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Published on: February 8, 2019

[Clinical usefulness of glucocorticoid receptor beta expression and NF-kappaB activity in patients with ulcerative

Kyu-Jong Kim1, Seung-Jae Myung, Seong Soo Hong

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology = Taehan Sohwagi Hakhoe Chi
|February 24, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Glucocorticoid resistance in ulcerative colitis is not predicted by human glucocorticoid receptor beta (hGRbeta) expression or nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) activity. These markers showed inconsistent expression and changes after treatment, limiting their predictive value.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Context:

  • Glucocorticoid resistance affects over 25% of severe ulcerative colitis patients.
  • Human glucocorticoid receptor beta (hGRbeta) expression and NF-kappaB activity are potential biomarkers for steroid response.

Purpose:

  • To investigate if hGRbeta expression and NF-kappaB activity can predict glucocorticoid responsiveness in ulcerative colitis patients before treatment.

Summary:

  • hGRbeta mRNA expression was assessed in PBMCs and colonic mucosa, with discordant results between sites in 70.6% of patients.
  • NF-kappaB activity was evaluated in colonic mucosa.
  • hGRbeta expression varied between PBMC and colon and changed post-treatment in nearly half of patients.

Impact:

  • The study concludes that hGRbeta expression and colonic NF-kappaB activity patterns are not reliable predictors of glucocorticoid response in ulcerative colitis.
  • This finding suggests alternative biomarkers or therapeutic strategies are needed for steroid-resistant cases.

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