PMN elastase
PMN elastase is an enzyme from polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PMN), the most common white blood cells. It is measured in stool. Not to be confused with pancreatic elastase, which shows the digestive function of the pancreas.
What PMN elastase does in the body
Neutrophil granulocytes release elastase at the site of inflammation. It breaks down proteins of bacteria and dead tissue. When many of these immune cells reach the gut lining, PMN elastase in stool rises.
Low PMN elastase – what does it mean?
A low value is the normal case. It speaks against increased migration of neutrophil immune cells into the gut.
Raised PMN elastase – what does it mean?
A raised value shows an inflammatory process in the gut lining, for example with bacterial gut infections or chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Together with calprotectin and lactoferrin, it helps to assess whether symptoms are more likely inflammatory or functional.
The interpretation is given in your report.
Also known as: pmn elastase, granulocyte elastase, neutrophil elastase, leukocyte elastase
Contexts in which this value is measured
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Mucus in stool
- Blood in stool
Analyses that include this value
There is currently no analysis in the shop for this value. A practitioner or doctor from the ORY expert network can tell you how else it can be determined.
View the expert networkReference ranges and how your personal value is to be read are set out in your findings report. You discuss the findings with a practitioner or doctor from the ORY expert network.