Three days after major surgery, a patient's serum shows a sharp rise in C-reactive protein. Which cell produces CRP under the stimulus of which cytokine?

• A Macrophages stimulated by IL-1beta
• B Hepatocytes stimulated by IL-6 ✓
• C Adipocytes stimulated by TNF-alpha
• D Endothelial cells stimulated by IL-8

Explanation

CRP, serum amyloid A, fibrinogen and hepcidin are acute phase proteins synthesized by hepatocytes, driven chiefly by IL-6 released from activated macrophages. IL-1beta and TNF-alpha initiate the acute phase cascade and induce IL-6 production, but they are not the direct hepatic stimulus for CRP synthesis, which is what makes option B correct over option A. IL-8 is a neutrophil chemokine and does not regulate hepatic acute phase genes.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.