Localised Conversion of Pentameric to Monomeric C-reactive Protein by Activated Platelets Contributes to Inflammation in Atherosclerotic Plaques

Background: C reactive protein (CRP) has long been recognised as a marker of systemic inflammation. More recently mild, chronic elevation of CRP has been shown to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. It is controversial whether CRP only reflects risk or whether CRP itself has a direct pathological role.