Cytokines and Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis
Author Information
Author(s): Zahn Alexandra, Giese Thomas, Karner Max, Braun Annika, Hinz Ulf, Stremmel Wolfgang, Ehehalt Robert
Primary Institution: University Hospital Heidelberg
Hypothesis
This study aims to examine the correlation between transcript levels of specific cytokines and clinical and endoscopic activity in ulcerative colitis.
Conclusion
Real-time PCR quantification of certain cytokines in colonic biopsies provides an objective method for assessing inflammation in ulcerative colitis.
Supporting Evidence
- There was a statistically significant positive correlation between cytokine levels and clinical activity index (CAI).
- High levels of cytokines were associated with high disease activity in ulcerative colitis patients.
- The study used real-time PCR, a reliable method for quantifying cytokine levels.
Takeaway
The study found that measuring certain proteins in the gut can help doctors understand how bad the inflammation is in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Methodology
Cytokine and chemokine transcripts were quantified using real-time PCR in mucosal biopsies from patients with ulcerative colitis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from including multiple biopsies from the same patient.
Limitations
The study may not fully capture all aspects of disease activity due to reliance on specific cytokines.
Participant Demographics
19 males and 8 females, mean age 37 years, with a disease duration averaging 9 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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