The study investigates the direct proinflammatory effects of C-reactive protein (CRP) on human endothelial cells, particularly focusing on the expression of adhesion molecules. CRP, an acute-phase reactant, is known to be a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease. The researchers tested the effects of CRP on human umbilical vein and coronary artery endothelial cells by measuring the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), and E-selectin using flow cytometry. They found that CRP induced a significant increase in ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression after 24 hours of incubation, and E-selectin expression after 6 hours. These effects were similar to those observed with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and were dependent on the presence of human serum. The study suggests that CRP may play a direct role in promoting the inflammatory component of atherosclerosis, providing a potential target for treatment.The study investigates the direct proinflammatory effects of C-reactive protein (CRP) on human endothelial cells, particularly focusing on the expression of adhesion molecules. CRP, an acute-phase reactant, is known to be a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease. The researchers tested the effects of CRP on human umbilical vein and coronary artery endothelial cells by measuring the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), and E-selectin using flow cytometry. They found that CRP induced a significant increase in ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression after 24 hours of incubation, and E-selectin expression after 6 hours. These effects were similar to those observed with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and were dependent on the presence of human serum. The study suggests that CRP may play a direct role in promoting the inflammatory component of atherosclerosis, providing a potential target for treatment.