pathological state of decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Gao
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhao-Ming Tang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jia-Geng Lei
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ze-Rui Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Mustafa Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Yao
- Department of Physiology, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dan Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hai-Yun Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Muresan S, Slevin M, Szasz E, Loghin A. Monomeric C-Reactive Protein Potential Utilization in the Histological Assessment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Patients. Cureus 2024; 16:e63200. [PMID: 38938906 PMCID: PMC11210427 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), represent chronic progressive inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders, without a single reference standard for their diagnosis. The histological assessment gained an important role in accurately measuring disease activity, and mucosal healing (MH) was recently proposed to be an ideal treatment goal for patients with IBD because of its favorable prognosis, with a lower risk of recurrence or surgical treatment. This paper aims to add to the histological classical findings for IBD patients the identification of the monomeric form of the C-reactive protein (mCRP) as a supplementary marker that could be stained at the level of tissue samples and could be correlated with the pathogenic mechanism. Methods Two groups of 10 patients were each selected for the study, for both UC and CD, together with a control group. All samples collected through digestive endoscopy were analyzed by using H&E-stained slides, followed by immunohistochemical examination with antibodies to mCRP (M8C10), and markers of inflammatory activity through CD3, CD45(leukocyte common antigen (LCA)), CD138/syndecan-1 and CD68. Results For the CD study group, all histological elements identified with H&E and afterward stained with CD138, CD68, CD3, and CD45/LCA were correlated with the standards imposed by the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO). For the group of patients with UC, histological images obtained with H&E and IHC stainings also confirmed the recommendation of ECCO. The main cells considered in the literature as histological markers for IBD are neutrophils, lymphocytes, and plasmocytes, stained in our study with CD45/LCA, CD3, and CD138. For all 20 cases of IBD (UC and CD), the staining with anti-Ab8C10 antibodies for mCRP was positive, while negative results were noticed within the control group. An mCRP protein visualized with anti-Ab8C10 antibodies presented an intracytoplasmatic localization in the neutrophils, plasma cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages from the lamina propria and glandular epithelium, without expression in endothelial cells. Conclusions Our study represents one of the first papers that identifies the localization of mCRP molecules within the intestinal mucosa of patients with IBD (both UC and CD) by using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. This finding opens a new perspective for considering mCRP as a marker correlated with histological disease activity and/or definition of histological remission in IBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Muresan
- Department of Internal Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, ROU
| | - Mark Slevin
- Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, ROU
| | - Emoke Szasz
- Department of Histology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, ROU
| | - Andrada Loghin
- Department of Histology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș, Târgu Mureș, ROU
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cottin V, Valenzuela C. C-reactive protein as a candidate biomarker in fibrotic interstitial lung disease. Respirology 2024; 29:195-198. [PMID: 38296837 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
See related article
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Cottin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Reference Centre for Rare Pulmonary Diseases, member of ERN-LUNG, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- UMR 754, INRAE, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Claudia Valenzuela
- Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mouliou DS. C-Reactive Protein: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, False Test Results and a Novel Diagnostic Algorithm for Clinicians. Diseases 2023; 11:132. [PMID: 37873776 PMCID: PMC10594506 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11040132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The current literature provides a body of evidence on C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and its potential role in inflammation. However, most pieces of evidence are sparse and controversial. This critical state-of-the-art monography provides all the crucial data on the potential biochemical properties of the protein, along with further evidence on its potential pathobiology, both for its pentameric and monomeric forms, including information for its ligands as well as the possible function of autoantibodies against the protein. Furthermore, the current evidence on its potential utility as a biomarker of various diseases is presented, of all cardiovascular, respiratory, hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, renal, gynecological, andrological, dental, oral, otorhinolaryngological, ophthalmological, dermatological, musculoskeletal, neurological, mental, splenic, thyroid conditions, as well as infections, autoimmune-supposed conditions and neoplasms, including other possible factors that have been linked with elevated concentrations of that protein. Moreover, data on molecular diagnostics on CRP are discussed, and possible etiologies of false test results are highlighted. Additionally, this review evaluates all current pieces of evidence on CRP and systemic inflammation, and highlights future goals. Finally, a novel diagnostic algorithm to carefully assess the CRP level for a precise diagnosis of a medical condition is illustrated.
Collapse
|
8
|
Olson ME, Hornick MG, Stefanski A, Albanna HR, Gjoni A, Hall GD, Hart PC, Rajab IM, Potempa LA. A biofunctional review of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a mediator of inflammatory and immune responses: differentiating pentameric and modified CRP isoform effects. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1264383. [PMID: 37781355 PMCID: PMC10540681 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1264383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase, predominantly hepatically synthesized protein, secreted in response to cytokine signaling at sites of tissue injury or infection with the physiological function of acute pro-inflammatory response. Historically, CRP has been classified as a mediator of the innate immune system, acting as a pattern recognition receptor for phosphocholine-containing ligands. For decades, CRP was envisioned as a single, non-glycosylated, multi-subunit protein arranged non-covalently in cyclic symmetry around a central void. Over the past few years, however, CRP has been shown to exist in at least three distinct isoforms: 1.) a pentamer of five identical globular subunits (pCRP), 2.) a modified monomer (mCRP) resulting from a conformational change when subunits are dissociated from the pentamer, and 3.) a transitional isoform where the pentamer remains intact but is partially changed to express mCRP structural characteristics (referred to as pCRP* or mCRPm). The conversion of pCRP into mCRP can occur spontaneously and is observed under commonly used experimental conditions. In careful consideration of experimental design used in published reports of in vitro pro- and anti-inflammatory CRP bioactivities, we herein provide an interpretation of how distinctive CRP isoforms may have affected reported results. We argue that pro-inflammatory amplification mechanisms are consistent with the biofunction of mCRP, while weak anti-inflammatory mechanisms are consistent with pCRP. The interplay of each CRP isoform with specific immune cells (platelets, neutrophils, monocytes, endothelial cells, natural killer cells) and mechanisms of the innate immune system (complement), as well as differences in mCRP and pCRP ligand recognition and effector functions are discussed. This review will serve as a revised understanding of the structure-function relationship between CRP isoforms as related to inflammation and innate immunity mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E. Olson
- College of Science, Health and Pharmacy, Roosevelt University, Schaumburg, IL, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hopkins FR, Nordgren J, Fernandez-Botran R, Enocsson H, Govender M, Svanberg C, Svensson L, Hagbom M, Nilsdotter-Augustinsson Å, Nyström S, Sjöwall C, Sjöwall J, Larsson M. Pentameric C-reactive protein is a better prognostic biomarker and remains elevated for longer than monomeric CRP in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1259005. [PMID: 37724104 PMCID: PMC10505432 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1259005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The differing roles of the pentameric (p) and monomeric (m) C-reactive protein (CRP) isoforms in viral diseases are not fully understood, which was apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding the clinical course of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Herein, we investigated the predictive value of the pCRP and mCRP isoforms for COVID-19 severity in hospitalized patients and evaluated how the levels of the protein isoforms changed over time during and after acute illness. This study utilized samples from a well-characterized cohort of Swedish patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, the majority of whom had known risk factors for severe COVID-19 and required hospitalization. The levels of pCRP were significantly raised in patients with severe COVID-19 and in contrast to mCRP the levels were significantly associated with disease severity. Additionally, the pCRP levels remained elevated for at least six weeks post inclusion, which was longer compared to the two weeks for mCRP. Our data indicates a low level of inflammation lasting for at least six weeks following COVID-19, which might indicate that the disease has an adverse effect on the immune system even after the viral infection is resolved. It is also clear that the current standard method of testing pCRP levels upon hospitalization is a useful marker for predicting disease severity and mCRP testing would not add any clinical relevance for patients with COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francis R. Hopkins
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Johan Nordgren
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Rafael Fernandez-Botran
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Helena Enocsson
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Melissa Govender
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Svanberg
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lennart Svensson
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Hagbom
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Åsa Nilsdotter-Augustinsson
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vrinnevi Hospital, Norrköping, Sweden
| | - Sofia Nyström
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Christopher Sjöwall
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Johanna Sjöwall
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vrinnevi Hospital, Norrköping, Sweden
| | - Marie Larsson
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ene CD, Nicolae I. The Inflammatory Profile Orchestrated by Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Pers Med 2023; 13:934. [PMID: 37373923 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13060934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves complicated and multifactorial interactions. Inducible nitric oxide synthase overactivation (iNOS or NOS2) could be involved in SLE pathogenesis and progression. This study explored the relationship between NOS2-associated inflammation profiles and SLE phenotypes. (2) Methods: We developed a prospective, case control study that included a group of 86 SLE subjects, a group of 73 subjects with lupus nephritis, and a control group of 60 people. Laboratory determinations included serum C reactive protein (CRP-mg/L), enzymatic activity of NOS2 (U/L), serum levels of inducible factors of hypoxia 1 and 2 (HIF1a-ng/mL, HIF2a-ng/mL), vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF (pg/mL), matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9-ng/mL), thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1-ng/mL), and soluble receptor of VEGF (sVEGFR-ng/mL). (3) Results: CRP, NOS2, HIF-1a, HIF-2a, VEGF, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were significantly increased, while TSP-1 and sVEGFR were decreased in the SLE and lupus nephritis groups compared with the control group. The variations in these biomarkers were strongly associated with the decrease in eGFR and increase in albuminuria. (4) Conclusions: The inflammatory phenotype of SLE patients, with or without LN, is defined by NOS2 and hypoxia over-expression, angiogenesis stimulation, and inactivation of factors that induce resolution of inflammation in relation with eGFR decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corina Daniela Ene
- Internal Medicine and Nephrology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Nephrology Department, Carol Davila Clinical Hospital of Nephrology, 010731 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ilinca Nicolae
- Dermatology Department, Victor Babes Clinical Hospital of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Køstner AH, Fuglestad AJ, Georgsen JB, Nielsen PS, Christensen KB, Zibrandtsen H, Parner ET, Rajab IM, Potempa LA, Steiniche T, Kersten C. Fueling the flames of colon cancer – does CRP play a direct pro-inflammatory role? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1170443. [PMID: 37006231 PMCID: PMC10065292 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1170443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSystemic inflammation, diagnostically ascribed by measuring serum levels of the acute phase reactant C-reactive protein (CRP), has consistently been correlated with poor outcomes across cancer types. CRP exists in two structurally and functionally distinct isoforms, circulating pentameric CRP (pCRP) and the highly pro-inflammatory monomeric isoform (mCRP). The aim of this pilot study was to map the pattern of mCRP distribution in a previously immunologically well-defined colon cancer (CC) cohort and explore possible functional roles of mCRP within the tumor microenvironment (TME).MethodsFormalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from 43 stage II and III CC patients, including 20 patients with serum CRP 0-1 mg/L and 23 patients with serum CRP >30 mg/L were immunohistochemically (IHC) stained with a conformation-specific mCRP antibody and selected immune and stromal markers. A digital analysis algorithm was developed for evaluating mCRP distribution within the primary tumors and adjacent normal colon mucosa.ResultsmCRP was abundantly present within tumors from patients with high serum CRP (>30 mg/L) diagnostically interpreted as being systemically inflamed, whereas patients with CRP 0-1 mg/L exhibited only modest mCRP positivity (median mCRP per area 5.07‰ (95%CI:1.32-6.85) vs. 0.02‰ (95%CI:0.01-0.04), p<0.001). Similarly, tissue-expressed mCRP correlated strongly with circulating pCRP (Spearman correlation 0.81, p<0.001). Importantly, mCRP was detected exclusively within tumors, whereas adjacent normal colon mucosa showed no mCRP expression. Double IHC staining revealed colocalization of mCRP with endothelial cells and neutrophils. Intriguingly, some tumor cells also colocalized with mCRP, suggesting a direct interaction or mCRP expression by the tumor itself.ConclusionOur data show that the pro-inflammatory mCRP isoform is expressed in the TME of CC, primarily in patients with high systemic pCRP values. This strengthens the hypothesis that CRP might not only be an inflammatory marker but also an active mediator within tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Helene Køstner
- Center for Cancer Treatment, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- *Correspondence: Anne Helene Køstner,
| | - Anniken Jørlo Fuglestad
- Center for Cancer Treatment, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Oncology, Akershus University Hospital, Nordbyhagen, Norway
| | | | - Patricia Switten Nielsen
- Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Erik Thorlund Parner
- Section for Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ibraheem M. Rajab
- College of Science, Health and Pharmacy, Roosevelt University Schaumburg, Schaumburg, IL, United States
| | - Lawrence A. Potempa
- College of Science, Health and Pharmacy, Roosevelt University Schaumburg, Schaumburg, IL, United States
| | - Torben Steiniche
- Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christian Kersten
- Center for Cancer Treatment, Sorlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, Norway
- Department of Oncology, Akershus University Hospital, Nordbyhagen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This short review is intended to highlight the potential role of inflammation as a key pathological driver, rather than a mere consequence, of nephrolithiasis. Although there is clearly a strong likelihood that the relationship is bidirectional, and that kidney stone-triggered inflammation can establish a vicious cycle of tissue injury and stone formation. RECENT FINDINGS These consist of data from both recent preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating the importance of inflammation in models of stone disease and in kidney tissue from patients with nephrolithiasis, and as a potential driver of disease recurrence and a suitable treatment target. In particular, the role of immune cells and their relationship to the NLRP3 inflammasome is becoming clearer, as well as the potential contribution to tissue injury and stone formation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β and interleukin-18. SUMMARY This concept is not new and raises the possibility that targeting inflammation directly may prove to be a novel and suitable means of treatment for at least some types of kidney stone, and in certain clinical settings, both acutely and as prevention, especially in those patients experiencing recurrent stone episodes and/or who have a well defined metabolic cause such as uric acid or calcium oxalate stones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Capolongo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples
| | - Pietro Manuel Ferraro
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italia
| | - Robert Unwin
- Department of Renal Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Labarrere CA, Kassab GS. Glutathione: A Samsonian life-sustaining small molecule that protects against oxidative stress, ageing and damaging inflammation. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1007816. [PMID: 36386929 PMCID: PMC9664149 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1007816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Many local and systemic diseases especially diseases that are leading causes of death globally like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atherosclerosis with ischemic heart disease and stroke, cancer and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), involve both, (1) oxidative stress with excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that lower glutathione (GSH) levels, and (2) inflammation. The GSH tripeptide (γ- L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine), the most abundant water-soluble non-protein thiol in the cell (1-10 mM) is fundamental for life by (a) sustaining the adequate redox cell signaling needed to maintain physiologic levels of oxidative stress fundamental to control life processes, and (b) limiting excessive oxidative stress that causes cell and tissue damage. GSH activity is facilitated by activation of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) redox regulator pathway, releasing Nrf2 that regulates expression of genes controlling antioxidant, inflammatory and immune system responses. GSH exists in the thiol-reduced (>98% of total GSH) and disulfide-oxidized (GSSG) forms, and the concentrations of GSH and GSSG and their molar ratio are indicators of the functionality of the cell. GSH depletion may play a central role in inflammatory diseases and COVID-19 pathophysiology, host immune response and disease severity and mortality. Therapies enhancing GSH could become a cornerstone to reduce severity and fatal outcomes of inflammatory diseases and COVID-19 and increasing GSH levels may prevent and subdue these diseases. The life value of GSH makes for a paramount research field in biology and medicine and may be key against systemic inflammation and SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. In this review, we emphasize on (1) GSH depletion as a fundamental risk factor for diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atherosclerosis (ischemic heart disease and stroke), (2) importance of oxidative stress and antioxidants in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease, (3) significance of GSH to counteract persistent damaging inflammation, inflammaging and early (premature) inflammaging associated with cell and tissue damage caused by excessive oxidative stress and lack of adequate antioxidant defenses in younger individuals, and (4) new therapies that include antioxidant defenses restoration.
Collapse
|
14
|
Potempa LA, Qiu WQ, Stefanski A, Rajab IM. Relevance of lipoproteins, membranes, and extracellular vesicles in understanding C-reactive protein biochemical structure and biological activities. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:979461. [PMID: 36158829 PMCID: PMC9493015 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.979461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early purification protocols for C-reactive protein (CRP) often involved co-isolation of lipoproteins, primarily very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs). The interaction with lipid particles was initially attributed to CRP’s calcium-dependent binding affinity for its primary ligand—phosphocholine—the predominant hydrophilic head group expressed on phospholipids of most lipoprotein particles. Later, CRP was shown to additionally express binding affinity for apolipoprotein B (apo B), a predominant apolipoprotein of both VLDL and LDL particles. Apo B interaction with CRP was shown to be mediated by a cationic peptide sequence in apo B. Optimal apo B binding required CRP to be surface immobilized or aggregated, treatments now known to structurally change CRP from its serum soluble pentamer isoform (i.e., pCRP) into its poorly soluble, modified, monomeric isoform (i.e., mCRP). Other cationic ligands have been described for CRP which affect complement activation, histone bioactivities, and interactions with membranes. mCRP, but not pCRP, binds cholesterol and activates signaling pathways that activate pro-inflammatory bioactivities long associated with CRP as a biomarker. Hence, a key step to express CRP’s biofunctions is its conversion into its mCRP isoform. Conversion occurs when (1) pCRP binds to a membrane surface expressed ligand (often phosphocholine); (2) biochemical forces associated with binding cause relaxation/partial dissociation of secondary and tertiary structures into a swollen membrane bound intermediate (described as mCRPm or pCRP*); (3) further structural relaxation which leads to total, irreversible dissociation of the pentamer into mCRP and expression of a cholesterol/multi-ligand binding sequence that extends into the subunit core; (4) reduction of the CRP subunit intrachain disulfide bond which enhances CRP’s binding accessibility for various ligands and activates acute phase proinflammatory responses. Taken together, the biofunctions of CRP involve both lipid and protein interactions and a conformational rearrangement of higher order structure that affects its role as a mediator of inflammatory responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence A. Potempa
- College of Science, Health and Pharmacy, Roosevelt University Schaumburg, Schaumburg, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Lawrence A. Potempa,
| | - Wei Qiao Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ashley Stefanski
- College of Science, Health and Pharmacy, Roosevelt University Schaumburg, Schaumburg, IL, United States
| | - Ibraheem M. Rajab
- College of Science, Health and Pharmacy, Roosevelt University Schaumburg, Schaumburg, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pohanka M. Diagnoses Based on C-Reactive Protein Point-of-Care Tests. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12050344. [PMID: 35624645 PMCID: PMC9138282 DOI: 10.3390/bios12050344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important part of the immune system's reaction to various pathological impulses such as bacterial infections, systemic inflammation, and internal organ failures. An increased CRP level serves to diagnose the mentioned pathological states. Both standard laboratory methods and simple point-of-care devices such as lateral flow tests and immunoturbidimetric assays serve for the instrumental diagnoses based on CRP. The current method for CRP has many flaws and limitations in its use. Biosensor and bioassay analytical devices are presently researched by many teams to provide more sensitive and better-suited tools for point-of-care tests of CRP in biological samples when compared to the standard methods. This review article is focused on mapping the diagnostical relevance of CRP, the applicability of the current analytical methods, and the recent innovations in the measurement of CRP level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Pohanka
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defense, Trebesska 1575, CZ-50001 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|