Abstract

ROLE OF INFLAMMATION IN PELLAGRA: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Background and objectives: Recent studies in medical science have established a fundamental role for inflammation in mediating all stages of this disease from initiation through progression and, ultimately, the thrombotic complications of atherosclerosis. Earlier studies documented the role of inflammation in pathophysiology of many diseases. But the information regarding the role of inflammation in pellagra is less. Therefore we hypothesized that, high levels of inflammatory markers like C Reactive Proteins (CRP), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF alpha) and Interleukin 6 (IL6) will be present in pellagra patients. Materials and methods: Clinically diagnosed pellagra patients aged between 18 to 40 years were recruited (n=63) from department of dermatology. Age and gender matched controls were recruited among staff and residents. Inflammation was assessed by using markers like C Reactive Proteins (CRP), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF alpha) and Interleukin 6 (IL6) Results: There was no significant difference in anthropometric parameters. But, inflammatory markers hs CRP, TNF alpha and IL6 were significantly high in patients suffering from pellagra, when compared to age and gender matched controls (p<0.001) Conclusion: From this study, we can conclude that, the estimation of levels of inflammatory markers in pellagra patients at early stage will help to take measures to prevent the progression of disease.

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