To investigate the associations of heat-resistant alkaline phosphatase (hrALP) activity and NT5E/CD73 activity with disease severity, serum zinc levels, and mucosal inflammatory cytokine expression in ulcerative colitis (UC).
Approach:
Study Design: A prospective observational study conducted at Asahikawa Medical University Hospital involving patients with UC scheduled for colonoscopy.
Sample Collection: Rectal biopsy specimens and serum samples were collected for enzyme activity measurement and RNA extraction.
Data Collection: Clinical data and blood test results were obtained, and disease activity was assessed using the Mayo endoscopic score and partial Mayo score.
Enzyme Activity Measurement: hrALP and NT5E/CD73 activities were measured in tissue lysates and serum samples.
Cytokine mRNA Expression: Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to measure mRNA expressions of various cytokines.
Key Findings:
Zinc deficiency affects approximately 40% of patients with UC.
Reduced IAP expression in UC may lead to increased mucosal inflammation.
NT5E/CD73 expression is increased in UC compared to healthy controls.
Zn supplementation has been reported to reduce IL-2 and IL-6 levels in Zn-deficient patients with UC.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
The study excluded patients with right-sided UC.
The sample size for rectal biopsy specimens was limited to 30.
