title: C-reactive protein, pre- and postdexamethasone cortisol levels in post-traumatic stress disorder.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dysregulations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may impact inflammatory processes in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), possibly resulting in a low-grade inflammation as reflected by elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP).
  
  
  METHODS
  Serum CRP levels and salivary cortisol before and after the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) were assessed in 50 inpatients with main diagnoses PTSD, major depressive disorder or borderline personality disorder.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A strong trend for lower CRP levels was found in PTSD positive individuals compared with patients without PTSD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study does not support the hypothesis of elevated serum CRP levels in PTSD compared with other psychiatric patients. However, a dysbalanced immune system with suppressed CRP might contribute to the elevated somatic comorbidity in PTSD.
authors.affiliation: Carsten Spitzer, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and Schön Klinik Hamburg Eilbek , Hamburg , Germany , and Asklepios Fachklinikum Tiefenbrunn , Rosdorf , Germany .
authors.forename: Carsten
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Spitzer
authors.forename: Dennis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wibisono
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Terfehr
authors.forename: Bernd
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Löwe
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Otte
authors.forename: Katja
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wingenfeld
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood; D003907:Dexamethasone; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism*; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000378:metabolism; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D003907:Dexamethasone; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D006854:Hydrocortisone
keywords: C-reactive protein (CRP); Childhood trauma; Cortisol; Dexamethasone suppression test; Low-grade inflammation; Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)