Biochemical Features and Clinical Importance of Calprotectin: A Review Article
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Abstract
Calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9) is a heterodimeric protein most abundant in neutrophils. It has recently gained much attention as a reasonable biomarker to monitor and diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases-IBD; more specifically, it represents Crohn's Disease-CD and Ulcerative Colitis-UC. In clinical applications, its main importance lies in being a non-invasive marker for gut inflammation, such as when expressed in conditions like CD and UC. A comprehensive understanding of the multiple functions that calprotectin plays within inflammatory responses will lead to more precise diagnostics as well as improved treatment strategies within the clinical setting. This review article provides a synthesis of recent research advances with respect to biochemical properties and functions relating to calprotectin within IBD through perspectives focused on its role both diagnostically and therapeutically. Its very complex chemical structure has attracted much interest lately in connection with related biochemical mechanisms of its synthesis. This paper further synthesizes existing research findings on calprotectin's chemical structure and production sources, highlights knowledge gaps in those areas, and suggests directions for future research.
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