What are inflammatory markers? Inflammatory markers are blood tests used by doctors to detect inflammation in the body, caused by many diseases. This can include infections, auto-immune conditions and cancers.
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.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and plasma viscosity (PV) blood tests are commonly used to detect increase in protein in the blood. In this way they are used as markers of inflammation.
In cases with markedly raised levels of inflammatory markers (such as ESR >100 mm/h) the likelihood of disease is much higher. The diagnoses found in these conditions depend on study setting, but include infection (33-60%), inflammatory disease (14-30%), and malignancy (5-28%).
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).
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).
If you already have an inflammatory disease then rising inflammatory markers may suggest a flare up or a poor response to a treatment; a decreasing inflammatory marker can mean a good response to treatment.
Even in apparently healthy people, high levels have been linked with an increased risk of colon cancer, lung cancer, and cancer in general – excluding breast and prostate cancer [40, 41]. Higher CRP levels have also been associated with the progression of skin, ovarian, and lung cancer.
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.
Additionally, elevated CRP levels are associated with poor survival in many malignant tumors, such as soft tissue sarcoma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, malignant lymphoma, and pancreatic cancer (10, 13-20).
This build-up can narrow the arteries that feed the heart blood, causing coronary artery disease (CAD). 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.
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.
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.
Red meat and processed meats, including bacon, hot dogs, lunch meats and cured meats. Refined grains, including white bread, white rice, pasta and breakfast cereals. Snack foods, including chips, cookies, crackers and pastries.
green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards. nuts like almonds and walnuts. fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.
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].
The inflammatory diseases colitis, pancreatitis and hepatitis, for example, are linked to a greater risk of colon, pancreatic and liver cancers, respectively. In these diseases, immune cells create highly reactive molecules containing oxygen and nitrogen that can damage DNA. Inflammation also may cause cells to divide.
The most common cause of high CRP levels is a severe infection. Other possible causes include a poorly controlled autoimmune disease and severe tissue damage. Read on to learn more about CRP levels, including how doctors check these levels, the normal ranges, and what can cause elevated levels in the body.
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.