Biomarkers for Diarrhea: Research Reveals New Insights

Strategic Insights -

Research from Tongji University School of Medicine has revealed a novel composite biomarker, the C-Reactive protein-triglyceride-glucose index (CTI), which has shown promise in predicting metabolic and inflammatory outcomes, including increased risk of diarrhea. A study of 4,165 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2010 cycles found that higher CTI levels were significantly associated with increased diarrhea risk, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.58 (95% CI: 1.20-2.10, P 0.05). The study also revealed that body mass index (BMI), waistline, and hypertension significantly mediated the association between CTI and diarrhea.

Key Takeaways:

  • The C-Reactive protein-triglyceride-glucose index (CTI) is a novel composite biomarker that integrates inflammation and insulin resistance to predict metabolic and inflammatory outcomes, including diarrhea.
  • A population-based cross-sectional study of 4,165 participants from NHANES 2005-2010 cycles found that higher CTI levels were significantly associated with increased diarrhea risk.
  • Adjusted odds ratios of 1.58 (95% CI: 1.20-2.10, P 0.05) suggest a strong association between CTI and diarrhea.
  • Subgroup analyses revealed consistent associations across most demographic and clinical characteristics, with no significant interaction effects.
  • Mediation analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI), waistline, and hypertension significantly mediated the association between CTI and diarrhea.
  • The study suggests that CTI may serve as a useful biomarker for identifying individuals at higher risk of diarrhea.

Statistics:

  • 4,165 participants were included in the study.
  • The study was conducted using data from NHANES 2005-2010 cycles.
  • The cohorts were followed for a duration of [not specified in the source material].
  • The odds ratio for the association between CTI and diarrhea was 1.58 (95% CI: 1.20-2.10, P 0.05).

Sources:

  • Yang, Y., et al. CTI as a biomarker for diarrhea in U.S. adults: insights from NHANES 2005-2010. BMC Gastroenterology, 2025, 25(1), 1-13. (doi.org/10.1186/s12876-025-04158-6)
  • Tongji University School of Medicine (2025). Study Findings on Biomarkers Are Outlined in Reports from Tongji University School of Medicine. Health & Medicine Week, 7890.