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Reduced fecal GP2 levels in ulcerative colitis associate with inflammatory activity and microbial composition
Yoav Uchitel1, Dirk Roggenbuck2, Haim Leibovitzh1
1IBD Center, Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Gray Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Summary
Fecal GP2 levels are reduced in ulcerative colitis (UC), especially active disease, but normal in Crohn
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- GP2, an immune-modulating protein, is linked to Crohn's disease (CD) severity.
- Its role in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is not fully understood.
- Understanding GP2's role may reveal new therapeutic targets for IBD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure fecal GP2 levels in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and CD.
- To investigate associations between GP2 levels and disease activity.
- To explore the relationship between GP2, treatment response, and gut microbiome.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of adult patients with UC, CD, and healthy controls.
- ELISA was used to quantify fecal GP2 and serum anti-GP2 antibodies.
- Correlations were drawn with disease activity, inflammatory markers, and microbiome data.
Main Results:
- Fecal GP2 levels were significantly lower in UC patients, particularly those with active disease.
- GP2 levels in CD patients did not differ from controls but correlated with elastase activity.
- Fecal GP2 increased with treatment response in UC and was linked to gut microbial diversity.
Conclusions:
- Fecal GP2 is reduced in UC, suggesting a UC-specific pattern.
- GP2 levels are preserved in CD patients.
- Altered microbial interactions or protein degradation may explain reduced GP2 in UC.
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