What Are Inflammatory Markers?

[KeithD]

Inflammatory markers are substances produced by the body in response to inflammation. They are often measured in blood tests to help diagnose and monitor the progression of various medical conditions, including inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Here are some common inflammatory markers:

1. C-reactive protein (CRP): CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated levels of CRP in the blood can indicate the presence of inflammation in the body.
   
2. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): The ESR test measures how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube, indicating the presence of inflammation in the body.
   
3. Fibrinogen: Fibrinogen is a protein involved in the formation of blood clots. Elevated levels of fibrinogen can indicate the presence of inflammation in the body.
   
4. Interleukin-6 (IL-6): IL-6 is a type of cytokine, a type of protein produced by cells in the body, that plays a role in the inflammatory response. Elevated levels of IL-6 can indicate the presence of inflammation in the body.
   
5. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha): TNF-alpha is a type of cytokine that plays a role in the inflammatory response. Elevated levels of TNF-alpha can indicate the presence of inflammation in the body.
   

It is important to note that elevated levels of these markers do not necessarily mean that a person has an inflammatory disease, but they can be used as a tool to help diagnose and monitor the progression of these conditions.