Serum calprotectin: review of its usefulness and validity in paediatric rheumatic diseases.

In most childhood rheumatic diseases, specific diagnostic markers are not yet available. Therefore, a major emphasis in medical research today is directed to the discovery of new inflammation molecules, like calprotectin. Calprotectin (MRP8/MRP14) is a complex of calcium- and zinc-binding proteins that belong to the S100 protein family.

A new diagnostic approach to better identify antiphospholipid syndrome.

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body produces antibodies to its own phospholipids or plasma proteins. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is associated with many pathologies with several clinical manifestations. It can occur as a primary disorder or may be secondary to connective tissue disorder or tumor.

Serological testing for celiac disease in women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques.

Background: The assertion of a causal relationship between celiac disease and infertility is suggested by several lines of research. Nevertheless, robust evidence has not yet been provided. The present study evaluated, for the first time, the prevalence of celiac disease in women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques (ART).