Effects of ulcerative colitis activity on plasma and mucosal prostaglandin E2 concentration

The aim of this study was to determine effects of changes in ulcerative colitis activity on mucosal and plasma PGE2 concentrations measured with an EIA in 49 patients who underwent sigmoidoscopy. The disease was diagnosed in 37 patients. Twelve patients with normal colonic mucosa served as controls. Patients were divided into three groups depending on the changes of endoscopic picture during a three-month follow-up. Some laboratory markers of the disease activity, such as C-reactive protein, albumin, gamma-globulin and hemoglobin concentrations, sedimentation rate, and white blood and platelets counts, were also evaluated. Initial examination revealed a significant, positive correlation of mucosal and plasma PGE2 concentration with endoscopic score. Follow-up of patients without significant progression of mucosal changes revealed constant and close to normal concentration of mucosal PGE2. Plasma PGE2 was higher at the second examination, yet without significant difference. Improvement of endoscopic picture resulted in significant decrease of plasma and mucosal PGE2 concentrations. Worsening of mucosal changes reflected endoscopically was associated with significant increase of PGE2. There were no remarkable changes in the values of analyzed laboratory markers of the disease activity. These results indicate the usefulness of mucosal or plasma PGE2 measurement as a possible prognostic marker in patients with ulcerative colitis.