Serum Syndecan-1 Levels and Its Relationship to Disease Activity in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis Disease

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by recurrent inflammation and ulceration of the colon and rectum. Aim of the work: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum Syndecan-1 levels and disease activity in patients with UC. Patients and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included 84 participants, divided into three equal groups, (n=28 each): the Active Diseased Group with active UC; the Remission Group in UC remission; and the Normal Population Control Group of healthy individuals. The study compared clinical and biochemical parameters across these groups. Results: Clinical assessments, laboratory tests, and colonoscopy were performed, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. A strong positive correlation was found between serum Syndecan-1 levels and colonoscopy findings, particularly in inflamed areas. The active disease group showed moderate to severe inflammation, while the remission and control groups had minimal or no inflammation. These findings suggest that serum Syndecan-1 is a reliable marker for assessing mucosal inflammation and overall disease severity. Conclusion: This study indicates that serum Syndecan-1 is a potential biomarker for evaluating UC disease activity and severity. Elevated levels were strongly correlated with increased inflammation, as evidenced by clinical symptoms, fecal calprotectin, ESR, CRP, and colonoscopy. These correlations suggest that serum Syndecan-1 could be a reliable non-invasive marker for monitoring disease progression and treatment response in UC patients.