What is C-reactive protein?

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein belonging to pentraxin family of proteins, whose levels increases 1000-fold or more in concentration in blood during the occurrence of an injury, inflammation or tissue death. It is an acute-phase protein of hepatic origin that increases following interleukin-6 secretion by macrophages and T cells.

In hospital, we always been taught to C-reactive protein is "inflammation" synonymous in the blood test, especially in the case of cold. When the C-reactive protein increased, indicating that patients with inflammation. But is C-reactive protein only indicate to the issue? C-reactive protein is one of the most important and sensitive markers of human acute phase response. There are more clinical significance. Pregnancy, autoimmune arthritis, lupus, infections, and cancer can cause an especially high CRP.