Fetuin-A has a protective role against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by blocking a zinc metalloproteinase (known as meprin-α), which is a key player in the development of IBD by stimulating inflammatory cytokines, as well as by protecting against intestinal inflammation by inhibiting HMGB1 release (Li et al., 2011). The gene discussed is AHSG; the disease is inflammatory bowel disease.