Ecp

ECP (= eosinophil cationic protein) is a highly basic granulaprotein of eosinophil granulocytes. ECP is a marker protein for determining the activity of atopic eczema and bronchial asthma.

ECP is useful for monitoring many active inflammatory diseases because the level of circulating ECP often reflects the status of the inflammatory process.

ECP has toxic effects on neurons, some epithelial cell lines, and isolated myocardial cells. Although circulating ECP levels vary widely among patients, some studies support the usefulness of ECP measurements as a marker of inflammation. ECP concentrations in plasma and other body fluids increase in inflammatory responses characterized by eosinophil activation. The neuronal toxicity of ECP can lead to pruritus, and circulating ECP levels can provide an indication of the severity of various skin diseases.There is evidence that serum ECP levels reflect the activity of atopic dermatitis (and also allergic bronchial asthma). This correlation is higher than that of serum total IgE levels with clinical symptoms.

Genotype prevalence showed both ethnic and gender differences. Evidence showed close associations between ECP434(G>C) and ECP562(G>C) genotypes and smoking habits, lung function, and the expression of allergic symptoms. Nonallergic asthma was associated with an increased prevalence of the ECP434GG genotype (Jönsson UB et al. 2010).

In general, however, it should be noted that ECP determinations from serum are subject to considerable interindividual variation.

1. Jönsson UB et nal. (2010) Associations of ECP (eosinophil cationic protein)-gene polymorphisms to allergy, asthma, smoking habits and lung function in two Estonian and Swedish sub-cohorts of the ECRHS II study. BMC Pulm Med 10:36.
2. Renz H et al (2003) In vitro allergy diagnostics. Allergology 26: 237-254
3. Renz H et al (2009) In vitro allergy diagnostics. Guideline of the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI) Allergo J 19: 110-128.