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Transglutaminases in Crohn's disease
G D'Argenio1, L Biancone, V Cosenza
1Gastrointestinal Unit, School of Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
Gut
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Serum transglutaminase levels are a valuable indicator for monitoring Crohn's disease activity and patient recovery. Assays can track disease progression and remission, aiding in treatment management.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Transglutaminases are calcium-dependent enzymes crucial for biological processes.
- Reduced circulating transglutaminase (factor XIIIa) is observed in inflammatory bowel diseases.
- Factor XIIIa and tissue transglutaminase interact with extracellular matrix proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum transglutaminase assay for monitoring Crohn's disease activity and treatment.
- To investigate the intestinal localization of transglutaminases in normal and diseased tissues.
Main Methods:
- Assayed serum transglutaminase activity in 36 active Crohn's disease patients.
- Prospectively monitored 18 patients from relapse to remission.
- Utilized immunohistochemistry to assess transglutaminase localization in intestinal tissues.
Main Results:
- Found a significant inverse correlation between serum transglutaminase and Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI).
- Observed correlations between serum transglutaminase, orosomucoid, and C-reactive protein.
- Demonstrated improvement in CDAI and transglutaminase activity during remission.
- Showed colocalization of factor XIIIa and tissue transglutaminase in the extracellular matrix of damaged tissues.
Conclusions:
- Serum transglutaminase assay is a valuable marker for Crohn's disease activity.
- The assay can effectively monitor disease progression and remission.
- Transglutaminases play a role in extracellular matrix assembly within damaged intestinal tissues.
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