Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a plasma membranebound atypical serine protease of the prolyl oligopeptidase gene family and is expressed at sites of tissue remodelling. 1,2 FAP was initially described as the cell surface antigen recognized by monoclonal antibody (mAb) F19 on subsets of human astrocytoma and sarcoma cell lines in vitro. 3,4 Subsequent immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that FAP, while not expressed in most normal adult human tissues, is strongly expressed by the reactive tumor stromal fibroblasts surrounding the newly formed blood vessels of epithelial cancers. 5 In addition, FAP-expressing reactive fibroblasts are found in the granulation tissue of healing wounds and in certain fetal mesenchymal tissues. 2,5 Based on the highly selective expression of FAP, in vivo targeting of the tumor stromal compartment has been achieved with radiolabeled anti-FAP mAb F19 in patients with colorectal cancer. 6 Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of a human FAP cDNA and biochemical studies with FAP-specific mAbs have identified the gene product as an N-glycosylated, type II integral membrane protein with a molecular weight of about 95,000, comprising a large carboxy-terminal extracellular domain, a hydrophobic transmembrane segment, and a short cytoplasmic tail. 2 Dimeric and higher-molecular-weight complexes of FAP have been described.

Serum calprotectin and S100A12 are increased in children with IBD and indicate disease activity. Elevated levels of these proteins are present in the colonic mucosa and may contribute to the pathogenesis of IBD. Furthermore, an imbalance between sRAGE and S100A12 may contribute to inflammatory changes present in IBD.

This study demonstrates memory dysfunction in three common childhood epilepsy syndromes. Children with TLE had the greatest impairment, children with FLE had memory difficulties not previously reported, and children with CAE had subtle memory deficits. Qualitative differences were also evident. Longer duration of intractable epilepsy was associated with reduced memory ability. Memory function and its potential impact on academic achievement are vital considerations when managing children with epilepsy.