C-reactive protein is a sensitive marker for systemic inflammation.
A relationship between inflammation and development of atherosclerotic disease, in particular coronary heart disease, has recently been demonstrated in epidemiologic studies.
However, it is unclear whether elevated C-reactive protein levels are merely a phenomenon accompanying atherosclerosis or if C-reactive protein itself is involved in the initiation and/or progression of atherosclerosis.
The metabolic syndrome is known to be associated with a greatly increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Previous research suggests a positive relationship between components of the metabolic syndrome and markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study,in which there was a positive link found between systemic inflammation and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its cardiovascular complications.
Therefore, inflammation could be an important pathophysiologic link between the metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease.
In our study, 12 weeks of treatment with P. emblica or atorvastatin significantly reduced high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, suggesting that both medications probably exert their beneficial effects via reducing systemic inflammation and acting as oxygen free radical scavengers, thereby improving endothelial function.