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Expression of nitric oxide synthase in ulcerative colitis
A J Godkin1, A J De Belder, L Villa
1Department of Gastroenterology, West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth, UK.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is present in the colons of patients with active ulcerative colitis. Targeting iNOS may offer a new treatment for this inflammatory bowel disease.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation, vasodilation, and impaired gut motility.
- Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been proposed as a key mediator of these ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of iNOS in colonic tissue from patients with active ulcerative colitis.
- To determine if iNOS expression correlates with ulcerative colitis activity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a specific antibody to detect iNOS in colonic biopsies.
- Measured calcium-independent citrulline activity as a marker for iNOS enzyme activity.
- Compared iNOS presence and activity in patients with ulcerative colitis versus age-matched controls.
Main Results:
- Eight patients with active ulcerative colitis showed significant calcium-independent citrulline activity.
- Immunoreactivity to the iNOS antibody was observed in the lamina propria and colonic epithelial cells of ulcerative colitis patients.
- Five age-matched controls exhibited negligible iNOS activity and no immunoreactivity.
Conclusions:
- The inducible nitric oxide synthase enzyme is present in the colonic tissue, including the epithelium, of patients with active ulcerative colitis.
- The findings suggest that iNOS plays a role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.
- Inhibition of iNOS represents a potential novel therapeutic strategy for managing active ulcerative colitis.