CRP and endothelial dysfunction: The association may be explained by the activation of platelets leading to their recruitment, adherence, and migration to the endothelium [52]; increased oxidative stress resulting in endothelial dysfunction [53]; greater levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and oxidized LDL-cholesterol [54]; a weakening of serum antioxidant defense; accelerated lipid peroxidation; and accumulation of LDL-cholesterol in macrophages [55] and reduced levels of HDL-cholesterol [56].