Role of C-Reactive Protein in Diabetic Inflammation

Abstract

Even though type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a worldwide chronic health issue that affects about 462 million people, specific underlying determinants of insulin resistance (IR) and impaired insulin secretion are still unknown. There is growing evidence that chronic subclinical inflammation is a triggering factor in the origin of T2DM. Increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels have been linked to excess body weight since adipocytes produce tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), which are pivotal factors for CRP stimulation. Furthermore, it is known that hepatocytes produce relatively low rates of CRP in physiological conditions compared to T2DM patients, in which elevated levels of inflammatory markers are reported, including CRP. CRP also participates in endothelial dysfunction, the production of vasodilators, and vascular remodeling, and increased CRP level is closely associated with vascular system pathology and metabolic syndrome. In addition, insulin-based therapies may alter CRP levels in T2DM. Therefore, determining and clarifying the underlying CRP mechanism of T2DM is imperative for novel preventive and diagnostic procedures. Overall, CRP is one of the possible targets for T2DM progression and understanding the connection between insulin and inflammation may be helpful in clinical treatment and prevention approaches.

Effect of oral enzyme combination, diet and exercise on chronic low-grade inflammatory conditions—a report of three cases

“…Its prevalence has been rising worldwide since the last decades with an increasingly earlier onset ( 29 ). Several studies confirm that there is a link between increased CRP levels and high body weight since adipocytes produce tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6, which stimulate CRP release ( 30 ). Over time, when adipose tissue, especially visceral adipose tissue, expands, more immune cells infiltrate into the tissue leading to local and systemic low-grade inflammation ( 30 ).…”

“…Several studies confirm that there is a link between increased CRP levels and high body weight since adipocytes produce tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6, which stimulate CRP release ( 30 ). Over time, when adipose tissue, especially visceral adipose tissue, expands, more immune cells infiltrate into the tissue leading to local and systemic low-grade inflammation ( 30 ). In our case report, high CRP levels indeed correlated with obesity, as two obese patients exhibited elevated CRP values.…”

Effect of Selenium Nanoparticles and/or Bee Venom against STZ-Induced Diabetic Cardiomyopathy and Nephropathy

“…As inflammation is considered the key modulator for diabetic pathogenesis and its complications in hearts and kidneys, several studies connected the elevation in CRP levels with the incidence of Type I diabetes [ 70 ]. The elevation of CRP levels observed in our experiment may have resulted in response to persistent hyperglycemia occurring in diabetic group, as suggested by many pervious reports [ 71 , 72 ].…”

Effect of intermittent fasting on circulating inflammatory markers in obesity: A review of human trials

“…As part of the immune response, CRP activates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines ( 25 ). Although this an important physiological process, chronic elevations of CRP have been linked to elevations in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes risk ( 26 ). Therefore, CRP is routinely tested in healthcare settings to measure inflammation caused by chronic disease, infection, or injury.…”