Lysozyme, also known as muramidase, is a small alkaline glycosidase with a molecular weight of approximately 15 kDa. It is primarily produced by immune cells such as granulocytes, monocytes, and macrophages, where it functions as part of the innate immune system. Lysozyme exerts its antimicrobial effect by breaking down the peptidoglycan layer in bacterial cell walls, particularly in gram-positive bacteria, contributing to host defense mechanisms at mucosal surfaces.
In the gastrointestinal tract, the predominant source of fecal lysozyme is intestinal granulocytes, making it a useful biomarker for assessing intestinal inflammation. Elevated levels of lysozyme in stool have been observed in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), particularly during active phases of Crohn’s disease. It is commonly detected in the inflammatory infiltrate of the gut mucosa and may also be secreted by mononuclear cells into the intestinal lumen, highlighting its role in both acute and chronic inflammatory responses.
In clinical and research settings, fecal lysozyme measurement can aid in diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory conditions of the gut, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Its presence correlates with granulocyte activity and mucosal immune response, offering a non-invasive tool to evaluate disease activity, assess treatment efficacy, and distinguish between inflammatory and non-inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders.
This product is manufactured in Germany by Immundiagnostik AG.