C-reactive protein

noun

C-re·​ac·​tive protein ˈsē-rē-ˈak-tiv- 

: a protein present in blood serum in various abnormal states (such as inflammation or neoplasia)

—abbreviation CRP

Examples of C-reactive protein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Okinawa Flat Belly Tonic is based on the idea that people become overweight when their C-reactive protein, also known as CRP, interferes with the normal function of mitochondria. —Michael Carroll, Discover Magazine, 3 June 2023

People who had consistently high or unmanaged metabolic syndrome but not elevated C-reactive protein had an elevated chance of developing kidney cancer. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 23 Mar. 2024

Eating more fish, legumes and vegetables is associated with lower levels of C-reactive protein, a sign of inflammation in the body. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 13 Feb. 2024

Tart Cherries Can Lower Your Blood Pressure Doctors often use a blood test measuring C-reactive protein (or CRP) to foretell the development of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases in patients. —Jessie Shafer, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2023

The C-reactive protein, a measure of inflammation, decreased in participants of the study who underwent IMT. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 6 July 2023

For example, whole grains may reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. —Health Editorial Team, Health, 8 May 2023

Studies have also found higher markers of inflammation, like C-reactive protein, in elite and recreational athletes taking oral contraceptive pills, which could affect training adaptation and recovery. —Christine Yu, Outside Online, 23 Mar. 2023

Diet Certain nutrients can help to fight chronic inflammation by counteracting inflammatory proteins like C-reactive protein, interleukins (like IL-1 or IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a). —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 26 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

C-polysaccharide, a polysaccharide found in the cell wall of pneumococci and precipitated by this protein, from carbohydrate

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

C-reactive protein

noun

C-re·​ac·​tive protein ˌsē-rē-ˌak-tiv- 

: a protein produced by the liver that is normally present in trace amounts in the blood serum but is elevated during episodes of acute inflammation (as those associated with neoplastic disease, chronic infection, or coronary artery disease)