EVALUATION OF NLRP3 INFLAMMASOME PROTEIN EXPRESSION IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: This study aimed to evaluate the NLRP3 immunoreactivity in ulcerative colitis in various clinical presentations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The retrospective study involved 80 formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks. These were divided into 50 samples of ulcerative colitis and 30 with normal colonoscopy findings. NLRP3 protein expression patterns were evaluated in various cellular components in tissue sections using immunohistochemistry method. RESULTS: Results: NLRP3 inflammasome was significantly expressed with higher percentage among ulcerative colitis tissue sections compared with normal tissue sections. Intense staining was observed in Paneth cells at the base of crypts, inflammatory cells infiltrated between glands and near the base of crypts. Variable intensities of NLRP3 staining were observed in surface epithelial cells and glandular epithelium. Statically higher percentage of expression was found among active disease and patients with extra-intestinal complications. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The NLRP3 protein expression pattern was upregulated among various cellular compartments among ulcerative colitis and correlated with disease activity.

Interleukin- 17agene Polymorphism, Serum Level and Its Tissue Expression in Iraqi Patients Gastric Lesions.

BACKGROUND: T-helper 17 plays a novel role in inflammation in gastritis by producing IL-17A, IL-17A gene polymorphisms that might be responsible for disease susceptibility and development of different gastric lesions. OBJECTIVE: The aims of study was to determine the association of IL-17A (G197A) genotype and allele frequency with disease phenotype and risk with different gastric lesions. METHODS: Case controlled study involved 30 gastroduodenal ulcer, 30 chronic gastritis and 30 subjects as a control group with negative endoscopic findings. After genomic DNA extraction, IL-17A (G197A)ARMS-PCR genotyping were done for all cases. Serum IL-17A was measured using ELISA method and tissue expression was visualized using immunohistochemistry staining method. RESULTS: The results showed that allele A was significantly frequent in gastroduodenal ulcer more than that in healthy control odd ratio= 4 (1.42-10.46), and none significantly with chronic gastritis p=0.071. Serum IL-17A was significantly higher in gastroduodenal ulcer (116.45±48.09 pg/ml), chronic gastritis (78.02±30.17pg/ml) and healthy control 19.36±9.28 pg/ml).However, the serum IL-17A level is not related to the allele pattern of each group. The tissue expression was expressed as dense granular cytoplasmic and membranous of inflammatory cells. Interestingly, the percentage of IL-17A protein expression was significantly higher in gastroduodenal ulcer (38.2±16.55%), chronic gastritis (30.89±14.02%) and normal mucosa (2.8±3.02%). Furthermore, patients with strong intensity of IL-17A stained mucosa were frequently carrier for mutant allele (68%). CONCLUSION: IL-17A might predispose for aggressive inflammation of advanced lesions in stomach like ulcer.