title: The association of serum prolactin concentration with inflammatory biomarkers - cross-sectional findings from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Prolactin (PRL) is involved in immune regulation and may contribute to an atherogenic phenotype. Previous results on the association of PRL with inflammatory biomarkers have been conflicting and limited by small patient studies. Therefore, we used data from a large population-based sample to assess the cross-sectional associations between serum PRL concentration and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and white blood cell (WBC) count.
  
  
  METHODS
  From the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP), a total of 3744 subjects were available for the present analyses.
  
  
  METHODS
  PRL and inflammatory biomarkers were measured. Linear and logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, body-mass-index, total cholesterol and glucose were analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Multivariable linear regression models revealed a positive association of PRL with WBC. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed a significant association of PRL with increased IL-6 in non-smokers [highest vs lowest quintile: odds ratio 1·69 (95% confidence interval 1·10-2·58), P = 0·02] and smokers [OR 2·06 (95%-CI 1·10-3·89), P = 0·02]. Similar results were found for WBC in non-smokers [highest vs lowest quintile: OR 2·09 (95%-CI 1·21-3·61), P = 0·01)] but not in smokers. Linear and logistic regression analyses revealed no significant associations of PRL with hsCRP or fibrinogen.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Serum PRL concentrations are associated with inflammatory biomarkers including IL-6 and WBC, but not hsCRP or fibrinogen. The suggested role of PRL in inflammation needs further investigation in future prospective studies.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany. nele.friedrich@uni-greifswald.de
authors.forename: Nele
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Friedrich
authors.forename: Harald J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Schneider
authors.forename: Christin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Spielhagen
authors.forename: Marcello Ricardo Paulista
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Markus
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Haring
authors.forename: Hans J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Grabe
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buchfelder
authors.forename: Henri
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wallaschofski
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nauck
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D015850:Interleukin-6; D005340:Fibrinogen; D011388:Prolactin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein