Evaluation of microRNA-29a expression and Dipeptidyl- peptidase 4 level in ulcerative colitis patients

Objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a recurrent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. The microRNA-29 (miRNA-29) family has been implicated in the pathogenesis of UC. In recent years, alterations in dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) levels have been reported in IBD patients. In the present study, we evaluated the relationship between miRNA-29a expression in intestinal tissue and serum DPP4 levels in UC patients and healthy subjects. Methods: Blood samples and colonic punch biopsies were obtained from 35 UC patients and 29 healthy subjects. Serum levels of DPP4 were measured using the ELISA technique. The expression levels of miRNA-29a were assessed by qRT-PCR. Biochemical parameters and demographic information were collected based on clinical tests and questionnaires. Results: The results showed a significant increase in miRNA-29a expression in the intestinal tissue of UC patients compared to controls. In addition, elevated miRNA-29a expression was accompanied by a decrease in serum DPP4 levels, although there was no significant difference between moderate and severe disease conditions. Furthermore, the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and platelets were higher in UC patients than in healthy subjects. Conclusion: These findings support the role of the miRNA-29a–DPP4 axis in the pathogenesis of UC and provide evidence for further evaluation of this axis as a potential biomarker for the disease.