Determining the relationship between serum acute phase reactants and cervical premalignant lesions: a cohort study

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Oncology
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Cervical cancer screening and vaccination programs are advancing, yet cervical cancer remains a global health concern.
• Acute phase reactants are implicated in the progression and prognosis of various tumors, including premalignant ones.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the diagnostic utility of serum acute phase reactants as potential biomarkers for cervical premalignant lesions.
• To explore the relationship between premalignant cervical disease and serum levels of specific acute phase reactants.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 124 women aged 25-65 undergoing cervical cancer screening.
• Participants were categorized into three groups: no cervical lesion, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL).
• Serum levels of albumin, fibrinogen, ferritin, and procalcitonin were analyzed and compared across the groups.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were observed among the groups regarding age, serum albumin levels, albumin/fibrinogen ratio, and procalcitonin levels.
• Regression analysis indicated lower serum albumin levels in women with LSIL and HSIL compared to those with benign findings.
• Specific inflammatory markers, including albumin, albumin/fibrinogen ratio, and procalcitonin, showed variations across different grades of cervical intraepithelial lesions.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to assess the significance of serum inflammatory markers in the context of cervical intraepithelial lesions.
• Findings suggest that serum albumin levels, the albumin/fibrinogen ratio, and procalcitonin levels may serve as valuable indicators differentiating cervical intraepithelial lesion grades.