Monitoring inflammation in patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung and colorectal cancer using blood levels of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and plasma gelsolin

Abstract

Introduction: Plasma gelsolin (pGSN) was recently introduced as a new predictor of systemic inflammation outcomes, especially in critically ill patients. This study aimed to describe the potential interplay between C-reactive protein (CRP), procal-citonin (PCT), and pGSN concentrations in blood collected from patients diagnosed with colon and lung cancer and to assess their diagnostic potential when a combined evaluation of those 3 markers was performed. Aim of the research: We hypothesized that a correlation between increased blood levels of CRP and PCT and a decreased level of plasma gelsolin might help identify cancer-associated inflammatory responses and a higher risk of poor clinical outcomes. Material and methods: Blood samples collected from 159 subjects were subjected to the biochemical analysis of CRP and PCT, in addition to the assessment of pGSN levels using Western blotting. Results: Our results confirmed a significant increase in CRP and PCT concentrations in collected blood samples, while pGSN concentrations decreased. Because the values of the blood CRP, PCT, and pGSN concentration did not show a strong correlation within the tested groups, it might be assumed that the molecular and cell signalling background leading to changes in those markers differs. Conclusions: A better understanding of the clinical value of the simultaneous evaluation of CRP, PCT, and pGSN levels in patients suffering from rectal and lung cancer might help us identify those with inflammatory responses leading to poor clinical outcomes.