C-Reactive Protein Alters Antioxidant Defenses and Promotes Apoptosis in Endothelial Progenitor Cells

Abstract

CRP, at concentrations known to predict cardiovascular events, may serve to impair EPC antioxidant defenses, and promote EPC sensitivity toward oxidant-mediated apoptosis and telomerase inactivation. These data further support a direct role of CRP in the development and/or progression of atherothrombosis.