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Circulating human leucocyte elastase in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Gut
|December 1, 1985
Summary
Plasma levels of human leucocyte elastase (HLE) are elevated in active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Measuring HLE may help assess disease activity in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation.
- Biomarkers are needed to accurately assess IBD activity and guide clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma concentrations of human leucocyte elastase (HLE) in patients with active and inactive IBD.
- To determine if HLE levels correlate with disease activity and other inflammatory markers.
Main Methods:
- Plasma HLE concentrations were measured using enzyme immunoassay in 94 patients with IBD.
- HLE levels were compared between active and inactive disease states, and between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Correlation analysis was performed with disease activity indices and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Main Results:
- HLE levels were significantly elevated in active Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis compared to inactive states.
- Active Crohn's disease showed higher mean HLE levels than active ulcerative colitis.
- HLE correlated significantly with Crohn's disease activity index and CRP levels, but not ESR.
Conclusions:
- Plasma HLE concentration serves as a reliable indicator of intestinal disease activity in IBD.
- Serial HLE measurements could be valuable for monitoring and managing patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
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