This document summarizes several studies on C-reactive protein (CRP) and its role in atherosclerosis. It finds that CRP is an active player in atherosclerosis rather than just a risk marker. CRP was found to directly promote endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression, macrophage LDL uptake, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 secretion. Blocking CRP's effects through endothelin receptor antagonism or interleukin-6 inhibition reduced these proatherogenic effects. Therefore, CRP may directly facilitate the inflammatory process in atherosclerosis and represent a potential therapeutic target for reducing cardiovascular risk.