Real-time PCR quantification analysis of five mucosal transcripts in patients with Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease has a genetic background. Onset of the clinical manifestations, however, is suggested to be triggered by environmental factors. Microarray analysis has shown that the expression of transcripts aldolase B, elafin, MST-1, simNIPhom and SLC6A14 are altered in patients with ulcerative colitis. The primary aim of this study was to explore the expressions of these five transcripts in macroscopically inflamed and noninflamed mucosa in patients with Crohn's disease.

Mucosal specimens obtained from colon in consecutive patients with Crohn's disease (n=23) and controls (n=67) undergoing colonoscopy were analyzed using real-time PCR technique.

The expressions of the transcripts aldolase B, elafin, simNIPhom and SLC6A14 were increased, whereas the expression of MST-1 was decreased in noninflamed rectal mucosa in patients with Crohn's disease compared with controls. The expression of aldolase B was increased and the expressions of elafin and simNIPhom were decreased in inflamed colonic mucosa compared with noninflamed rectal mucosa in patients with Crohn's disease. No correlation, between the clinical activity of Crohn's disease (Mayo score or=6) and transcript expression was detected.

The mucosal transcript pattern in Crohn's disease may, based on the known biological function of the transcripts, explain some of the typical features of Crohn's disease and indicate a possible pathophysiological role of microbes. Our results may thereby contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis and manifestations of Crohn's disease.