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“We examined how body mass index (BMI) and salivary inflammatory markers were related over time in a diverse sample of adolescents. Our findings highlight salivary C-reactive protein (CRP) as a promising noninvasive biomarker for obesity-related inflammation. Monitoring salivary CRP levels may help evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing obesity-related complications early in life.” – Keri Kemp, PhD
Salivary CRP: A Noninvasive Indicator of Obesity-Related Inflammation in Youth
Prospective Associations Between Salivary Biomarkers of Inflammation and Body Mass Index in Adolescents
Kemp, K. M., Orihuela, C. A., Granger, D. A., Evans, R. R., & Mrug, S. (2025). Obesity science and practice
Research Highlights: Obesity during childhood and adolescence is common in the US and often linked to chronic inflammation. This study examined the relationship between BMI z-scores and salivary inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), IL‑1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, in a racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse sample of 280 early adolescents followed for up to two years. The results presented a two-way link between BMIz and CRP, indicating that weight gain and inflammation may drive each other over time. These findings indicate salivary CRP as a practical, noninvasive tool for tracking obesity-related inflammation in youth.
Keywords: Inflammation, obesity, adolescents, saliva, CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, non-invasive biomarkers
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