This multiorgan inflammatory reaction, accompanied by higher levels of its marker C-reactive protein (CRP), causes pathological changes in the microvascular circulation in the kidneys, macrophage infiltration of this organ, and the local production of a wide range of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators that are detectable beginning in early stages of diabetic nephropathy in serum and peripheral blood cells in affected individuals. The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is diabetic kidney disease.