Increased synthesis and intestinal expression of IL-39 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

This study includes 37 patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC), 15 with Chron ’s disease (CD), and 22 controls. Gene expression of IL-39 subunits (IL-23p19/EBI3) was measured by RT-PCR (real time polymerase chain reaction). Intestinal synthesis was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and serum levels by ELISA. Statistical analysis was done using Prism GraphPad V6. Relative mR NA IL-39 expression was increased in patients with active UC and active CD compared to the remission UC, remission CD, and control group. High levels of relative mRNA expression of IL-39 (IL-23p19 subunit) were associated with histological activity. IHQ analysis showed increased IL-39 production in mucosa, submucosa, muscular, and serosa layer of patients with active disease. IL-39 serum production was increased in patients with UC. IL-39 gene’s upregulation was found in patients with active IBD and was associated with severe histological activity in UC. This is the first report regarding th e role of IL-39 in patients with IBD. The findings suggest that IL-39 might play a role as an inflammatory mediator in active IBD and could be considered a new alternative in treating this condition.
Source: Immunologic Research - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research