c-reactive protein

Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) is a common and painful condition characterized by recurrent ulcers in the oral mucosa, affecting a significant portion of the population and leading to considerable discomfort and decreased quality of life. Despite its prevalence, the underlying etiology of RAS remains poorly understood, with factors such as genetics, immune dysregulation, and environmental triggers being implicated. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein primarily produced by the liver in response to inflammation, and its levels in serum can serve as a biomarker for systemic inflammatory conditions. This study aims to investigate the relationship between serum CRP levels and the occurrence of RAS seeking to elucidate the role of systemic inflammation in this condition.

In a cross-sectional study design, we enrolled 26 participants diagnosed with RAS according to established diagnostic criteria, alongside a control group of 26 healthy individuals matched for age and gender. Serum CRP levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods, and demographic, clinical, and lifestyle data were collected through structured questionnaires. We employed statistical analyses, including t-tests and regression models, to assess the association between serum CRP levels and the frequency and duration of RAS.

Our findings reveal significantly elevated serum CRP levels in individuals with RAS compared to healthy controls (p<0.04), indicating a potential link between systemic inflammation and the pathophysiology of RAS. Additionally, elevated CRP levels were associated with increased ulcer severity and prolonged healing time. Multivariate analyses further demonstrated that serum CRP could serve as an independent predictor of RAS severity, highlighting its potential role as a biomarker for disease activity.

In conclusion, our investigation provides compelling evidence that systemic inflammation, as indicated by elevated serum CRP levels, is associated with RAS.

The relationship between inflammation and pancreatic cancer (PC) has been previously explored, but the precise role of inflammatory markers in disease risk and progression remains unclear. This case-control study aimed to investigate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP), systemic inflammation marker, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), systemic cytokines regulator, in relation to pancreatic cancer risk.

Serum levels of DHEA and CRP were measured in 50 pancreatic cancer patients and 50 age and sex-matched healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and latex particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay, respectively. Data analysis was performed using STATA software.

The results showed that while DHEA levels were lower in pancreatic cancer patients compared to healthy subjects, the difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0.74). Conversely, CRP levels were significantly elevated in pancreatic cancer patients (p=0.001). Subgroup analysis based on sex revealed significant differences in DHEA and CRP concentrations between male patients and controls. Furthermore, a marginally significant inverse relationship was observed between log CRP and DHEA levels in pancreatic cancer patients (p=0.054). Risk assessment analysis, adjusted for age and sex, demonstrated an increased risk of pancreatic cancer associated with elevated log CRP levels (p=0.001; OR=1.671), and a decreased risk associated with higher DHEA levels (p=0.024, OR=0.479).

our findings highlight the direct association of pancreatic cancer with CRP and the inverse relationship with DHEA, suggesting the involvement of inflammation in pancreatic cancer development. Moreover, the observed inverse correlation between CRP and DHEA among pancreatic cancer patients suggests a potential inhibitory effect of DHEA on CRP levels.

Dexamethasone is the most widely used corticosteroid for treating COVID-19 pulmonary complications. The effects of dexamethasone on serum inflammatory factors, including C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and cortisol, were evaluated in COVID-19 pneumonia patients with pre-existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in this study. A total of 36 COVID-19 patients with pneumonia who had pre-existing COPD and were critically ill and 56 COVID-19- positive patients without pre-existing COPD were selected. A daily dose of 6–8 mg dexamethasone was administered during the hospitalization period. Some inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-6) and the serum levels of cortisol, LDH, and CRP were measured on admission and one week after hospitalization. TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations were significantly reduced and IL-10 significantly increased in all COVID-19 pneumonia patients with or without pre-existing COPD as a result of a daily dose of dexamethasone. Also, a significant reduction in cortisol, CRP, and LDH was observed following dexamethasone administration in all COVID-19 pneumonia patients, with or without preexisting COPD, with no correlation with gender, cigarette or waterpipe smoking, or opium abuse. Our results showed a significant increase in TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, cortisol, LDH, and CRP and a significant reduction in IL-10 in all critically ill COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Dexamethasone administration significantly reduced cortisol and proinflammatory cytokines and also LDH and CRP as the markers of COVID-19 severity.

Microvascular changes and precursors of atherosclerosis are frequently observed in young patients with early-onset type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Due to their known beneficial effects, physical activity is strongly recommended for its management.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of organized exercise (OE) and non-organized leisure time activity (NOLTA) on determinants of cardiovascular disease and physical fitness in children with type 1 diabetes.

In this quasi-experimental study, 20 children with T1DM were randomly divided into two groups of 10: OE (n = 10, mean age = 12.60 ± 1.34 years) and NOLTA (n = 10, mean age = 12.40 ± 0.84 years). Subjects in both groups participated in their respective activities 3 days per week. Blood samples and physiological measurements were taken 48 hours before and after the 8-week training period.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and physical fitness factors increased significantly in both exercise groups. Fasting blood glucose, C-reactive protein, and the cholesterol/HDL ratio were also significantly reduced in both groups. Waist circumference, glycosylated hemoglobin, and the LDL/HDL ratio were significantly reduced only in the OE group. However, the decrease in the acute phase protein pentraxin 3 was minimal and statistically insignificant.

In children and adolescents with T1DM, regular exercise—due to its anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, lipid profile, and blood glucose levels—may help reduce the severity and likelihood of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

Hospital outcomes for myocardial infarction are among the clinical conditions influenced by the spread of COVID-19. Patients with COVID-19 frequently experience cardiovascular complications, with challenges encountered in acute management. We assessed clinical presentation, incidence, clinical outcomes and angiographic findings of myocardial infarction in COVID-19 patients.

This  study is a observational retrospective multicenter, medical diagram study was conducted on successive patients hospitalized with diagnosis of Covid-19 and myocardial infarction ,in two large referral hospitals with catheterization equipment and laboratories.COVID-19 infection was confirmed with reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction assays of a nasopharyngeal sample or pattern of pulmonary parenchymal involvement in lung HRCT (approved by an expert respiratory or infection disease specialist). Data collected included patient demographics, comorbidities, electrocardiogram(ECG) and echocardiography results ,inpatient medication, treatment (fibrinolytic therapy, percutaneous coronary intervention  (PCI) ,coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), vasopressor use, invasive mechanical ventilation),laboratory test results (leucocyte count, C-reactive protein , D dimer, BUN, Cr, and ferritin)and outcome(duration of hospitalization, revascularization success, in-hospital reinfarction and mortality).

The most common comorbidities were hypertension (29, 58%), diabetes mellitus (21, 42%), dyslipidemia (14, 28%) and smoking (5, 10%). Fourteen patients (44.4%) were treated with PCI and 8 (19.5%) patients with fibrinolytic therapy as the initial reperfusion strategy. Revascularization was successful in 62% of patients.  The median CRP level of patients died was 96, which was significantly more than the level (46) in discharged cases (p<0.001). Creatinine levels were also significantly higher in patients who died compared to those who were discharged (p=0.008).

The results of this study demonstrate upper mortality rate in patients with diabetes, kidney injury and high-level CRP, denoting the baseline clinical and laboratory data could be defined as prognostic markers in COVID-19 patients, especially while managing myocardial infarction with concurrent COVID-19 infection.

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), is defined as an asymptomatic state characterized by a normal serum concentration of free thyroxine and elevated serum concentration of TSH. This study aims to investigate the complex interplay between hyperinsulinism, insulin resistance, beta cell function, and low-grade chronic inflammation in Iranian women with SCH.

Eighty women with SCH and 80 healthy women as controls matched to the patient group for sex, age, and body mass index (BMI), were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. TSH, free T3, free T4, highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), fasting insulin, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, Triglyceride, HOMA-IR index, Beta cell function (HOMA-B index) and insulin sensitivity were determined.

Hs-CRP was not statistically different between the SCH patients and the control group (3.7±3.2 Vs 3.6±4.0, P>0.05). Total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly higher; however, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol were not statistically different in patients with SCH as compared with the control group. Fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR and Beta cell function (HOMA-B) were significantly higher in SCH women compared to the control group. A positive correlation between HOMA-IR and HOMA-B with TSH levels was found (r=0.324, r=0.191, P<0.05 respectively). A positive correlation between insulin levels and hs-CRP (r=0.22, P<0.05), also between insulin levels and TSH (r=0.312, P<0.05) and LDL- LDL-cholesterol was obtained (r=0.27, P<0.05).

 Iranian women with SCH may exhibit elevated atherogenic parameters (hyperinsulinemia, LDL-cholesterol, and total cholesterol), HOMA-IR, and HOMA-B.

Current data indicate that serum vitamin D and susceptible C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, both indicative of the inflammatory state, have the potential to predict the onset and severity of chronic pain. Therefore, the objective was to assess the intensity of pain experienced after breast cancer treatment and its relationship with these two parameters.
In this cross-sectional study between 2019 and 2021, 201 patients were enrolled. The McGill Pain Questionnaire was employed to evaluate localized pain intensity at the site six months after the conclusion of cancer treatments. Patients were stratified based on the type of breast surgery, with or without a tissue expander, axillary region surgery, chemotherapy treatment, radiotherapy treatment, serum vitamin D levels, serum hs-CRP levels, and pain intensity. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 21 software with a significance level set at 0.05.
Among the patients, 67.6% (136 individuals) reported mild pain, 31.3% (63 individuals) reported moderate pain, and 1% (2 individuals) reported severe pain. The results of this study demonstrated a positive correlation between high serum hs-CRP levels and increased pain intensity, with serum marker levels being higher in patients experiencing more severe pain compared with those with milder pain. However, no statistically significant association was observed between various serum concentrations of vitamin D and pain intensity (P = 0.12).
Elevated levels of inflammatory factors, such as hs-CRP, are linked to a higher likelihood of developing chronic post-surgical pain.

Hypothyroidism is a significant contributor to complications in various metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Thyroid hormones, including lipids, play a crucial role in macromolecule metabolism. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key marker for cardiovascular diseases and hypothyroidism independently. This study aimed to evaluate serum high-sensitivity CRP (Hs-CRP) levels, lipid profiles, and their relationship with thyroid hormones in patients with hypothyroidism compared to a control group.

This case-control study included 90 participants (45 hypothyroid patients and 45 healthy controls). Blood samples were collected, centrifuged to separate serum, and analyzed using commercial kits. ELISA measured T3, T4, TSH, and Hs-CRP, while TG, HDL, LDL, VLDL, and total cholesterol were measured by spectroscopy.

The findings revealed higher Hs-CRP levels in hypothyroid patients compared to controls, although not statistically significant (P-value = 0.09). Hs-CRP positively correlated with TSH, T3, and TG but negatively correlated with T4, total cholesterol, VLDL, and HDL in hypothyroid subjects. These correlations were only significant between Hs-CRP and TG and Hs-CRP and LDL (P-value < 0.05).

The positive correlation between Hs-CRP and TSH in hypothyroidism highlights a potential link between hypothyroidism and cardiovascular disease.

This study assessed the effects of Aloe verasupplementation on serum inflammatory factors, blood sugar andlipid profiles in hemodialysis patients.

Totally, 50 hemodialysis patients wereallocated randomly to either Aloe vera or placebo groups. TheAloe vera group received 2 Aloe vera capsules daily for 8 weeks(500 mg/day). Serum C-reactive protein (hs- CRP), Fasting bloodglucose (FBS), and lipid profiles levels were evaluated at thebaseline and the end of the eighth week.

Aloe vera supplementation for 8 weeks was associatedwith a significant reduction of serum hs- CRP (p=0.004), totalcholesterol (p=0.01), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (p=0.02) levesand increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) (p=0.002)concentration in the hemodialysis patients.

Aloe vera supplementation is beneficial inimprovement of cardiovascular risk factors in hemodialysispatients

 Mucormycosis, commonly known as "Black Fungus," is an angio-invasive fungus and has become a significant concern during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to determine the prevalence rate of mucormycosis and related risk factors among COVID-19 patients, making an essential contribution to further understanding this opportunistic disease.

Methods & Materials:

 This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among 276 patients. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of mucormycosis. The diagnosis of mucormycosis was established through a combination of clinical symptoms, imaging findings, and microbiological confirmation. The study examined demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, including age, gender, duration of hospitalization, and laboratory results, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and blood sugar levels. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS Statistics software package (version 26). Statistical significance was set at a P-value of 0.05.

The mean age of patients participating in the study was 59±16 years. Among them, 158 patients (57.2%) were male, and 20 (7.2%) were diagnosed with mucormycosis. The analysis revealed a significant association between mucormycosis presence and various demographic and clinical variables, notably impacting hospitalization duration, blood sugar level, and serum CRP level.

Findings from our study indicate that elevated CRP and blood sugar levels, as well as prolonged hospitalization, are significant risk factors for mucormycosis in the patients.

 Hemodialysis (HD) is the treatment of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which leads to increased inflammation and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels to predict inflammatory conditions in HD patients.

 A total of 100 eligible maintenance HD patients referred to 22 Bahman and 17 Shahrivar hospitals in Mashhad were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. We collected demographic and clinical data, as well as values of inflammatory markers such as NLR, PLR, and hs-CRP, from the patient’s medical records.

 Forty-six of the patients were female. The mean age of the patients was 37.96±10.29 years, and the mean duration of HD was 54.32±50 months. The mean hs-CRP levels, NLR, and PLR were 6.08±5.70 mg/L, 2.79±1.18, and 125.80±57.14, respectively. The results showed a statistically significant and direct relationship between PLR and hs-CRP levels (P=0.01). There was no correlation between NLR and hs-CRP levels (P=0.8). Additionally, PLR was inversely correlated with hs-CRP in hypertensive patients (r=-0.283, P=0.04), female patients (r=0.3, P=0.04), and patients with HD duration of less than five years (r=0.3, P=0.001).

 Based on these findings, the PLR is a useful inflammatory marker in HD patients with ESRD that correlates with hs-CRP levels. We recommend further investigations to establish its accuracy in clinical care.

Influenza mainly involves the pulmonary system, but may cause damage to other organs like liver, kidneys, and bone marrow. It is essential to identify changes in the laboratory markers indicating inflammation and hepatic injury; and changes in white blood cell count in patients with flu. This study aimed to evaluate these laboratory markers and compare them in children and adults.

This retrospective study was performed in three university hospitals in Qazvin, Iran. Clinically available laboratory biomarkers including some inflammatory markers (e.g. CRP and ESR) , marker of hepatic injury (AST, ALT, ALP, billirubin, prothrombin time), and white blood cell count of 435 definite inflenza patients with positive influenza RT-PCR in 2018 and 2019 were collected from their medical records. The results were classified based on age (over 14 years of age in adults) and the normal range reported by the performing laboratory. Using SPSS software 25, data were analyzed by chi-square and pearson correlation coefficient test. P<0.05 was considered significant.

Leukocytosis was observed in 22.5% of adults and 1.0% of children, and the difference between the two groups was significant (p<0.001). ESR was increased in 91.6% of children and 86.9% of adults;CRP was elevated in 34.7% of adults while 80.5% of children showed elevation (p<0.001). The duration of hospital stay was significantly correlated with ESR (p<0.001, r= 0.177), and CRP (p= 0.002, r= 0.163).The increase in ALT was detected in 32.1% of adults versus 10.0% of children and AST in 38.6% of adults versus 10.0% of children. This increase in both liver enzymes was greater in adults compared with children (p<0.044 and p<0.013, respectively). 42.4% of adults, showed increased prothrombin time.

Leukocytosis, CRP elevation and increase in liver enzymes during influenza seems to be more pronounced in adults than in children. The results also showed a significant relationship between a hospital stay and the level of ESR and CRP.

It has been known for centuries that plants and plant-derived chemicals are useful in treating diseases, with Aloe vera being one of the biologically active plants. A significant role is played by the C-reactive protein (CRP) in many inflammatory conditions, while leukocytes play an integral role in the response of the immune system to infectious diseases.

This study explored the potential anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe vera methanolic extract on the total white blood cell (TWBC) count and CRP levels in Wistar rats received formalin.

A total of 25 Wistar rats were divided into five groups (A to E), with group A serving as the control and the other groups receiving formalin to induce inflammation, followed by increasing doses of Aloe vera extract. The CRP level was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, and the TWBC count was determined using a Sysmex haematology autoanalyzer.

Research findings showed that 200 mg of Aloe vera methanolic extract effectively reduced the CRP level (0.056±0.0027) (P=0.04), while 600 mg of the extract significantly increased the TWBC count (13.920±4.757) (P=0.03).

These findings suggest that Aloe vera extract may be an effective natural supplement for improving the immune system function and reducing inflammation in the body. However, further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms for these effects and to determine the optimal doses and potential side effects.

The use of Securidaca longipedunculata for solving health problems related to immunological disorders is long-standing. The immunomodulatory activity associated with the anti-inflammatory effect of S. longipedunculata has not yet been elucidated by scientific research. The aim of our study is to show that the leaves of S. longipedunculata can solve problems related to immunodeficiency and inflammation.

The phytochemical compounds of the plant were carried out by solubility tests. The anti-inflammatory activity of the plant was evaluated by the chicken egg albumin denaturation inhibition, membrane stabilization, and C-reactive protein (CRP) tests. The 2,2-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl, total antioxidant capacity, and inhibition of lipoperoxidation tests were performed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the plant. Immunosuppression was induced in rats by cyclophosphamide. The immunomodulatory activity of S. longipedunculata was studied by blood count. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) titration showed the effect of S. longipedunculata on the energy balance.

The extract contained polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. The tests of albumin denaturation inhibition, membrane stabilisation, CRP, total antioxidant capacity, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl revealed that the extract had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The blood count results revealed that the extract non-significantly increased the number of leukocytes except in the case of neutrophils and monocytes at a dose of 400 mg/kg (P<0.05). The extract also restored the energy balance in the rats according to the LDH results.

This study reveals that the hydro-ethanolic extract of S. longipedunculata leaves has potential immunostimulant and anti-inflammatory effects.

The combined use of methadone and exercise training holds promise for promoting health. This study investigates the impact of resistance and aerobic training in conjunction with methadone consumption on lipid profiles and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in addicted men.

Ninety addicted men (mean age 36.82 ± 4.32 years) undergoing prison treatment were randomly assigned to six groups (n=15 each): control, narcotics anonymous (NA), aerobic training + methadone, aerobic training + methadone reduction, resistance training + methadone, resistance training + methadone reduction. The 12-week exercise program, conducted thrice weekly, included aerobic training (4-8 sets, 3 minutes each, at 80-90% maximum heart rate on the ergometer bike) and resistance training (12 repetitions, 3 sets, at 70-85% of one repetition maximum). Blood samples collected pre- and post-intervention measured CRP and blood lipids using specialized kits. Data were analyzed with SPSS software, employing multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test (P<0.05).

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels significantly increased in trained groups compared to the control (P<0.001). Moreover, trained groups exhibited significant decreases in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, total cholesterol, and CRP compared to the control group (P<0.05). Importantly, aerobic training was more effective than resistance training in improving the studied variables.

Exercise training, particularly aerobic training with methadone ingestion, yields positive effects, including reduced CRP levels and improved lipid profiles in addicted men. Exercise training with methadone reduction may be considered for empowering individuals with addiction issues.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and homocysteine increase along with inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The antioxidant properties of sumac might affect homocysteine and hs-CRP levels. We aimed to examine the effects of sumac powder (Rhus Coriaria L) on homocysteine and hs-CRP in patients with T2DM.

In a single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial, conducted in Ardekan city, Yazd, Iran; 60 patients with T2DM were randomly divided into 2 groups to consume either low fat yogurt alone in the control group or along with 6 (2×3 grams) grams of sumac powder daily in the intervention group, for 3 months. Fasting blood samples were used to analyze the fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum homocysteine, and hs-CRP at the baseline and after 90 days. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Fifty-eight individuals (intervention n=30, control n=28) with a mean age of 52.30±7.05 years in the intervention, and 51.61±7.07 years in the control group, finished the study. No significant differences were seen for FBS (p=0.94) and homocysteine (p=0.69) changes between the groups; but hs-CRP changes were significantly different between the groups (p=0.03).

Daily consumption of sumac powder for 3 months may not have a reducing effect on FBS and serum homocysteine. This is while sumac may prevent increment of hs-CRP in patients with T2DM.