Homocysteine induces the expression of C-reactive protein via NMDAr-ROS-MAPK-NF-κB signal pathway in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

The present study demonstrates that Hcy is able to initiate an inflammatory response in VSMCs by stimulating CRP production, which is mediated through NMDAr-ROS-ERK1/2/p38-NF-κB signal pathway. These findings provide new evidence for a role of Hcy in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.