Zinc inhibits calcium-mediated and nitric oxide-mediated ion secretion in human enterocytes.

Zn(2+) is effective in the treatment of acute diarrhea, but its mechanisms are not completely understood. We previously demonstrated that Zn(2+) inhibits the secretory effect of cyclic adenosine monophosphate but not of cyclic guanosine monophosphate in human enterocytes. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Zn(2+) inhibits intestinal ion secretion mediated by the Ca(2+) or nitric oxide pathways.

Faecal calprotectin as reliable non-invasive marker to assess the severity of mucosal inflammation in children with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: An accurate monitoring of mucosal inflammation is important for an effective management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Intestinal inflammation can be detected by faecal calprotectin level determination.

Aim: To comparatively evaluate the accuracy of faecal calprotectin, clinical scores, common serum markers and endoscopy in the assessment of the severity of intestinal mucosa inflammation in children with inflammatory bowel disease.