Evaluation of serologic disease markers in a population-based cohort of patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease

Circulatory resistin levels in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a chronic relapsing-remitting systemic disease of the gastrointestinal tract with rising incidence. Studies have shown that adipocytes play a crucial role in patients with IBD by actively participating in systemic immune responses. The present study was designed to investigate the correlation between the circulatory levels of resistin, as an adipokine, and active and remission phases of IBD in comparison with healthy controls.

METHODS

Relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, the Web of Science, and Scopus from inception until June 2023. Estimation of the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for comparison of plasma/serum resistin levels between IBD patients, patients in remission, and healthy controls were conducted through random-effect meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 19 studies were included, assessing 1836 cases. Meta-analysis indicated that generally, serum/plasma resistin levels were higher in IBD patients in comparison with healthy controls (SMD 1.33, 95% CI 0.58 to 2.08, p-value < 0.01). This was true for each of the UC and CD separate analyses, as well. Moreover, it was shown that higher serum/plasma resistin levels were detected in the active phase of IBD than in the remission phase (SMD 1.04, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.42, p-value = 0.01). Finally, higher serum/plasma resistin levels were found in the remission phase compared to healthy controls (SMD 0.60, 95% CI 0.15 to 1.06, p-value < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis support the conclusion that circulating resistin levels are increased in IBD (both UC and CD). Also, higher resistin levels were recorded in the remission phase of IBD in comparison with healthy controls. This indicates that further studies may provide valuable insights into the role of resistin in the pathogenesis of IBD.

Novel Diagnostic Autoantibodies Against Endothelial Protein C Receptor in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis

There have been many reports on serologic autoantibodies in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD),¹ consisting of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), and recently Kuwada et al² reported a new autoantibody against integrin αvβ6 with high sensitivity and specificity for UC. Concurrently, we had discovered autoantibodies against endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) in Takayasu arteritis (TAK), which is sometimes complicated by UC.³ Interestingly, this autoantibody was found in most patients with TAK associated with UC, and we found that the positivity rate in patients with UC without TAK was also high, suggesting that anti-EPCR antibody is a candidate autoantibody useful for the diagnosis of UC.⁴ To clarify the diagnostic usefulness of anti-EPCR antibodies in patients with IBD and their relationship to several disease subphenotypes and their disease activities, we analyzed the serum samples from patients with IBD and non-IBD control subjects in Japan and the United States.

Resistin, Elastase, and Lactoferrin as Potential Plasma Biomarkers of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Based on Comprehensive Proteomic Screens

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune-mediated chronic inflammation of the intestine, which can present in the form of ulcerative colitis (UC) or as Crohn's disease (CD). Biomarkers are needed for reliable diagnosis and disease monitoring in IBD, especially in pediatric patients. Plasma samples from a pediatric IBD cohort were interrogated using an aptamer-based screen of 1322 proteins. The elevated biomarkers identified using the aptamer screen were further validated by ELISA using an independent cohort of 76 pediatric plasma samples, drawn from 30 CD, 30 UC, and 16 healthy controls. Of the 1322 proteins screened in plasma from IBD patients, 129 proteins were significantly elevated when compared with healthy controls. Of these 15 proteins had a fold change greater than 2 and 28 proteins had a fold change >1.5. Neutrophil and extracellular vesicle signatures were detected among the elevated plasma biomarkers. When seven of these proteins were validated by ELISA, resistin was the only protein that was significantly higher in both UC and CD (p < 0.01), with receiver operating characteristic area under the curve value of 0.82 and 0.77, respectively, and the only protein that exhibited high sensitivity and specificity for both CD and UC. The next most discriminatory plasma proteins were elastase and lactoferrin, particularly for UC, with receiver operating characteristic area under the curve values of 0.74 and 0.69, respectively. We have identified circulating resistin, elastase, and lactoferrin as potential plasma biomarkers of IBD in pediatric patients using two independent diagnostic platforms and two independent patient cohorts.

Preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Is Correlated with Severe Postoperative Complications After Emergency Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction

The incidence of postoperative severe complications is reported to be high in patients undergoing emergency surgery for severe ulcerative colitis (UC). It has also been reported that the preoperative inflammatory status is associated with the frequency of postoperative complications. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple and useful parameter for determining the inflammatory status.

Methods

In the present study, we retrospectively investigated the correlation between the NLR and the incidence of severe postoperative complications in patients undergoing emergency surgery for severe UC. A total of 105 UC patients who underwent emergency or semi-emergency surgery were enrolled. Various clinical factors and NLR values were evaluated to identify the risk factors for severe complications. Postoperative complications were stratified by their severity according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification (CD). A postoperative complication of CD IIIb or higher was defined as severe postoperative complications. The incidence of severe complications was 16.2%.

Results

A multivariate analysis revealed the ASA score, toxic megacolon, and NLR to be independent risk factors for severe postoperative complications.

Conclusions

The results of this retrospective study suggest that the NLR is an independent risk factor for severe postoperative complications in patients undergoing emergency surgery for UC.

Inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis: modernizing the multidisciplinary approach

Psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are immune-mediated diseases occurring in barrier organs whose main task is to protect the organism from attack. These disorders are highly prevalent especially in northern Europe where psoriasis has a prevalence of around 3-4% and IBD around 0.3%. The prevalence of IBD in North America has been estimated at around 0.4%. The total incidence rates in northern Europe have been estimated at around 6 for Crohn's disease and 11 for ulcerative colitis per 100 000 person-years, compared with an incidence rate of around 280 per 100 000 person-years for psoriasis. Both diseases are less common in countries with a lower index of development. The rise in IBD appears to occur as populations adopt a westernized lifestyle, whereas psoriasis seems more stable and prevalence differences may derive more from variation in genetic susceptibility. The gut microbiota is clearly an important driver of IBD pathogenesis; in psoriasis, changes in gut and skin microbiota have been reported, but it is less clear whether and how these changes contribute to the pathogenesis. Large studies show that most identified genes are involved in the immune system. However, psoriasis and IBD are highly heterogeneous diseases and there is a need for more precise and deeper phenotyping to identify specific subgroups and their genetic, epigenetic and molecular signatures. Epigenetic modifications of DNA such as histone modifications, noncoding RNA effects on transcription and translation and DNA methylation are increasingly recognized as the mechanism underpinning much of the gene-environment interaction in the pathogenesis of both IBD and psoriasis. Our understanding of underlying pathogenetic mechanisms has deepened fundamentally over the past decades developing hand in hand with novel therapies targeting pathways and proinflammatory cytokines incriminated in disease. There is not only substantial overlap between psoriasis and IBD, but also there are differences with implication for therapy. In psoriasis, drugs targeting interleukin-23 and interleukin-17 have shown superior efficacy compared with anti-TNFs, whilst in IBD, drugs targeting interleukin-17 may be less beneficial. The therapeutic toolbox for psoriasis is impressive and is enlarging also for IBD. Still, there are unmet needs reflecting the heterogeneity of both diseases and there is a need for closer molecular diagnostics to allow for the development of precise therapeutics.

Accuracy of the highly sensitive C-reactive protein/albumin ratio to determine disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease

Persistent disease activity is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aims to explore the accuracy of the highly sensitive C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) in determining IBD activity.The clinical data of 231 IBD patients treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2012 to 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were classified as having active disease or remission according to the Crohn disease activity index scores for patients with Crohn disease (CD) and partial Mayo scores for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).This study included 231 IBD patients (137 CD and 94 UC). From these groups, 182 patients had active disease, while 49 patients were in remission. The platelet counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rates, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, and CAR scores were significantly higher, while hemoglobin levels, ALB, and body mass indexes were significantly lower in patients with active disease (P < 0.01). The hsCRP, CAR, and ALB significantly correlated with disease activity for both CD and UC (P < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of CAR was highest among the laboratory indexes at 0.829, and the AUC of CAR in the UC patients was larger than that of the CD patients. Also, CAR with cutoff value of 0.06 displayed the highest sensitivity among the indexes for IBD activity at 83.05%.CAR is a useful biomarker for identifying disease activity in patients with CD and UC. Higher CAR levels are indicative of increased IBD activity. CAR may be more valuable in UC than that in CD for assessing the degree of IBD activity.

Defining the Path Forward for Biomarkers to Address Unmet Needs in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Despite major advances in the inflammatory bowel diseases field, biomarkers to enable personalized and effective management are inadequate. Disease course and treatment response are highly variable, with some patients experiencing mild disease progression, whereas other patients experience severe or complicated disease. Periodic endoscopy is performed to assess disease activity; as a result, it takes months to ascertain whether a treatment is having a positive impact on disease progression. Minimally invasive biomarkers for prognosis of disease course, prediction of treatment response, monitoring of disease activity, and accurate diagnosis based on improved disease phenotyping and classification could improve outcomes and accelerate the development of novel therapeutics. Rapidly developing technologies have great potential in this regard; however, the discovery, validation, and qualification of biomarkers will require partnerships including academia, industry, funders, and regulators. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation launched the IBD Biomarker Summit to bring together key stakeholders to identify and prioritize critical unmet needs; prioritize promising technologies and consortium approaches to address these needs; and propose harmonization approaches to improve comparability of data across studies. Here, we summarize the outcomes of the 2018 and 2019 meetings, including consensus-based unmet needs in the clinical and drug development context. We highlight ongoing consortium efforts and promising technologies with the potential to address these needs in the near term. Finally, we summarize actionable recommendations for harmonization, including data collection tools for improved consistency in disease phenotyping; standardization of informed consenting; and development of guidelines for sample management and assay validation. Taken together, these outcomes demonstrate that there is an exceptional alignment of priorities across stakeholders for a coordinated effort to address unmet needs of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases through biomarker science.

Oral Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Role of Non-Invasive Surrogate Markers of Disease Activity

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), can be associated with several extra-intestinal manifestations requiring a multidisciplinary management both in terms of work-up and therapy. Oral lesions are common in patients with IBD, with a prevalence ranging from 5% to 50%. These can represent an oral location of IBD as well as a side-effect of drugs used to treat the intestinal disease. Oral manifestations, occurring in patients with IBD, can be divided in nonmalignant, specific, and non-specific ones, and malignant lesions. While there is undoubtedly a need to search for an IBD in patients with oral lesions associated with intestinal symptoms, the work-up of those with an exclusive oral lesion should be personalized. Fecal calprotectin is a non-invasive marker of intestinal inflammation and may be used to select which patients need to undergo endoscopic examination, thereby avoiding unnecessary investigations. The pharmacological armamentarium to treat oral lesions associated with IBD includes topical or systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and biologic drugs.

A comprehensive review and update on ulcerative colitis. Dis Mon 2019;65:100851. [PMID: 30837080 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2019.02.004]

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disorder of the colon that causes continuous mucosal inflammation extending from the rectum to the more proximal colon, with variable extents. UC is characterized by a relapsing and remitting course. UC was first described by Samuel Wilks in 1859 and it is more common than Crohn's disease worldwide. The overall incidence and prevalence of UC is reported to be 1.2-20.3 and 7.6-245 cases per 100,000 persons/year respectively. UC has a bimodal age distribution with an incidence peak in the 2nd or 3rd decades and followed by second peak between 50 and 80 years of age. The key risk factors for UC include genetics, environmental factors, autoimmunity and gut microbiota. The classic presentation of UC include bloody diarrhea with or without mucus, rectal urgency, tenesmus, and variable degrees of abdominal pain that is often relieved by defecation. UC is diagnosed based on the combination of clinical presentation, endoscopic findings, histology, and the absence of alternative diagnoses. In addition to confirming the diagnosis of UC, it is also important to define the extent and severity of inflammation, which aids in the selection of appropriate treatment and for predicting the patient's prognosis. Ileocolonoscopy with biopsy is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis of UC. A pathognomonic finding of UC is the presence of continuous colonic inflammation characterized by erythema, loss of normal vascular pattern, granularity, erosions, friability, bleeding, and ulcerations, with distinct demarcation between inflamed and non-inflamed bowel. Histopathology is the definitive tool in diagnosing UC, assessing the disease severity and identifying intraepithelial neoplasia (dysplasia) or cancer. The classical histological changes in UC include decreased crypt density, crypt architectural distortion, irregular mucosal surface and heavy diffuse transmucosal inflammation, in the absence of genuine granulomas. Abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scanning is the preferred initial radiographic imaging study in UC patients with acute abdominal symptoms. The hallmark CT finding of UC is mural thickening with a mean wall thickness of 8 mm, as opposed to a 2-3 mm mean wall thickness of the normal colon. The Mayo scoring system is a commonly used index to assess disease severity and monitor patients during therapy. The goals of treatment in UC are three fold-improve quality of life, achieve steroid free remission and minimize the risk of cancer. The choice of treatment depends on disease extent, severity and the course of the disease. For proctitis, topical 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) drugs are used as the first line agents. UC patients with more extensive or severe disease should be treated with a combination of oral and topical 5-ASA drugs +/- corticosteroids to induce remission. Patients with severe UC need to be hospitalized for treatment. The options in these patients include intravenous steroids and if refractory, calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine, tacrolimus) or tumor necrosis factor-α antibodies (infliximab) are utilized. Once remission is induced, patients are then continued on appropriate medications to maintain remission. Indications for emergency surgery include refractory toxic megacolon, colonic perforation, or severe colorectal bleeding.

Differential diagnosis of Crohn's disease using antibodies to glycoprotein 2 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Glycoprotein 2 (GP2), the major autoantigen of Crohn's disease (CD)-specific pancreatic autoantibodies, is reportedly correlated with several characteristics of CD. We investigated this serological marker in Turkish patients with CD and assessed its utility in combination with anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCAs) for differential diagnosis of CD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 60 patients with CD, 62 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 46 healthy controls with a definite diagnosis who were similar in age and sex were enrolled in the study conducted from November 2011 to October 2012. ASCA and anti-GP2 levels were measured using commercially available kits.

RESULTS

Anti-GP2 IgA and IgG levels were higher in patients with CD (25%) than in those with UC (5%) and controls (2%). The seroprevalence of anti-GP2 IgA was markedly higher than that of IgG in patients with CD in contrast to previous studies. The specificity and positive predictive value of seropositivity for both ASCA and anti-GP2 were 100%. ASCA IgA seropositivity was correlated with a complicated disease course and a history of surgery. There was no correlation between anti-GP2 seropositivity and disease location, disease behavior, or a history of surgery.

CONCLUSION

The combination of ASCA and anti-GP2 may enable differentiation of CD from UC. As ASCA seropositivity is associated with a more complicated disease course, patients seropositive for ASCA at the initial diagnosis should undergo more intense therapy.

ASCA and ANCA among Bedouin Arabs with inflammatory bowel disease, the frequency and phenotype correlation

Background

Serological markers used for diagnostic purposes and disease stratification in inflammatory bowel disease.

We aimed to investigate the frequency of ASCA and ANCA among Arab Bedouin IBD patients and its relationship to disease phenotype and course.

Methods

From cohort of 68, 25 Crohn’s disease (CD) and 25 Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients were recruited (72%). ASCA IgG was determined by ELISA assay. Immunofluorescence analysis of ANCA was performed.

Results

The IgG ASCA was detected in 13 (52%) of the CD patients and in three (12%) UC patients. The prevalence of ANCA among UC patients was positive with 76%, sub-grouped, atypical ANCA in 9 patients (36%), pANCA in six patients (24%) and cANCA in 4 patients (16%).

The detection of ASCA among CD patients was found not to be a reliable predictor of young age at diagnosis, gender, ileal involvement, anti-TNF treatment or surgery.

UC patients with positive ANCA were younger, mean age 40.2 ± 11.9 compared with 57.3 ± 21.2 (p = 0.03), and diagnosed at a younger age, 29.2 ± 11.8 compared with 43.5 ± 15.3 (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

The frequency of ASCA among Bedouin CD patients and ANCA among UC patients was high, however ASCA was not found to have a predictive value for disease phenotype or course. Positive ANCA in UC patients was predictive for younger age and age at diagnosis.

Diagnostic utility of serological biomarkers in patients with Crohn's disease: A case-control study

The aim of this study was to examine the expression of serological markers in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in China, and determine the diagnostic utility of serological markers, individually and in combination, for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD).Serum samples were obtained from 160 participants in Eastern China. Among the participants, 98 were diagnosed with CD, 33 had ulcerative colitis (UC), and 29 were healthy controls (HC). The serum samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against outer membrane porin C (anti-OmpC), Pseudomonas fluorescens bacterial sequence I2 (anti-I2), anti-laminarin (anti-L), anti-chitin (anti-C), anti-chitobioside carbohydrate antibody (ACCA), anti-laminaribioside carbohydrate antibody (ALCA), anti-mannobioside carbohydrate antibody (AMCA), and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Individually, anti-C, anti-L, ASCA-IgG, and ALCA lacked diagnostic value in the differentiation of CD. ASCA-IgA remained the most accurate marker for the diagnosis of CD, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77; however, its sensitivity and specificity were both lower than 75%. Among the combinations of the 5 markers with significant diagnosing ability for CD, combinations with any 2 of the 3 markers, ASCA IgA, AMCA, and ACCA positive, provided the best accuracy in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of CD (sensitivity and specificity both above 75%) and had the highest Youden index.Serological antibodies, when considered in combination, have remarkable value in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of CD. Especially, the combination of any 2 of the 3 markers, ASCA-IgA, AMCA, ACCA positive, appears to be optimal.

Development and Validation of a Novel Prediction Model for Differential Diagnosis Between Crohn's Disease and Intestinal Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND

Although colonoscopy is useful for differentiating between Crohn's disease (CD) and intestinal tuberculosis (ITB), the technique has limitations. We developed a practical prediction model for differentiating between CD and ITB using laboratory and radiologic parameters and colonoscopic characteristics.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 80 patients newly diagnosed with CD (n = 40) and ITB (n = 40). We developed a new prediction score by integrating colonoscopic, laboratory, and radiologic parameters. The score's predictive ability was validated on an additional 37 patients.

RESULTS

The accuracy of colonoscopic scoring for differentiation was 81.2% (65/80), with 65.0% sensitivity for CD and 97.5% for ITB. In multivariate analysis, positive IgA and/or IgG anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody and involvement of the proximal intestine were the independent laboratory and radiologic parameters for CD, and positive QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube Test and typical pulmonary TB findings were the parameters for ITB. A new prediction scoring combining colonoscopic, laboratory, and radiologic factors increased the accuracy of diagnosis from 81.2% to 96.3% (77/80). The CD prediction score (from -2 to 2) estimated the likelihood of CD, from 0.3% for patients scoring -2 to 100% for patients scoring 2. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the score was 0.990 in the development group and 0.981 in the validation group.

CONCLUSIONS

The new prediction model using a CD prediction score can be useful for calculating the probability of either CD or ITB at initial evaluation (NCT01392365).

Diagnostic Modalities for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Serologic Markers and Endoscopy

The evaluation, diagnosis, and monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has improved significantly over the past few decades. However, differentiation and management of the subtypes of IBD (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and indeterminate colitis) can still be challenging. The evolution of serologic markers has improved our understanding of the pathogenesis and natural history of IBD. In addition, advancements in endoscopy and endoscopic scoring systems have improved the accuracy of diagnosis and the efficacy of surveillance of IBD patients. This article reviews the recent literature on serologic markers, endoscopy, and endoscopy scoring systems.

Clinical aspects of indirect immunofluorescence for autoimmune diseases

Because the most common term used in conversations considering autoimmunity is autoantibodies, it is well-expected that the indirect immunofluorescence assay, which detects antibodies directed against various antigens, is one of our most impressive techniques for investigating autoimmune diseases (AIDs). Roughly speaking, the current literature corroborates that this immunopathologic investigation means that autoantibodies detection makes a considerable contribution to both diagnostic and prognostic aspects of AIDs in the clinical setting. However, it varies between different AIDs, autoantibodies, ethnicities or detection methodologies. Directly focusing on the indirect immunofluorescence assay, we present evidence to support this multidimensional variation regarding the subject via reviewing briefly the best-investigated autoantibodies in the well-documented AIDs, including vasculitis, inflammatory bowel disease, scleroderma, autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome.

Does neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predict active ulcerative colitis?

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory markers have been studied in ulcerative colitis (UC) for diagnosis, disease activity, and prediction of relapse. Blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (N/L) ratio has been used to determine outcomes of some malignancies and coronary artery disease. Blood N/L ratio is a simple sign of clinical inflammation. In this study, we examined N/L ratio in recurrent patients suffering from UC.

METHODS

The aim of the present study was to analyze N/L ratios in serum samples of UC patients in remission and active phases. Patients' age, extend of the disease, disease duration, disease activity, drug, and other medical history were all noted for patients. C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and complete blood count were determined for patients.

RESULTS

Forty-nine UC patients were admitted into the present study. The blood N/L ratios were significantly increased in active phase compared with inactive UC patients (p < 0.05). The cut-off value for N/L ratio for the detection of active UC patients was calculated as ≥ 2.3 using receiver operating characteristic analysis [sensitivity: 61.2 %, specificity: 66.7 %, AUC: 0.650 (0.540-0.760), p = 0.01].

CONCLUSIONS

Present study shows that in patients with UC, the blood N/L ratio is associated with active disease. N/L ratio may be used as an activity parameter in UC.

Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease: Potential role of molecular biometrics

Accurate diagnosis of predominantly colonic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not possible in 30% of patients. For decades, scientists have worked to find a solution to improve diagnostic accuracy for IBD, encompassing Crohn's colitis and ulcerative colitis. Evaluating protein patterns in surgical pathology colectomy specimens of colonic mucosal and submucosal compartments, individually, has potential for diagnostic medicine by identifying integrally independent, phenotype-specific cellular and molecular characteristics. Mass spectrometry (MS) and imaging (I) MS are analytical technologies that directly measure molecular species in clinical specimens, contributing to the in-depth understanding of biological molecules. The biometric-system complexity and functional diversity is well suited to proteomic and diagnostic studies. The direct analysis of cells and tissues by Matrix-Assisted-Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) MS/IMS has relevant medical diagnostic potential. MALDI-MS/IMS detection generates molecular signatures obtained from specific cell types within tissue sections. Herein discussed is a perspective on the use of MALDI-MS/IMS and bioinformatics technologies for detection of molecular-biometric patterns and identification of differentiating proteins. I also discuss a perspective on the global challenge of transferring technologies to clinical laboratories dealing with IBD issues. The significance of serologic-immunometric advances is also discussed.

Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease: Potential role of molecular biometrics

Accurate diagnosis of predominantly colonic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not possible in 30% of patients. For decades, scientists have worked to find a solution to improve diagnostic accuracy for IBD, encompassing Crohn’s colitis and ulcerative colitis. Evaluating protein patterns in surgical pathology colectomy specimens of colonic mucosal and submucosal compartments, individually, has potential for diagnostic medicine by identifying integrally independent, phenotype-specific cellular and molecular characteristics. Mass spectrometry (MS) and imaging (I) MS are analytical technologies that directly measure molecular species in clinical specimens, contributing to the in-depth understanding of biological molecules. The biometric-system complexity and functional diversity is well suited to proteomic and diagnostic studies. The direct analysis of cells and tissues by Matrix-Assisted-Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) MS/IMS has relevant medical diagnostic potential. MALDI-MS/IMS detection generates molecular signatures obtained from specific cell types within tissue sections. Herein discussed is a perspective on the use of MALDI-MS/IMS and bioinformatics technologies for detection of molecular-biometric patterns and identification of differentiating proteins. I also discuss a perspective on the global challenge of transferring technologies to clinical laboratories dealing with IBD issues. The significance of serologic-immunometric advances is also discussed.

Biomarkers in inflammatory bowel diseases: Current status and proteomics identification strategies

Unambiguous diagnosis of the two main forms of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), represents a challenge in the early stages of the diseases. The diagnosis may be established several years after the debut of symptoms. Hence, protein biomarkers for early and accurate diagnostic could help clinicians improve treatment of the individual patients. Moreover, the biomarkers could aid physicians to predict disease courses and in this way, identify patients in need of intensive treatment. Patients with low risk of disease flares may avoid treatment with medications with the concomitant risk of adverse events. In addition, identification of disease and course specific biomarker profiles can be used to identify biological pathways involved in the disease development and treatment. Knowledge of disease mechanisms in general can lead to improved future development of preventive and treatment strategies. Thus, the clinical use of a panel of biomarkers represents a diagnostic and prognostic tool of potentially great value. The technological development in recent years within proteomic research (determination and quantification of the complete protein content) has made the discovery of novel biomarkers feasible. Several IBD-associated protein biomarkers are known, but none have been successfully implemented in daily use to distinguish CD and UC patients. The intestinal tissue remains an obvious place to search for novel biomarkers, which blood, urine or stool later can be screened for. When considering the protein complexity encountered in intestinal biopsy-samples and the recent development within the field of mass spectrometry driven quantitative proteomics, a more thorough and accurate biomarker discovery endeavor could today be performed than ever before. In this review, we report the current status of the proteomics IBD biomarkers and discuss various emerging proteomic strategies for identifying and characterizing novel biomarkers, as well as suggesting future targets for analysis.

Serum antibodies associated with complex inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Antibodies to microbial antigens have been associated with specific diagnoses and phenotypes of inflammatory bowel disease. We evaluated the prevalence of pANCA, IgA and IgG anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies, anti-OmpC, and anti-flagellin in a large well-defined population of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) and analyzed for various clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Samples were collected from 391 patients with CD, 207 patients with UC, and 62 healthy controls. Patients were phenotyped using the Montreal classification. Blinded serological analyses were performed for pANCA, IgA and IgG anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies, anti-OmpC, and anti-flagellin.

RESULTS

In CD, increasing quantitative levels for antibodies were associated with a younger age of diagnosis, longer disease duration, increased surgeries, ileocolonic and perianal disease, and internal perforating behavior. In UC, they were associated with colectomy. An increasing number of seropositive antibodies in CD was associated with a younger age at diagnosis, increased disease duration, ileocolonic and perianal disease, internal penetrating and stricturing behavior, and increased surgeries. Multivariate analysis confirmed the association of antimicrobial antibodies with features of complicated CD and UC.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased serological markers are associated with a more aggressive CD phenotype and an increased need for colectomy in UC. This raises the possibility for use of these markers in patients at risk of complex disease.

Proteomic patterns of colonic mucosal tissues delineate Crohn's colitis and ulcerative colitis

PURPOSE

Although Crohn's colitis (CC) and ulcerative colitis (UC) share several clinical features, they have different causes, mechanisms of tissue damage, and treatment options. Therefore, the accurate diagnosis is of paramount importance in terms of medical care. The distinction between CC/UC is made on the basis of clinical, radiologic, endoscopic, and pathologic interpretations but cannot be differentiated in up to 15% of inflammatory bowel disease patients. Correct management of this "indeterminate colitis" depends on the accuracy of future, and yet not known, destination diagnosis (CC/UC).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We have developed a proteomic methodology that has the potential to discriminate between UC/CC. The histologic layers of 62 confirmed UC/CC tissues were analyzed using MALDI-MS for proteomic profiling.

RESULTS

A Support Vector Machine algorithm consisting of 25 peaks was able to differentiate spectra from CC and UC with 76.9% spectral accuracy when using a leave-20%-out cross-validation. Application of the model to the entire dataset resulted in accurate classification of 19/26 CC patients and 36/36 UC patients when using a 2/3 correct cutoff. A total of 114 peaks were found to have Wilcoxin rank sum p-values of less than 0.05.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This information may provide new avenues for the development of novel personalized therapeutic targets.

Association of inflammatory bowel disease with familial Mediterranean fever in Turkish children

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) share common clinical and biological features. The prevalence of other inflammatory diseases, including IBD, is increased in FMF. We investigated the presence of IBD accompanying FMF in patients who were being followed up with a diagnosis of FMF and the relation of IBD with the MEFV gene mutation.

METHODS

A total of 78 children with FMF were enrolled in the study. The patients were included in the study independent of the presence of complaints. Colonoscopy for IBD was performed if any of the following was present: blood mixed with mucus in the stool; chronic diarrhea (loose and frequent stools lasting >4 weeks); abdominal pain incompatible with FMF (localized in a certain part of the abdomen, not occurring during attacks, >3 days); and positive IgA and IgG anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies and perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. MEFV gene mutations were analyzed in patients diagnosed as having IBD and FMF.

RESULTS

Of the 78 patients with a diagnosis of FMF, colonoscopy was performed and biopsy samples were taken in 20 patients (25.6%) who had abdominal pain incompatible with FMF, chronic diarrhea, bloody stools, and/or positive perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody or anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody. Histopathological examination resulted in a diagnosis of IBD in 12 of the 78 patients (15.4%). MEFV gene mutations were present in all 12 patients diagnosed as having IBD. We observed M694 V mutations in 5 of 12 patients (41.7%), M680I mutations in 3 (25%), K695R mutations in 3 (25%), and E148Q mutations in 1 (8.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the number of patients with FMF was higher than the number with IBD in the general population. When IBD accompanied FMF, the most common mutation was M694 V; however, the high rate (25%) of K695R mutation in our patients with FMF and IBD was not observed in previous studies.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of disease severity in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (N/L) ratio is an indicator of the overall inflammatory status of the body, and an alteration in N/L ratio may be found in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. The aims of this study were to investigate the utility of N/L ratio as a simple and readily available predictor for clinical disease activity in UC.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients and 28 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were recorded, and the N/L ratio was calculated from these parameters. The extent of disease classified according to the Montreal classification, clinical disease activity was evaluated using a modified Truelove-Witts severity index, and endoscopic disease activities were classified according to Schroder et al.

RESULTS

The serum N/L ratios of active patients were significantly higher than those of inactive UC and controls (P < 0.001). The optimum N/L ratio cut-off point for active UC was 2.47. There was no significant difference between inflammation parameters, disease extension, and disease activity.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that N/L ratio is higher in patients with active UC compared with controls and UC patients in remission and a cut-off value of 2.47 can be used to identify patients with active ulcerative colitis.

Mean platelet volume: a controversial marker of disease activity in Crohn's disease

Background

We investigated and compared the capacity of mean platelet volume (MPV) and other inflammatory markers in detecting Crohn’s disease (CD) activity and differentiating CD patients from healthy controls.

Methods

MPV, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and white blood cells were measured in 61 CD patients and 50 healthy subjects. Disease activity was assessed by the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index.

Results

A significant decrease in MPV was noted in patients with CD compared with healthy controls (P <0.0001), but statistical difference was not found between active and inactive CD groups. In CD, no significant correlation was found between MPV and other inflammatory markers. The overall accuracy of MPV (cutoff: 10.35 fl), CRP (cutoff: 4.85 mg/dl) and ESR (cutoff: 8.5 mm/hour) in differentiating CD patients from healthy controls was 76.6%, 65.8% and 72.1% respectively. The overall accuracy of CRP (cutoff: 4.95 mg/dl) and ESR (cutoff: 16.5 mm/hour) in determination of active CD was 80.3% and 73.8%.

Conclusions

MPV declined in CD patients compared with healthy subjects. MPV had the best accuracy in determination of CD patients and healthy controls. MPV did not show a discriminative value in disease activity.

Serological antibodies in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review

The diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is traditionally based on a combination of clinical, endoscopic, histological, and radiological criteria. However, further testing is needed in cases of diagnostic uncertainty and in predicting disease course. This systematic review focuses on the potential for 10 serological antibodies to fill these roles: pANCA, ASCA, anti-OmpC, anti-CBir1, anti-I2, ALCA, ACCA, AMCA, anti-L, and anti-C. We discuss their prevalence in IBD and health; their role in disease diagnosis and risk stratification; their stability over time; their presence in unaffected relatives; their association with genetic variants; and differences across ethnic groups. Serological antibodies have some role in primary diagnosis and in differentiating between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. In indeterminate colitis, preoperative measurement of serological antibodies can help to predict the likelihood of complications among patients undergoing pouch surgery. The combined presence and magnitude of a large panel of antibodies appear to be of value in predicting disease progression. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend the use of antibody testing to predict responses to treatment or surgery in patients with IBD.

The promise and pitfalls of serologic testing in inflammatory bowel disease

The role of IBD serologies is still evolving. However, as that evolution progresses, it will continue to provide important insights into the etiology of IBD and help define individualized treatment strategies for patients. The presence of multiple IBD antimicrobial antibodies and increased reactivity form a useful heuristic model to understand the evolution of CD. The role of ANCAs and autoantibodies in pathogenesis of UC is an area that requires further investigation. Although IBD serologies exhibit considerable diagnostic accuracy, it is unclear whether they will supplant simpler and more direct evaluations in making an initial diagnosis of UC or Crohn (Table 3). The utility of panels of IBD serologies to stratify and predict the course of CD has been an arena of fertile investigation. Developing individual treatment strategies based on the probability of developing complicated aggressive disease would be a significant advance in medical management of CD. However, if major clinical decisions are to be made based on these serologies, we will need more prospective critical studies from the time of diagnosis to define their clinical applicability and to demonstrate a true difference in outcomes.

Serum adenosine deaminase activity as a predictor of disease severity in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent inflammation and ulcerations of colonic mucosa and an inappropriate and delayed healing. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a cytoplasmic enzyme involved in the catabolism of purine bases, capable of catalyzing the deamination of adenosine, forming inosine in the result process. Although ADA has been shown to increase in several inflammatory conditions, there are no literature data indicating an alteration in UC.

METHODS

This study evaluated the activity of total ADA in serum of 43 patients with UC and 18 healthy controls. Patients' age, disease duration, drug intake, and other medical history were all noted for each subject. Complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined for both patients and controls. Correlation analysis was also performed between ADA and other inflammation markers of UC.

RESULTS

Serum mean ADA levels were 11.12 ± 2.03 and 7.99 ± 2.04 U/l for patients with UC in active state and in remission and 8.55 ± 2.26 U/l in the healthy control group. Mean serum ADA levels were significantly elevated in active UC patients compared with patients with UC in remission and control groups. Overall accuracy of ADA in determination of active UC was 83.7 with sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 84.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum ADA levels were found to be elevated in UC patients in active state suggesting a partial role of activated T-cell response in the disease pathophysiology. Further randomized controlled studies are warranted to demonstrate the role of ADA in UC patients, with a special interest in specifically targeted therapies against ADA for achieving disease remission.

Assessing inflammatory bowel disease-associated antibodies in Caucasian and First Nations cohorts

BACKGROUND

First Nation populations in Canada have a very low incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Based on typical infections in this population, it is plausible that the First Nations react differently to microbial antigens with a different antibody response pattern, which may shed some light as to why they experience a low rate of IBD.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the positivity rates of antibodies known to be associated with IBD in Canadian First Nations compared with a Canadian Caucasian population.

METHODS

Subjects with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis (UC), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (as an immune disease control) and healthy controls without a personal or family history of chronic immune diseases, were enrolled in a cohort study aimed to determine differences between First Nations and Caucasians with IBD or RA. Serum from a random sample of these subjects (n=50 for each of First Nations with RA, First Nations controls, Caucasians with RA, Caucasians with Crohn's disease, Caucasians with UC and Caucasians controls, and as many First Nations with either Crohn's disease or UC as could be enrolled) was analyzed in the laboratory for the following antibodies: perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (pANCA), and four Crohn's disease-associated antibodies including anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the outer membrane porin C of Escherichia coli, I2 - a fragment of bacterial DNA associated with Pseudomonas fluorescens, and the bacterial flagellin CBir-1. The rates of positive antibody responses and mean titres among positive results were compared.

RESULTS

For pANCA, First Nations had a positivity rate of 55% in those with UC, 32% in healthy controls and 48% in those with RA. The pANCA positivity rate was 32% among Caucasians with RA. The rates of the Crohn's disease-associated antibodies for the First Nations and Caucasians were comparable. Among First Nations, up to one in four healthy controls were positive for any one of the Crohn's disease-associated antibodies. First Nations had significantly higher pANCA titres in both the UC and RA groups than Caucasians.

DISCUSSION

Although First Nation populations experience a low rate of IBD, they are relatively responsive to this particular antibody panel.

CONCLUSIONS

The positivity rates of these antibodies in First Nations, despite the low incidence of IBD in this population, suggest that these antibodies are unlikely to be of pathogenetic significance.

Current and future role of biomarkers in Crohn's disease risk assessment and treatment

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), occurs in genetically susceptible individuals who develop aberrant immune responses to endoluminal bacteria. Recurrent inflammation increases the risk of several complications. Despite use of a traditional "step-up" therapy with corticosteroids and immunomodulators, most CD patients eventually require surgery at some time in their disease course. Newer biologic agents have been remarkably effective in controlling severe disease. Thus, "top-down," early aggressive therapy has been proposed to yield better outcomes, especially in complicated disease. However, safety and cost issues mandate the need for careful patient selection. Identification of high-risk candidates who may benefit from aggressive therapy is becoming increasingly relevant. Serologic and genetic markers of CD have great potential in this regard. The aim of this review is to highlight the clinical relevance of these markers for diagnostics and prognostication.

METHODS

A current PubMed literature search identified articles regarding the role of biomarkers in IBD diagnosis, severity prediction, and stratification. Studies were also reviewed on the presence of IBD markers in non-IBD diseases.

RESULTS

Several IBD seromarkers and genetic markers appear to be associated with complex CD phenotypes. Qualitative and quantitative serum immune reactivity to microbial antigens may be predictive of disease progression and complications.

CONCLUSION

The cumulative evidence provided by serologic and genetic testing has the potential to enhance clinical decision-making when formulating individualized IBD therapeutic plans.

GC/MS-based profiling of amino acids and TCA cycle-related molecules in ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE

The roles that amino acids play in immunity and inflammation are well defined, and the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and certain amino acids has recently attracted attention. In this study, the levels of amino acids and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) cycle-related molecules in the colonic tissues and sera of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) were profiled by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), with the aim of evaluating whether the clinical state induced by UC leads to variations in the amino acid profile.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Colonic biopsy samples from 22 UC patients were used, as well as serum samples from UC patients (n = 13), Crohn's disease (CD) patients (n = 21), and healthy volunteers (n = 17).

RESULTS

In the GC/MS-based profiling of amino acids and TCA cycle-related molecules, lower levels of 16 amino acids and 5 TCA cycle-related molecules were observed in the colonic lesion tissues of the UC patients, and the serum profiles of amino acids and TCA cycle-related molecules of the UC patients were different from those of the CD patients and healthy volunteers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study raises the possibility that GC/MS-based profiling of amino acids and TCA cycle-related molecules is a useful early diagnostic tool for UC.

GC/MS-based profiling of amino acids and TCA cycle-related molecules in ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVE

The roles that amino acids play in immunity and inflammation are well defined, and the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and certain amino acids has recently attracted attention. In this study, the levels of amino acids and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) cycle-related molecules in the colonic tissues and sera of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) were profiled by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), with the aim of evaluating whether the clinical state induced by UC leads to variations in the amino acid profile.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Colonic biopsy samples from 22 UC patients were used, as well as serum samples from UC patients (n = 13), Crohn's disease (CD) patients (n = 21), and healthy volunteers (n = 17).

RESULTS

In the GC/MS-based profiling of amino acids and TCA cycle-related molecules, lower levels of 16 amino acids and 5 TCA cycle-related molecules were observed in the colonic lesion tissues of the UC patients, and the serum profiles of amino acids and TCA cycle-related molecules of the UC patients were different from those of the CD patients and healthy volunteers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study raises the possibility that GC/MS-based profiling of amino acids and TCA cycle-related molecules is a useful early diagnostic tool for UC.

Antiglycan antibodies in Greek patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Antiglycan antibodies have recently been reported to be associated with Crohn's disease (CD). These antibodies include anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan antibodies (ASCA), anti-laminariobioside carbohydrate antibodies (ALCA), anti-chitobioside carbohydrate antibodies (ACCA), and anti-mannobioside carbohydrate antibodies (AMCA).

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate their diagnostic accuracy in Greek patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

Serum was collected from 191 patients with IBD (85 with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 106 with CD), 29 cases with other causes of intestinal inflammation and 96 healthy controls. Antiglycan antibodies were measured using commercially available enzyme immunoassays.

RESULTS

Higher levels of antiglycan antibodies were detected in patients with CD compared to patients with UC and controls. Although all types of antiglycan antibodies had a high specificity for diagnosing CD, their sensitivity was rather low, with best results obtained with ASCA and ALCA (41.5 and 52.8%, respectively). Increased levels of ASCA and ALCA were associated with stricturing and penetrating disease phenotype, and the need for surgery (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Antiglycan antibodies in Greek IBD patients are significantly associated with CD, and especially to phenotypes of complicated disease, with ASCA and ALCA exhibiting the highest sensitivity.

Serologic antiglycan antibodies in inflammatory bowel disease

At diagnosis, the clinical presentation of both entities of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), can be highly heterogeneous, leading to a delay in correct identification or differentiation between CD and UC in a subgroup of patients. In addition, the natural history of IBD patients is strikingly variable. During the life of a CD patient, in the majority of instances, stricturing or perforating complications occur, leading to surgery. Serologic antiglycan antibodies directed against various microbial carbohydrate epitopes are useful in differentiation of CD vs. UC and are a promising tool for identification of CD patients at risk for rapid progression and need for surgical intervention. Instruments for prediction of CD behavior are critical, as the use of immunomodulators and/or biologicals early in the disease course might be justified for patients with a high hazard for complicated disease behavior.

Clinical variables as prognostic tools in pediatric-onset ulcerative colitis: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Clinical variables may identify a subset of patients with pediatric-onset ulcerative colitis (UC) (≤18 years at diagnosis) at risk for adverse outcomes. We postulated that routinely measured clinical variables measured at diagnosis would predict colectomy in patients with pediatric-onset UC.

METHODS

We conducted a chart review of patients with pediatric-onset UC at a single center over a 10-year period. We compared patients with and without colectomy across several variables, used proportional hazards regression to adjust for potential confounders, and assessed the ability of a UC risk score to predict colectomy.

RESULTS

Among 470 patients with inflammatory bowel disease ICD9-coded encounters, 155 patients had UC and 135 were eligible for analysis. The 1- and 3-year colectomy rates were 16.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.0%-24.8%) and 35.6% (26.7%-45.4%). White blood cell (WBC) count and hematocrit measured at diagnosis were associated with colectomy at 3 years, even after correcting for potential confounding variables. A UC Risk Score derived from the WBC count and hematocrit was strongly associated with colectomy risk, with a high negative predictive value (NPV) for colectomy at 1 and 3 years (NPV = 0.95 and 0.89, respectively), but low positive predictive value (PPV = 0.22 and 0.38, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A risk score calculated from WBC and hematocrit measured at diagnosis was associated with, but incompletely predictive of, colectomy in pediatric-onset UC. These data suggest 1) routinely measured clinical variables may have a prognostic role in risk stratification, and 2) multicenter prospective studies are needed to optimize risk stratification in pediatric UC. Our findings have impact on the design of such studies.

Distinct IFNG methylation in a subset of ulcerative colitis patients based on reactivity to microbial antigens

BACKGROUND

High antibody reactivity toward microbial antigens in Crohn's disease (CD) patients is predictive of a more aggressive disease course. However, few ulcerative colitis (UC) patients exhibit serologic reactivity toward microbial antigens. Mucosal expression of IFN-γ plays a pivotal role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) surprisingly link UC, but not CD, risk loci to IFNG. We recently demonstrated that mucosal T cells from IBD patients exhibit distinct patterns of IFNG methylation compared to controls. This study evaluated the relationship between IFNG methylation and serologic and clinical profiles in peripheral T cells from IBD patients.

METHODS

DNA from peripheral T cells of 163 IBD patients (91 CD and 64 UC) and 42 controls was analyzed for methylation of eight IFNG sites. Serum markers ASCA, OmpC, I2, CBir, and pANCA were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IFN-γ secretion was measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

IBD patients requiring surgery exhibited reduced IFNG methylation compared to nonsurgical patients (P < 0.02). Enhancement of IFN-γ secretion (P < 0.003), along with high antibody responses toward multiple microbial antigens (P < 0.017) in UC, but not CD, patients was correlated with decreased IFNG methylation. pANCA levels were not correlated with IFNG methylation.

CONCLUSIONS

Levels of IFNG methylation were correlated with immune response to microbial components and expression of IFN-γ in UC patients. Serological and epigenetic markers identify a subset of UC patients with an expression profile of a key TH1 pathogenic cytokine. These data may provide a useful tool to classify a more homogeneous subset of UC patients, allowing for improved diagnostics and targeted therapeutics.

Anti-pancreatic antibody in Turkish patients with inflammatory bowel disease and first-degree relatives

AIM: To identify the role of anti-pancreatic antibody (PAB) in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) among Turkish patients, and its frequency in first-degree relatives.

METHODS: PAB and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ASCA) were examined in serum samples of 214 subjects including patients with Crohn’s disease (CD, n = 64), ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 63), first-degree relatives of patients with CD (n = 25), first-degree relatives of patients with UC (n = 28),and a control group with gastrointestinal symptoms other than (IBD) (n = 34) by indirect immunofluorescence Positivity of PAB and ASCA was compared in terms of Vienna classification, disease activity and medications used.

RESULTS: In terms of PAB positivity, no difference was found between patients with CD (14.1%) and UC (7.9%) however, significant difference was observed between patients with CD and subjects in the control group (P < 0.05). No difference was found between patients with CD and their relatives in terms of ASCA positivity, whereas a significant difference was found between other groups (P < 0.001). Compared to ASCA, the sensitivity of the PAB was 19% (7/37), its specificity was 93% (25/27), positive predictive value was 77% (7/9) and negative predictive value was 45% (25/55). ASCA was found with significantly higher prevalence in patients with CD activity index > 150 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: PAB is valuable in the diagnosis of IBD rather than CD, but cannot be used alone for diagnostic purposes. PAB is not superior to ASCA in CD diagnosis and in detecting CD among relatives of patients with CD.

Serological markers for inflammatory bowel disease in AIDS patients with evidence of microbial translocation

BACKGROUND

Breakdown of the gut mucosal barrier during chronic HIV infection allows translocation of bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from the gut into the circulation. Microbial translocation also occurs in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD serological markers are useful in the diagnosis of IBD and to differentiate between Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Here, we evaluate detection of IBD serological markers in HIV-infected patients with advanced disease and their relationship to HIV disease markers.

METHODS

IBD serological markers (ASCA, pANCA, anti-OmpC, and anti-CBir1) were measured by ELISA in plasma from AIDS patients (n = 26) with low CD4 counts (<300 cells/µl) and high plasma LPS levels, and results correlated with clinical data. For meta-analysis, relevant data were abstracted from 20 articles.

RESULTS

IBD serological markers were detected in approximately 65% of AIDS patients with evidence of microbial translocation. An antibody pattern consistent with IBD was detected in 46%; of these, 75% had a CD-like pattern. Meta-analysis of data from 20 published studies on IBD serological markers in CD, UC, and non-IBD control subjects indicated that IBD serological markers are detected more frequently in AIDS patients than in non-IBD disease controls and healthy controls, but less frequently than in CD patients. There was no association between IBD serological markers and HIV disease markers (plasma viral load and CD4 counts) in the study cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

IBD serological markers may provide a non-invasive approach to monitor HIV-related inflammatory gut disease. Further studies to investigate their clinical significance in HIV-infected individuals are warranted.

Diagnostic role and clinical association of ASCA and ANCA in Brazilian patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisae antibody (ASCA) and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody (pANCA) remain the most well-established markers in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and both may be associated with disease phenotype.

AIM

To determine the utility of ASCA and pANCA as markers in a Brazilian cohort of IBD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 90 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), 77 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), and 57 healthy individuals were included in the study. ASCA was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and pANCA by immunofluorescence assay.

RESULTS

In support of diagnosis of UC, the sensitivity and specificity of pANCA were 51% and 100%, respectively. ASCA (IgA or IgG isotypes) presented sensitivity of 62% and specificity of 93% for CD. The combination of ASCA negativity and pANCA positivity (ASCA-/pANCA+) displayed sensitivity of 43% and specificity of 100% for diagnosis to UC. In CD patients, ASCA+/pANCA- presented sensitivity and specificity of 57% and 93%, respectively. Additionally, ASCA positivity correlated with early age at disease onset and ileal location in CD patients. In UC patients, pANCA positivity was correlated with pancolitis or left colitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results evidenced that low sensitivity of ASCA and pANCA markers limits their use in IBD screening in the general population; however, their specificity may contribute to differentiation between CD and UC in IBD patients. Our study lends further support to the suggestion that serologic assessment identifies different subtypes of IBD.

The prevalence and diagnostic value of perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in mainland China

BACKGROUND

Perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic (pANCA) and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) have been studied extensively in Western countries. We determined the prevalence of pANCA and ASCA in the mainland Chinese population and the ability of pANCA and ASCA to discriminate between ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS

Two hundred-six unrelated patients with IBD (UC, n=152; CD, n=54), 60 patients with other gastrointestinal diseases, and 80 healthy controls were included. Sera pANCA and ASCA titers were determined by a standardized indirect immunofluorescence technique.

RESULTS

The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive likelihood ratio of pANCA were calculated for differentiating UC from healthy controls (43.4%, 96.3%, 95.7%, 47.2%, and 11.7, respectively) and ASCA for differentiating CD from healthy controls and (46.3%, 96.3%, 89.3%, 72.6%, and 12.5, respectively). The combination of pANCA and ASCA did not result in greater diagnostic efficiency than either test alone. pANCA was more frequent in UC with extensive or severe phenotype than others. ASCA was associated with severe CD disease activity.

CONCLUSIONS

pANCA and ASCA are useful in confirming the diagnosis of IBD and differentiating between UC and CD in an IBD cohort in central China.

Shortcomings of the inflammatory bowel disease Serology 7 panel

OBJECTIVE

The goal was to compare the predictive values of the Prometheus Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Serology 7 (IBD7) panel (Prometheus Laboratories, San Diego, CA) with the predictive values of routine blood tests in a population of children referred for initial evaluation of suspected IBD.

METHODS

Medical records of pediatric patients referred for evaluation of IBD for whom IBD7 testing was performed at Prometheus Laboratories between January 2006 and November 2008 were reviewed. Patients underwent diagnosis by pediatric gastroenterologists on the basis of clinical, radiologic, endoscopic, and pathologic evaluations.

RESULTS

A total of 394 records were identified. We excluded 90 records on the basis of age of >21 years, previous diagnosis of IBD, or unclear diagnosis. The prevalence of IBD in this cohort was 38%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and kappa value for the serological panel were 67%, 76%, 63%, 79%, and 42%, respectively, compared with values for a combination of 3 abnormal routine laboratory test results of 72%, 94%, 85%, 79%, and 47%. The antiflagellin antibody assay, the newest assay added to the panel, had sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 53%. Repeat serological testing failed to produce consistent results for 4 of 10 patients.

CONCLUSION

Despite its recent inclusion of the antiflagellin assay, the IBD7 panel has lower predictive values than routine laboratory tests in pediatric screening for IBD.

Novel diagnostic and prognostic modalities in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease remains a complex disease with variable clinical presentations and often nonspecific symptoms. Physicians must rely on diagnostic tools for clarification of disease diagnosis and for guiding management of patients with established disease. Advances in radiologic imaging modalities facilitate early and accurate detection of luminal disease and extraluminal complications. The introduction and dissemination of small bowel capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy permit detailed visualization and sampling of the mucosa throughout the entire bowel. Serologic biomarkers are evolving as a valuable tool to clarify diagnosis and stratify patients by disease phenotypes and patterns of behavior. Neutrophil-derived fecal biomarkers are emerging as useful surrogate markers of intestinal inflammation with the potential for a variety of clinical applications, but their application to clinical management has not yet been clarified.

Novel diagnostic and prognostic modalities in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease remains a complex disease with variable clinical presentations and often nonspecific symptoms. Physicians must rely on diagnostic tools for clarification of disease diagnosis and for guiding management of patients with established disease. Advances in radiologic imaging modalities facilitate early and accurate detection of luminal disease and extraluminal complications. The introduction and dissemination of small bowel capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy permit detailed visualization and sampling of the mucosa throughout the entire bowel. Serologic biomarkers are evolving as a valuable tool to clarify diagnosis and stratify patients by disease phenotypes and patterns of behavior. Neutrophil-derived fecal biomarkers are emerging as useful surrogate markers of intestinal inflammation with the potential for a variety of clinical applications, but their application to clinical management has not yet been clarified.

Susceptibility to Crohn's disease is mediated by KIR2DL2/KIR2DL3 heterozygosity and the HLA-C ligand

In the present study, we investigated the relationship between the KIR loci and the genes encoding their HLA ligands and genetic susceptibility to Crohn's disease (CD). Analyses of the interactions between KIR3DL1, KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2, and KIR2DL3 with their respective HLA ligands indicate that there is a protective effect for KIR2DL2 in the absence of its HLA ligand C1. Given that KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL3 segregate as alleles, we compared their genotypic distributions to expectations under Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) with regard to the HLA ligand C1 status. While all the genotypic distributions conform to expectations under HWE in controls, in C2 ligand homozygous cases there is significant deviation from HWE, with a reduction of KIR2DL2, KIR2DL3 heterozygotes. KIR2DL2, KIR2DL3 heterozygosity is the only genotypic combination that confers protection from CD. In addition to the protective effect (OR = 0.44, CI = 0.22-0.87; p = 0.018) observed in C2 ligand homozygotes, the KIR2DL2, KIR2DL3 genotype is predisposing (OR = 1.34, CI = 1.03-4.53; p = 0.031) in the presence of C1 ligand. A test for trend of HLA class I C ligand group genotypes with KIR2DL2, KIR2DL3 heterozygosity in cases and controls indicates that C1, C2 ligand group heterozygotes have an intermediate effect on predisposition. These results show for the first time that disease susceptibility may be related to heterozygosity at a specific KIR locus, and that HLA ligand genotype influences the relative effect of the KIR genotype.

Crohn's disease clinical issues and treatment: what the radiologist needs to know and what the gastroenterologist wants to know

Crohn's disease is an idiopathic chronic intestinal illness that requires specialized medical care for prompt disease diagnosis and appropriate management. Clinicians must accurately interpret and integrate findings from multitude of sources in order to achieve diagnostic certainty. Ileocolonoscopy remains the most relied modality, allowing for a direct mucosal visualization and biopsies for histologic assessments. Serologic markers currently serve an adjunctive role, often utilized in attempts to further subtype patients with indeterminate colitis. Radiologic imaging, such as computed tomography enterography can evaluate the far reaches of the small intestine, while also providing information about penetrating complications and extraintestinal disease manifestations. Treatment options and strategies continue to evolve with new biologic agents and ongoing testing of aggressive "top-down" approaches. In addition, identification of increased colorectal cancer risks in individuals with Crohn's colitis has led to formal surveillance guidelines. The clinical diagnosis and management of Crohn's disease continues to be an area of rapid change and exciting developments.

An overlooked indicator of disease activity in ulcerative colitis: mean platelet volume

Many non-invasive tests have been studied for diagnosis and determining the activation degree of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nevertheless, an ideal test has not been found yet. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is influenced by the inflammation. In a few study, decreased platelet volume have been reported in IBD. The aim of this study is to determine whether platelet volume would be useful in ulcerative colitis (UC) activity. Additionally we have analyzed overall accuracy of MPV in disease activity and compared with other inflammatory markers. A total of 61 UC patients (male/female : 41/20), and 27 healthy subjects (male/female : 18/9) were enrolled into the study. For all subjects following tests were performed; ESR, CRP, white blood cell count and mean platelet volume. A statistically significant decrease in MPV was noted in patients with UC (8.29 +/- 1.02 fL) compared with healthy controls (8.65 +/- 0.79 fL). MPV of active UC (8.06 +/- 1.19 fL) patients were significantly lower than that of inactive UC (8.45 +/- 0.87 fL). Overall accuracy of MPV in determination of active UC was 71% (with sensitivity 67%, specificity 73%). A negative correlation was found between MPV and endoscopic activity index (r : -0.358 p : 0.005). In UC, MPV did not correlate with ESR, CRP and white blood cell. Our study showed that MPV reduced in UC, particularly in patients with active UC. Decreased MPV may be an indicator for increased disease activity in patients with UC.