Does calprotectin represent a regulatory factor in host defense or a drug target in inflammatory disease?

Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2007 Mar;7(1):1-5. doi: 10.2174/187153007780059441.

Abstract

Calprotectin, a protein composed by two subunits of 8 and 14 kD respectively, is released by neutrophils in the biological fluids under inflammatory states. For instance, detection of calprotectin in faeces represents a diagnostic tool in the case of inflammatory bowel disease. Quite interestingly, calprotectin is increased in the stool of healthy newborns from day three up to day thirty and, physiologically, this increase may be interpreted as a defense mechanism against yeast and fungi. Therapeutic attempts at inhibiting the deleterious effect of calprotectin have been experimentally made by using lycoricinidol. This natural compound is able to hamper the calprotectin-induced apoptosis on the one hand. On the other hand, the same compound plays a prophylactic role in the course of experimental arthritis in rats.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Biomarkers
  • Child
  • Feces / chemistry
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Immunity / drug effects*
  • Immunity / physiology*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Inflammation / physiopathology*
  • Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex / drug effects*
  • Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex / metabolism
  • Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex / physiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Biomarkers
  • Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex