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C-reactive protein (CRP), the prototype of human acute-phase protein, is considered to be a potent cardiovascular risk marker. However, its active involvement in cardiovascular disease is being controversially discussed. Fc-receptors (FcR) for human immunoglobulin G seem to be the main candidates for binding to cells; a specific CRP binding has been shown for Fc-gamma-RI and Fc-gamma-RIIa. Previous works on CRP showed inconsistent results for a CRP binding to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a key-player in cardiovascular disease. By using ultrasensitive confocal fluorescence live-cell imaging, this work wanted to show 1) whether CRP binds also to Fc-gamma-RIII, 2) which receptor is the most important one for CRP binding to macrophage-like cells and 3) if there is any interaction between CRP and LDL. METHODS: For Fc-gamma-RIII binding studies, overexpressing receptor-transfected, COS-7 cells were used; as a model for macrophages, this work compares the cell lines Mono Mac 6 and U-937. RESULTS: 1) Incubation of transfected cells with fluorescently labeled CRP showed no binding to Fc-gamma RIII. 2) Alternating inhibition of FcR by IgG and specific antibodies turned out Fc-gamma RI to be the most important receptor for CRP binding on macrophage-like cells. 3) By fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, a moderate binding of native LDL to CRP could be observed in solution. This complex seems to enhance CRP binding to cells; yet, the nature of this interaction has to be further elucidated. CONCLUSION: These results show a growing evidence for an active involvement of CRP in cardiovascular disease. Further studies should be undertaken with primary cells and proper animal models in order to confirm these findings.

Masterarbeit, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, 2023; Aachen : RWTH Aachen University 1 Online-Ressource : Illustrationen (2023). = Masterarbeit, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, 2023, "Emilie's work is significant because she was the first female architect in Germany to study and practice independently. But also because she found in her architecture a form that negated neither the achievements of architectural history nor the demands of her wholly new present." The vacuum in architectural history on Emilie Winkelmann's work leads to a search that focuses on her designs for the first German women's movement. Two extraordinary projects are realized in Berlin in 1914 - The Victoria Study House and the House of the German Lyceum Club. The buildings communicate in different ways the program of their users and thus tell of their empowerment within the urban space. The search is dedicated to the architectural history of a woman whose practice spans between the turn of the century and the Great War, between old and new understandings of the world and architecture. This precarious position is evident in her buildings. In her architecture, Emilie Winkelmann preserves the idea of inner function reflected in outward appearance, but unites it with the demands of the new age and the ambitions of the new building tasks. In this way, a modern expression is created on the basis of an awareness of architectural history. The work juxtaposes past and present. The text develops parallelly, feeding not only on the findings of the search, but also on its process. The buildings of Emilie Winkelmann in 1914 Berlin develop into references for the present city. In the process, much more fundamental questions arise. Contemporary architectural intentions and effects are contrasted, dominant values are recognized and scrutinized, and ultimately an architecture following Winkelmann's example is called for., Published by RWTH Aachen University, Aachen