Abstract: Provided are compositions containing melatonin and zinc. Additionally provided are dosage forms containing the compositions, and methods of making the compositions and dosage forms. Methods of removing mercury from the body of subject are provided, as are methods of treating and/or preventing certain conditions associated with mercury toxicity.

Abstract: Treatments are disclosed for inflammatory, autoimmune, or other disorders characterized by excessive activity of calprotectin, a protein that normally defends against microbial infections by sequestering available zinc, at a site of infection. Excessive calprotectin activity, which can cause zinc deficiencies in localized tissues, can create or aggravate various disorders. However, ingestion of systemic (oral) zinc supplements tends to activate offsetting mechanisms, and such supplements therefore usually are ineffective. Accordingly, targeted treatments are disclosed herein for suppressing and controlling excessive calprotectin activity, in local tissues. Such methods include targeted injections of zinc solutions, and plasmapheresis treatment. Screening tests also are described for identifying non-protein drugs that can either (i) bind specifically to the zinc-binding sites of calprotectin, or (ii) suppress the release of calprotectin by neutrophil cells.