Inflammatory Markers and Their Role in Cardiovascular Health

Inflammatory Markers and Their Role in Cardiovascular Health

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Key inflammatory markers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A), have gained attention for their potential to predict cardiovascular risks and outcomes.

The Impact of hs-CRP in Predicting Atherosclerosis Risks

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a sensitive marker of inflammation that has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Elevated hs-CRP levels indicate systemic inflammation, which contributes to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. For instance, a study found that hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in individuals with coronary artery disease compared to healthy controls (Matsushita et al., 2025).

In the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, hs-CRP was correlated with coronary artery calcification (CAC), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. Specifically, higher hs-CRP levels were associated with calcification of the ascending aorta and right coronary artery, suggesting a unique pathophysiological mechanism for different vascular beds (Avula et al., 2025). The predictive ability of hs-CRP for poor cardiovascular outcomes reinforces its clinical significance in risk stratification.

Evaluating Galectin-3 as a Prognostic Marker in RA-ILD

Galectin-3 is another inflammatory marker that has been linked to various cardiovascular conditions as well as to interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Elevated levels of galectin-3 have been associated with an increased risk of disease progression in RA-ILD, where it serves as a potential biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring the severity of ILD (Guo et al., 2024).

In a recent study, patients with RA-ILD exhibited significantly higher levels of galectin-3 compared to those without ILD. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that galectin-3 has diagnostic value in predicting RA-ILD severity (Guo et al., 2024). This highlights the importance of galectin-3 not only as a biomarker for pulmonary involvement in RA but also as a potential therapeutic target.

The Impact of IL-17A on Inflammatory Responses in Trauma

Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a cytokine produced primarily by T-helper 17 (Th17) cells and is known to play a crucial role in the inflammatory response. Elevated levels of IL-17A have been observed in patients with traumatic injuries, where it correlates with the severity of tissue damage and inflammatory responses (Zhou et al., 2025).

Correlation of Serum Biomarkers with Interstitial Lung Disease

A study conducted on patients with traumatic bowel rupture found that elevated serum levels of IL-17A were associated with poor prognosis. Patients with higher IL-17A levels demonstrated significant inflammation, leading to complications such as peritonitis and sepsis (Zhou et al., 2025). Moreover, the predictive value of IL-17A was confirmed through ROC analysis, indicating its potential utility in clinical settings to guide treatment decisions.

Understanding Serum Biomarkers in Interstitial Lung Disease

Serum carbohydrate antigen 153 (CA153) has also emerged as a promising biomarker in predicting ILD severity in RA patients. Elevated CA153 levels were significantly correlated with more severe forms of ILD, indicating its potential role in monitoring disease progression (Guo et al., 2024). Notably, CA153 was positively correlated with serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6), another biomarker for pulmonary fibrosis, suggesting a synergistic relationship in assessing lung health.

Summary of Key Inflammatory Markers

FAQ

What is hs-CRP and why is it important?

hs-CRP, or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated levels of hs-CRP are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and can indicate systemic inflammation in the body.

How does IL-17A contribute to inflammatory diseases?

IL-17A is a cytokine that promotes inflammation and is involved in the immune response. It has been linked to autoimmune diseases and is a marker of tissue inflammation, making it significant in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and traum

What role does galectin-3 play in RA-ILD?

Galectin-3 is a protein that is elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and is associated with the severity of interstitial lung disease. Its levels can indicate disease progression and may serve as a therapeutic target.

How can serum biomarkers help in the management of cardiovascular diseases?

Serum biomarkers like hs-CRP and galectin-3 can provide insights into the level of inflammation and disease severity, aiding in risk stratification, diagnosis, and monitoring of treatment response in cardiovascular diseases.

Are there any treatments targeting these inflammatory markers?

Yes, treatments aimed at modulating inflammatory responses, such as IL-17A inhibitors and therapies targeting hs-CRP, are being explored in clinical settings to improve outcomes in conditions associated with chronic inflammation.

References

1. Matsushita, K., Hoogeveen, R. C., Ballantyne, C. M., Blaha, M. J., & Whelton, S. P. (2025). Inflammatory markers and calcification of coronary arteries, aorta and cardiac valves: Findings from the atherosclerosis risk in communities study. American Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2666-6677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpc.2025.100946

2. Guo, J., Huang, H., Lin, S., Wang, G., Cen, F., Huang, S., Liu, D., Lin, Y., Yu, X., & Shi, S. (2024). Serum carbohydrate antigen 153 as a predictor of interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis is positively correlated with serum Krebs von den Lungen-6. BMC Pulmonary Medicine, 1471-2466. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-025-03558-4

3. Zhou, P., Yu, J., Yan, J., & Yan, B. (2025). The serum IL-17A levels in patients with traumatic bowel rupture post-surgery and its predictive value for patient prognosis. Open Medicine, 2391-5463. https://doi.org/10.1515/med-2024-1135

4. Avula, V., Mok, Y., Ejiri, K., Van’t Hof, J., Whelton, S. P., Hoogeveen, R. C., Ballantyne, C. M., Budoff, M. J., & Blaha, M. J. (2025). Inflammatory markers and calcification of coronary arteries, aorta and cardiac valves: Findings from the atherosclerosis risk in communities study. American Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2666-6677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpc.2025.100946