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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Mechanistic Insight into the Development of TNBS-Mediated Intestinal Fibrosis and Evaluating the Inhibitory Effects of Rapamycin
Published on: September 12, 2019
[TNF alfa polymorphism and course of ulcerative colitis]
Łukasz Jałocha1, Stanisław Wojtuń, Przemysław Dyrla
1Military Institute of Health Service in Warsaw, Departament of Gastroenterology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of National Defense. ljalocha@yahoo.com
This study found no direct link between tumor necrosis factor-alpha (-308) gene variations and the extent of ulcerative colitis lesions. However, a slight tendency suggested a possible association with more widespread inflammation in certain cases.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Context:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis (UC), involve chronic inflammation driven by cytokines.
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) plays a critical role in this inflammatory process.
- Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are known to influence cytokine production.
Purpose:
- To investigate the association between the TNF-alpha (-308) promoter polymorphism and the extent of ulcerative colitis (UC) lesions.
- To analyze the relationship between this specific genetic variation and disease manifestation classified by the Montreal classification.
Summary:
- The study analyzed 48 UC patients using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP).
- No statistically significant association was found between the TNF-alpha (-308) promoter polymorphism and the macroscopic extent of UC lesions based on the Montreal classification.
- A non-significant trend indicated a higher prevalence of pancolitis in patients with the TNF-alpha (-308) polymorphism linked to lower TNF-alpha production.
Impact:
- This research clarifies the role of the TNF-alpha (-308) polymorphism in UC lesion extension.
- Findings suggest that this specific genetic marker may not be a reliable predictor for disease severity in ulcerative colitis.
- Further research may explore other genetic or environmental factors influencing UC progression.
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