Association of serological markers with endoscopic mucosal healing and disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a retrospective study - Report - MDSpire

Correlation of Serological Biomarkers with Endoscopic Mucosal Recovery and Disease Activity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: A Retrospective Analysis

  • By

  • Lu Zhou

  • Jinfu Dong

  • Yifan Chen

  • Yuying Zhou

  • Zhu Jin

  • Tianyi Xi

  • Wen Lu

  • Henghua Zhou

  • July 20, 2026

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Correlation of Serological Biomarkers with Endoscopic Mucosal Recovery in IBD

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between serological biomarkers and endoscopic mucosal healing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Significant correlations were found between serum levels of CRP, TNF-α, ALB, ESR, and PLT with mucosal healing and inflammation in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients.

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), comprising ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that significantly impacts patient quality of life. Endoscopic mucosal healing is a critical indicator of treatment effectiveness and long-term prognosis in IBD.

Data Highlights

BiomarkerAUC (UC)AUC (CD)
CRP0.8250.805
TNF-α0.7120.738
ESR0.8100.763
PLT0.7700.804
ALB0.7690.723
Combined Test0.9220.904

Key Findings

  • CRP, TNF-α, ESR, and PLT levels were significantly elevated in IBD patients compared to healthy controls.
  • ALB levels were reduced in IBD patients compared to controls.
  • Inactive IBD patients had lower levels of CRP, TNF-α, ESR, and PLT, and higher ALB levels compared to active patients.
  • In UC patients, the combined test AUC for biomarkers was 0.922, indicating strong predictive efficacy for mucosal healing.
  • In CD patients, the combined detection AUC was 0.904, also indicating strong predictive efficacy.
  • CRP, TNF-α, ESR, and PLT levels were positively correlated with disease inflammation, while ALB was negatively correlated.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that routine serological markers can serve as effective indicators of mucosal healing and inflammation in IBD. Clinicians may consider these biomarkers for monitoring disease activity and guiding treatment decisions.

Conclusion

Serum levels of CRP, TNF-α, ALB, ESR, and PLT are associated with mucosal healing and inflammation in IBD.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis, 2023 -- Correlation Between Histological and Endoscopic Findings in a Prospective Study of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
  2. Journal of Gastroenterology, 2023 -- Evaluating the Diagnostic Precision and Threshold Levels of Serum Leucine-Rich Alpha-2 Glycoprotein in Assessing Small Bowel Activity in Crohn’s Disease
  3. Journal of Gastroenterology, 2017 -- Endoscopic Brush Sample Analysis Reveals Mucosal Dysbiosis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  4. ECCO-ESGAR-ESP-IBUS Guideline on Diagnostics and Monitoring of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Part 1 | Journal of Crohn's and Colitis
  5. AGA Clinical Practice Guideline on the Role of Biomarkers for the Management of Crohn's Disease - PubMed
  6. Association between the immune-inflammation index and the severity and clinical outcomes of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
  7. Exploring the Clinical Significance of the Colonoscopic Severity Index in Ulcerative Colitis for Predicting Five-Year Relapse Rates
  8. ECCO-ESGAR-ESP-IBUS Guideline on Diagnostics and Monitoring of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Part 1 | Journal of Crohn's and Colitis | Oxford Academic
  9. AGA Clinical Practice Guideline on the Role of Biomarkers for the Management of Crohn's Disease - PubMed
  10. Association between the immune-inflammation index and the severity and clinical outcomes of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
  11. Role of serological biomarkers in evaluating and predicting endoscopic activity in inflammatory bowel disease - PMC
  12. Role of leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein in Taiwanese patients with inflammatory bowel disease as a predictive biomarker for endoscopic activity - PubMed
  13. The Relationship Between the Endoscopic Healing Index, Fecal Calprotectin, and Magnetic Resonance Enterography in Crohn’s Disease - PMC

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