Eosinophil Activation Protein (EDN/EPX)

The accumulation of eosinophil activation protein in the intestine is associated with inflammation and tissue damage, and the level of Eosinophil Activation Protein (EPA) in the stool can serve as an objective measure for chronic inflammation in the GI tract.

In the case of inflammatory bowel disease, the marker can be used to evaluate disease activity and predict relapse.

The EPA marker can also be used to determine the effectiveness of a food elimination diet to control symptoms or disease progression.

Possible Causes of Elevated Eosinophil Activation Protein:

- Respiratory allergies

- Asthma

- Food allergies and sensitivities

- IBD

- IBS

- Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE)

- Functional dyspepsia

- Acid reflux

- Intestinal barrier damage/dysfunction

- Anxiety (IBS-related anxiety)

- Intestinal parasites

Eosinophil Activation Protein (EDN/EPX) is a protein released by activated eosinophils which has strong cytotoxic characteristics. 

Cytotoxic means that a substance or process can damage cells or cause them to die. "Cyto" means cell and "toxic" means poison.

The protein plays a significant role in a variety of inflammatory and mast-cell mediated pathologies in addition to fighting pathogens, particularly viral infections.