C-reactive Protein (CRP) is an acute phase reactant, belonging to the pentraxin family of proteins. Its
level rises up to 1000-fold in response to acute inflammation. High sensitivity CRP level is utilized as an independent
biomarker of inflammation and cardiovascular disease. The accumulating data suggests that CRP has two
distinct forms. It is predominantly produced in the liver in a native pentameric form (nCRP). At sites of local
inflammation and tissue injury it may bind to phosphocholine-rich membranes of activated and apoptotic cells
and their microparticles, undergoing irreversible dissociation to five monomeric subunits, termed monomeric
CRP (mCRP). Through dissociation, CRP deposits into tissues and acquires distinct proinflammatory properties.
It activates both classic and alternative complement pathways, binding complement component C1q and factor H.
mCRP actively participates in the development of endothelial dysfunction. It activates leukocytes, inducing cytokine
release and monocyte recruitment. It may also play a role in the polarization of monocytes and T cells into
proinflammatory phenotypes. It may be involved in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) opsonization and uptake by
macrophages. mCRP deposits were detected in samples of atherosclerotic lesions from human aorta, carotid,
coronary and femoral arteries. mCRP may also induce platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, thus
contributing in multiple ways in the development of atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis. In this mini-review, we
will provide an insight into the process of conformational rearrangement of nCRP, leading to dissociation, and
describe known effects of mCRP. We will provide a rationalization for mCRP involvement in the development of
atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis.
A high thermoelectric figure of merit ZT, with a maximum value ZT = 1.5 at 670-800 K for the composition Ge 0.9 Pb 0.05 Bi 0.05 Te, has been obtained for GeTe solid solutions with Bi and Pb impurities. This is conducive to a decrease in the hole concentration, an increase in the Seebeck coefficient, and a decrease in the lattice thermal conductivity. The main attention in interpretation of the experimental data is given to specific features of the energy spectrum of holes in the initial GeTe compound. The model of resonance states, formed with involvement of Ge atoms and metal vacancies, has been further developed. The types of defects and their transformation depending on temperature and the concentration of superstoichiometric Te have been considered. The experimental results give reason to believe that the interaction of localized and free charge carriers at elevated temperatures leads to a pronounced hybridization of their states and the formation of heavy quasiparticles, a situation in many ways similar to that observed in materials with heavy fermions.
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