Increased Sialic Acid

• Acute-Phase Response and Inflammation – Elevated levels are often seen with systemic inflammation, infections, or autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Malignancies and Tissue Turnover – Increased levels have been reported in certain cancers and conditions with high cell turnover or tissue remodeling.
• Metabolic Dysregulation – Some studies suggest high sialic acid may be associated with atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome.

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Decreased Sialic Acid

• Rare Inherited Disorders – Lower levels can sometimes be seen in genetic abnormalities of glycoprotein synthesis (congenital disorders of glycosylation), though these are uncommon.
• Less Commonly Clinically Significant – Unlike the acute-phase markers, low sialic acid is less often used as an indicator of disease. Its clinical significance generally lies more in the context of high levels.

Age-Related Considerations for Sialic Acid

• Children – As the immune system and metabolism mature, sialic acid levels may change; abnormally high levels in children might suggest chronic inflammation or infection.
• Adults/Elderly – Persistent elevations may be reflective of ongoing low-grade inflammation (“inflammaging”) or contribute to risk stratification in chronic cardiovascular or autoimmune conditions.

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