Towards Digital Biomarker of Systemic Inflammation
Systemic inflammation, a key factor in the development of various chronic diseases and aging, is characterized by persistent low-grade inflammation. Continuous monitoring and early detection of exacerbations are crucial for the effective management of systemic inflammation and its associated risks. While C-reactive protein (CRP) is the gold-standard biomarker for assessing systemic inflammation, its current measurement relies on invasive blood tests, limiting its scalability and accessibility. Developing noninvasive, scalable, and digital methods for CRP assessment could enable continuous remote monitoring, early detection of exacerbations, and timely intervention, thereby improving outcomes for millions of individuals.
NOVA Study
The NOVA Study (Noninvasive, Multimodal Assessment of Systemic Inflammation) aims to explore six noninvasive methods for detecting CRP as a biomarker of systemic inflammation. These methods include urine, saliva, sweat, exhaled breath, stool, and core body temperature. NOVA study, conducted in collaboration with the University Hospital Zurich, recruited 20 participants (10 individuals with systemic inflammation and 10 controls). The detailed study protocol was published in JMIR Research Protocols, and the manuscript reporting the study results has been submitted to a peer-review journal. This study represents a pioneering effort to develop noninvasive, scalable approaches for CRP detection, with the potential to revolutionize the management of systemic inflammation.