C-Reactive Protein (CRP): A Potent Inflammation Biomarker in Psychiatric Disorders

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2023:1411:135-160. doi: 10.1007/978-981-19-7376-5_7.

Abstract

An increasing number of studies have investigated the role of inflammation in psychiatric disorders, by demonstrating how an altered/dysfunctional immunological and inflammatory system may underpin a psychiatric condition. Particularly, several studies specifically investigated the role of a neuroinflammatory biomarker, named C-reactive protein (CRP), in psychiatric disorders. Overall, even though scientific literature so far published still does not appear definitive, CRP is more likely reported to be elevated in several psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Moreover, a low-grade inflammation (CRP >3 mg/L) has been more likely observed in a subgroup of patients affected with a more severe psychopathological symptomatology, more treatment resistance and worst clinical mental illness course, strengthening the hypothesis of the need for a different clinical and prognostic characterization based on this concomitant neuroinflammatory predisposition. However, even though further research studies are needed to confirm this preliminary evidence, CRP may represent a potential clinical routine biomarker which could be integrated in the clinical routine practice to better characterize clinical picture and course as well as address clinicians towards a personalized treatment.

Keywords: Biomarkers; C-Reactive protein; CRP; Immuno-modulation; Immuno-psychiatry; Inflammatory markers; Mental health; Neuroinflammation; Psychiatry disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia* / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia* / drug therapy
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / diagnosis

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • CRP protein, human