Rasmussen LJH, Moffitt TE, Arseneault L, et al. - Researchers undertook this cohort study involving 1,391 young people followed up to 18 years of age in the United Kingdom, to determine if a rise in soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) levels (a novel biomarker of chronic inflammation) may be detected in young people in correlation with exposure to adverse experiences, stress, and violence. They also investigated whether an improved evaluation of the inflammatory burden related to early-life stress can be achieved by measuring suPAR in addition to C-reactive protein (CRP) or interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels. Plasma CRP, IL-6, and suPAR levels at 18 years of age were considered as main outcomes and measures. They found high suPAR levels at 18 years of age, even in children who did not exhibit elevated CRP or IL-6 levels, in relation to exposure to adverse experiences, stress, and violence during childhood or adolescence. Findings are indicative of a link between adult inflammation and childhood exposure to stress. A better measurement of inflammatory burden related to exposure to stress and violence may be achieved by adding information regarding suPAR to conventional biomarkers of inflammation.