Inflammation marker (None)

“Inflammation markers,” also known as inflammatory biomarkers or markers of inflammation, refer collectively to various measurable substances in blood or tissues that reflect activation of the immune system and ongoing inflammatory processes. These include proteins like C-reactive protein and fibrinogen; cell-based measures like white blood cell count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio; cytokines such as interleukins and TNF-alpha; adhesion molecules; acute-phase reactants like serum amyloid A; among others. They serve primarily as diagnostic tools for detecting infection/inflammation severity or monitoring treatment efficacy across diverse conditions including infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer prognosis/response assessment, cardiovascular risk stratification—and more recently chronic low-grade inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome and psychiatric disorders. Importantly they do not represent single molecular entities suitable for direct pharmacological targeting, but rather comprise an evolving panel whose interpretation requires integration with clinical findings due to issues with specificity and biological variability.

Other names

Inflammatory biomarkersMarkers of inflammationBiomarkers of inflammation

Not applicable—these are measurement endpoints rather than drug targets. However: Some drugs lower inflammatory markers as part of their effect on underlying pathology. For example, anti-cytokine therapies may reduce interleukin levels; statins can lower CRP in cardiovascular disease patients.