Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Expression, Purification, and Antimicrobial Activity of S100A12
Published on: May 13, 2017
Does calprotectin represent a regulatory factor in host defense or a drug target in inflammatory disease?
M E Baldassarre1, M A Altomare, M Fanelli
1Unità Operativa di Neonatologia e Terapia Intensiva Neonatale, Università degli Studi di Bari, Bari, Italia. baldassarre@bioetaev.uniba.it
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.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
