Fecal Calprotectin Is Increased in Stroke

Background: While there have been major advances in unveiling the mechanisms comprising the ischemic cascade of CNS, stroke continues to be a significant burden. There is a need to extend the focus toward peripheral changes, and the brain–gut axis has recently gained much attention. Our study aimed to evaluate gut inflammation and its association with blood variables in stroke using fecal calprotectin (FC). Methods: Fecal samples were obtained from 27 stroke patients and 27 control subjects. FC was quantitatively measured using a commercial ELISA. Laboratory data on the fecal sample collection were also collected, including CBC, ESR, glucose, creatinine, total protein, albumin, transaminases, and CRP. Results: There was a significant increase in FC levels in stroke patients compared to the controls. Furthermore, FC in stroke patients was negatively correlated with the Glasgow Coma Scale. Moreover, FC in stroke patients was positively correlated with CRP and negatively correlated with lymphocyte count and albumin. Conclusions: Our findings show that increased FC is associated with consciousness and systemic response in stroke and warrants further studies to elucidate the usefulness of FC in the management of stroke.

Factors Confounding the Athlete Biological Passport: A Systematic Narrative Review

Background Through longitudinal, individual and adaptive monitoring of blood biomarkers, the haematological module of the athlete biological passport (ABP) has become a valuable tool in anti-doping efforts. The composition of blood as a vector of oxygen in the human body varies in athletes with the influence of multiple intrinsic (genetic) or extrinsic (training or environmental conditions) factors. In this context, it is fundamental to establish a comprehensive understanding of the various causes that may affect blood variables and thereby alter a fair interpretation of ABP profiles. Methods This literature review described the potential factors confounding the ABP to outline influencing factors altering haematological profiles acutely or chronically. Results Our investigation confirmed that natural variations in ABP variables appear relatively small, likely—at least in part—because of strong human homeostasis. Furthermore, the significant effects on haematological variations of environmental conditions (e.g. exposure to heat or hypoxia) remain debatable. The current ABP paradigm seems rather robust in view of the existing literature that aims to delineate adaptive individual limits. Nevertheless, its objective sensitivity may be further improved. Conclusions This narrative review contributes to disentangling the numerous confounding factors of the ABP to gather the available scientific evidence and help interpret individual athlete profiles.