Increase in serum prolactin levels as a potential biomarker in Crohn’s disease: a prospective cohort study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Crohn's disease (CD) management lacks biomarkers that precisely reflect immune activity. Prolactin (PRL) has immunomodulatory functions, but its role in CD is unclear. Aim: To investigate serum PRL changes in CD patients and evaluate its potential as a biomarker for disease activity and treatment response. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, serum PRL levels were analyzed in 185 CD patients and 58 healthy controls, and correlated with clinical markers (CRP, FC). Results: Serum PRL levels were significantly higher in CD patients versus controls (p<0.001). Higher baseline PRL levels correlated with a greater reduction in CRP after treatment. The study population had no previous reproductive history. Conclusion: Elevated serum PRL may serve as a supplementary biomarker reflecting immune dysregulation and disease activity in CD, particularly in this cohort enriched with severe, perianal-dominant disease. Its role in evaluating therapeutic effectiveness warrants further investigation.
Source: Frontiers in Medicine
Institution: Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine
Language: English
Topic: Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Award: G948932492
OpenAlex ID: W7124733428