Role of C-reactive protein in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia/cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women. This pathology originates from the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), induced by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. During CIN, an inflammatory process characterized by immune system activation and increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) occurs. This protein, generally an indicator of inflammatory processes, also has functions that can influence the pathogenesis of several diseases. This review summarizes the current published literature (searched on Pubmed, EMBASE and Web of Science) regarding the factors that affect pathogenesis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia/cancer mediated by CRP searched up to 2025. This review highlights the events present in CIN/cancer where CRP may be involved. CRP may induce progression of CIN to cervical cancer through its action on its lectin-like receptor oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) and influence events involving complement activation, immune system activation, apoptosis induction, oxidative stress, and modulation of HPV biology.