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Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein in colonic mucosa in ulcerative colitis
M M Haapamäki1, J O Häggblom, J M Grönroos
1Department of Surgery, University of Turku, Finland. markku.haapamaki@utu.fi
Hepato-Gastroenterology
|October 16, 1999
Summary
Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) concentration is elevated in ulcerative colitis colon tissue. Higher BPI levels correlate with increased mucosal inflammation severity in this inflammatory bowel disease.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Increased mucosal concentration of bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) is observed in inflammatory bowel diseases.
- BPI is a key component of the innate immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between mucosal BPI concentration and the grade of mucosal inflammation in ulcerative colitis.
Main Methods:
- Colonic mucosa samples from 12 ulcerative colitis patients and 8 controls were analyzed.
- Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) concentration was measured using time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to localize BPI in tissue sections.
Main Results:
- Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) concentration was significantly higher in ulcerative colitis patients (median: 3.2 µg/g) compared to controls (0.4 µg/g).
- BPI levels were elevated in severe inflammation (2.5 µg/g) versus mild inflammation (0.5 µg/g).
- A strong correlation was found between BPI concentration and histological inflammation grade (Spearman R = 0.70, p = 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Colonic mucosal bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) concentration is increased in ulcerative colitis.
- Elevated BPI levels in colonic mucosa are closely associated with the inflammatory activity of ulcerative colitis.