1.
Effect of nutritional status and dietary patterns on human serum C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 concentrations.
Smidowicz, A, Regula, J
Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.). 2015;(6):738-47
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Abstract
The inflammatory process plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus type 2, and metabolic syndrome. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are widely tested inflammatory markers involved in the development of these diseases. Several studies indicate a relation between nutritional status and the concentrations of human high-sensitivity CRP and IL-6. Similarly, the role of diet in reducing inflammation and thereby modulating the risk of non-communicable diseases is supported by numerous studies. This review focuses on the effects of the selected nutrition models in humans on the concentrations of CRP and IL-6. It seems that the Mediterranean diet model is most effective in inhibiting inflammation. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension model and the plant nutrition model also have proven to be beneficial. The data on low-fat and low-carbohydrate diets are inconclusive. Comprehensive studies are necessary, taking into account the cumulative effect of dietary and other factors on the inflammatory process.
2.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein as a risk assessment tool for cardiovascular disease.
Yeh, ET
Clinical cardiology. 2005;(9):408-12
Abstract
Almost half of first cardiovascular events occur in individuals with no known risk factors. Attempts in the last decade to predict cardiovascular risk more accurately have led to the emergence of a novel risk factor, C-reactive protein (CRP), which has proved to be as good a risk predictor as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. C-reactive protein is an index of inflammation that is now believed to promote directly all stages of atherosclerosis, including plaque rupture. As measured by high-sensitivity assays, high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) also independently predicts recurrent events in patients with known coronary artery diseases. Recent evidence implicates hs-CRP, and thus inflammation, in the metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus, particularly in women. As a clinical tool for cardiovascular risk assessment, hs-CRP testing enhances information provided by lipid screening or global risk assessment. Statin therapy and other interventions can lower hs-CRP. Whether or not such reductions can prevent cardiovascular events is under investigation.