Trefoil Factor 3 is Highly Predictive of Complete Mucosal Healing Independently and in Combination with C-Reactive Protein in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

AIM: In the current study we aimed to evaluate the role of trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) as a marker for complete mucosal healing (MH) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: We enrolled 116 consecutive UC patients. Trefoil factor 3 levels were measured by ELISA and were compared to the clinical activity, assessed by Lichtiger Index, fecal calprotectin (FCP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Colonoscopy was performed in all the patients and the findings were graded according to Mayo endoscopic score (EMS) and UC endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS). RESULTS: Trefoil factor 3 levels were significantly correlated with Lichtiger Index (r=0.736, p<0.001), EMS (r=0.811, p<0.001), UCEIS (r=0.820, p<0.001), FCP (r=0.696, p<0.001) and CRP (r=0.405, p<0.001). The TFF3 cut-off level of 6.74 ng/ml indicated complete MH (EMS=0; UCEIS=0) with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.879 and 0.869, respectively (area under the curve, AUC 0.927; 95% confidence interval, 0.877-0.976). The DeLong's test revealed no significant difference between the AUC of TFF3+CRP and the AUC of FCP (Z=1.717, p=0.086), AUC of TFF3+FCP (Z=1.908, p=0.056), and AUC of TFF3+CRP+FCPP (Z=1.915, p=0.056). However, the AUC of TFF3+CRP showed significant difference compared with the AUC of TFF3 (Z=2.210, p=0.027) and the AUC of CRP (Z=3.145, p=0.002) for predicting complete MH. CONCLUSIONS: Trefoil factor 3 levels correlated significantly with clinical activity, endoscopic indices, CRP and FCP in our patients. TFF3 is a highly predictive marker of complete MH independently and in combination with CRP in patients with UC.

Role of Fecal Calprotectin as a Noninvasive Indicator for Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity.

BACKGROUND: It is essential in clinical management to determine the disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. At present, the most accurate way of evaluating the UC severity is endoscopy with biopsy. Fecal calprotectin (FCP) is a non-invasive biomarker that is frequently used for monitoring of intestinal inflammation. AIMS: The purpose of our study was to assess the role of FCP as a noninvasive indicator for UC disease activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 116 patients with UC (56 with quiescent UC and 60 with active UC) and 36 controls, referred for colonoscopy to our Center. Colonoscopy was performed in all the patients and the findings were graded according to Mayo endoscopic score (EMS) and UC endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS). FCP was analyzed in stool samples by means of point-of-care desk-top Quantum Blue® method. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between mean FCP levels in controls and UC patients in remission (р=0.205). Mean FCP in patients with active UC was significantly higher than that in controls (p<0.001) and in patients in remission (p<0.001). FCP significantly correlated with UCEIS (r = 0.869, p<0.001) and EMS (r = 0.814, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The strong correlation with endoscopic disease activity suggests that FCP is a useful biomarker for noninvasive diagnosis and monitoring of disease activity in UC patients.