The three most commonly used inflammatory markers are called C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and plasma viscosity (PV).
Besides C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and procalcitonin (PCT), some other markers of inflammation include serum amyloid A, cytokines, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, plasma viscosity, ceruloplasmin, hepcidin, and haptoglobin.
This type of stimulation–response activity generates some of the most dramatic aspects of inflammation, with large amounts of cytokine production, the activation of many cell types, and in fact the four cardinal signs of inflammation: heat, pain, redness, and swelling (1).
Blood tests known as 'inflammatory markers' can detect inflammation in the body, caused by many diseases including infections, auto-immune conditions and cancers. The tests don't identify what's causing the inflammation: it might be as simple as a viral infection, or as serious as cancer.
Based on visual observation, the ancients characterised inflammation by five cardinal signs, namely redness (rubor), swelling (tumour), heat (calor; only applicable to the body' extremities), pain (dolor) and loss of function (functio laesa).
What does a raised inflammatory marker mean? Medical decisions will not be made solely on the results of an inflammatory marker test. Abnormal results suggest inflammation, but don't identify the cause: it might be as simple as a viral infection, or as serious as cancer.
C-reactive protein (CRP) test
This is another test used to help diagnose conditions that cause inflammation. CRP is produced by the liver and if there is a higher concentration of CRP than usual, it's a sign of inflammation in your body.
Higher CRP levels have also been associated with the progression of skin, ovarian, and lung cancer. For this reason, CRP may be used to detect cancer recurrence after surgery [40]. Scientists think the link between high CRP and cancer could be due to three reasons. First of all, high CRP may directly cause cancer.
The most reported new cases involve the lung and breast, with colorectal cancer third, prostate cancer fourth, and stomach cancer fifth (1, 2).
Eat whole grains and whole fruits and vegetables. A high amount of fiber in the diet lowers inflammatory markers in the body. Drink tea. Both green and black teas reduce CRP, the inflammation marker.
C reactive protein
Generally, CRP levels of 10–40 mg/l are found in cases of mild inflammation or viral infections. Severe active inflammation or bacterial infection will typically generate CRP levels of 50–200 mg/l, and very high levels of >200–250 mg/l are only found in severe conditions and burns.
These are the most common: Pathogens (germs) like bacteria, viruses or fungi. External injuries like scrapes or damage through foreign objects (for example a thorn in your finger) Effects of chemicals or radiation.
A CRP test result of more than 50 mg/dL is generally considered severe elevation. Results over 50 mg/L are associated with acute bacterial infections about 90% of the time.
Substantially raised CRP values are usually found in pneumonia,3-6 and a high CRP value has been shown to be a strong predictor for this disease in general practice. However, raised CRP values may also be found in uncomplicated viral respiratory infections, particularly those caused by influenza virus and adenovirus.
Over time, heart attack, stroke, or heart failure can occur. This is true even for those with elevated CRP levels who have no obvious symptoms or signs of active inflammation.
A wide variety of inflammatory conditions can cause elevated CRP levels, including : autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, and certain types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
3) Stress. CRP is elevated in chronic stress and may be the link between stress and low-grade inflammation-related diseases. Scientists found that both psychological and social stress significantly impacts CRP [12].
High levels of CRP may mean you have a serious health condition that causes inflammation. Inflammation is your body's way of protecting your tissues and helping them heal from an injury, infection, or other disease. Inflammation can be acute (sudden) and temporary. This type of inflammation is usually helpful.
Generally, a CRP level of less than 10 mg/L is considered normal. CRP levels between 10 and 100 mg/L indicate mild to moderate inflammation, while levels above 100 mg/L indicate severe inflammation.
Some of the most common signs of chronic inflammation include: Body discomfort, including joint stiffness, tendonitis and muscle pain. Sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea and persistent fatigue. Weight gain or unexplained weight loss.
The inflammatory cytokines and cells interact with the CNS: peripheral inflammation can provoke fatigue and pain, and an altered neuroendocrine system could modulate inflammation.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. These supplements may help fight several types of inflammation, including vascular inflammation.