Salivary High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Its Clinical Relevance in Modern Medicine: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) has emerged as a critical biomarker in inflammation, offering insights into various chronic diseases. However, traditional blood-based assays for hsCRP measurement pose limitations regarding invasiveness and cost. In recent years, saliva has garnered attention as an alternative diagnostic medium, presenting a noninvasive and easily accessible option for biomarker analysis. Salivary hsCRP has thus emerged as a promising avenue for research and clinical application, offering potential advantages over blood-based assays. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the biological basis of salivary hsCRP, its clinical applications, and methodologies for measurement. By exploring its diagnostic potential, prognostic value, and implications for treatment monitoring, this review highlights the potential impact of salivary hsCRP in modern medicine. Moreover, it emphasizes the need for continued exploration, validation, and integration of salivary hsCRP into routine clinical practice to realize its full potential for enhancing patient care and advancing personalized medicine approaches.