Role of C-Reactive Protein in the Development of Atherosclerosis in Diet-induced Lipidemia in Albino Rats

Purpose: Blood C-reactive protein level serves as a useful biomarker of generalized injury and inflammation. Vast amounts of clinical data suggest its serum level predicts risk of cardiovascular disease. In the present study, the role of C-reactive protein in the development of atherosclerosis in albino rats was investigated. Methods: Wistar breed albino rats were divided into two groups. Group I was fed on normal pellet diet while group II fed on high fat diet for up to 120 days, and blood serum was analyzed for C-reactive protein and lipid profile. Lipid profile included determination of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. After sacrifice of the animals, the heart and aorta were removed for histopathological studies. Results: The concentration of C-reactive protein did not increase in group II but a significant increase in lipid profile was observed (p 0.001). In histopathological studies, sections of the aorta showed lesions in tunica intima; the branch of coronary artery showed lipid infiltration in its wall while myocardial infarct was clearly observed in the myocardium. Conclusion: Feeding the rats high fat diet for 120 days did not increase C-reactive protein level but significant increases in lipid levels were observed in group II. These data indicate that in albino rats, Creactive protein does not play any role in the development of atherosclerosis.