CALPROTECTIN Meaning and
Definition
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Calprotectin is a biomarker that is commonly measured in the field of medicine to assess inflammation and disease activity in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It refers to a protein complex that is primarily composed of two calcium-binding proteins known as S100A8 and S100A9, which are abundantly found in the immune cells and play a crucial role in the body's immune response.
When inflammation occurs in the GI tract, the immune cells release calprotectin into the stools. The level of calprotectin in the stool is then measured through laboratory testing. Elevated levels of calprotectin indicate inflammation, making it a valuable marker in the diagnosis and monitoring of various gastrointestinal disorders, particularly inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
The measurement of calprotectin provides physicians with valuable information about the activity and severity of inflammation in the GI tract. It helps in distinguishing between inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring the response to therapy. For instance, a high calprotectin level suggests active inflammation and may necessitate further evaluation or adjustments to the treatment plan.
Overall, calprotectin serves as a useful diagnostic tool for assessing GI inflammation and disease activity. By providing a quantitative measurement of calprotectin levels in the stool, healthcare professionals can effectively evaluate and manage patients with various gastrointestinal conditions, providing better care and improving outcomes.
Etymology of CALPROTECTIN
The word "calprotectin" is a blend of "calcium" and "protectin". The term was coined to describe a protein complex found in the cytosol of human neutrophils, which has a high affinity for calcium ions. The protein complex was initially identified and described in the late 1980s, and the name "calprotectin" was proposed to reflect its calcium-binding properties and its role in protecting various tissues from infection and inflammation.
