Monocyte tissue factor induction by C-reactive protein and relationship with hormone replacement treatment.

Abstract

To the Editor: Nakagomi et al1 studied the effect of C-reactive protein (CRP) on monocyte tissue factor (TF) induction. They found that CRP in the normal range increased TF 4- to 6-fold, indicating a prothrombotic role for CRP. Most of the experiments were done with a CRP concentration of 25 μg/ml, which is seldom found in healthy people. Because hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was associated with weaker TF induction at different CRP concentrations than in subjects without HRT, the authors conclude that HRT might protect from cardiovascular events by this mechanism. The study gives important information on the relationship of CRP and TF. However, the design and results of the study do not seem to allow conclusions regarding HRT and its much-disputed protective role in susceptibility to cardiovascular events. First, HRT is …