Acute phase proteins in atherosclerosis (acute coronary syndrome).

Investigation of the mechanisms of atherosclerosis has determined that inflammation plays a central role in the development, progression, and outcome of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). C-reactive protein (CRP) plasma levels increase in patients with ACS. CPR is an important prognostic marker in ACS, following angioplasty, and in the long-term management of post-infarction patients. Although CRP will remain over time a useful marker, the role and implications of increased plasma concentrations of other acute phase proteins (APPs), such as alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT), alpha-1 glycoprotein (A1GP), haptoglobin (HG), ceruloplasmin (CP), and C3c and C4 complement fraction, in patients with ACS are still not completely defined. This short review summarizes the experimental and clinical evidence regarding the role, and the biological and clinical significance of these other APPs in ACS.