Effect of intermittent fasting on C-reactive protein and calprotectin levels in a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis. A case report

Abstract

Introduction: ulcerative colitis is a disease whose causes are multifactorial. Current therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, present risks, prompting the search for non-pharmacological alternatives such as intermittent fasting. To detect inflammatory conditions, the levels of calprotectin and C-reactive protein are measured.Objective: to evaluate the effects of intermittent fasting in a 34-year-old patient with ulcerative colitis, on the inflammatory markers fecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein (CRP).Clinical case: 34-year-old Caucasian woman diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in remission, she participated in an 8-week pilot study on intermittent fasting. After the intervention, it was observed that there were no significant changes in her PRC levels, however, calprotectin increased from 15 mg/kg to 1279 mg/kg, indicating an inflammatory bowel condition in the initial stage given that the patient was asymptomatic. Conclusions: calprotectin determination is a more appropriate marker to identify intestinal inflammation in early stages. Intermittent fasting could be a complementary therapeutic strategy to extend the periods of symptom remission in this disease