SUN-259 Association of IL-27 and Neurogenic Bowel Score in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury- Potential Role in Cardiometabolic Risk

Abstract Disclosure: N. Dietz: None. M. Boakye: None. B. Ugiliweneza: None. S. Barve: None. S.L. Mokshagundam: None. Background: With increasing longevity after spinal cord injury, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has emerged as a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Changes in body composition, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, chronic systemic inflammation, and autonomic dysregulation have been implicated in cardiometabolic disease (CMD) risk in SCI. However, factors that induce these changes and mechanisms by which they increase CMD risk remains unclear. There appear to be multiple interacting factors. There is growing interest in the relationship between gut and systemic inflammation. Methods: Sixty two individuals (69% male, 21% female) with chronic spinal cord injury (mean duration 7.4 +/- 5.8 years) were recruited. Body composition measured by DEXA scan as well as metabolic profile, lipids, hsCRP, a battery of inflammatory cytokines through serum sample were collected. Neurogenic bowel dysfunction score (NBDS) is a validated tool for assessment of bowel dysfunction in SCI such that the higher the score, the more dysfunction. Further, it may act as a proxy of gut motility that has been shown to predict the negatively affected quality of life. Pearson correlation was used to assess the correlation between different parameters. Subgroup analysis of those with BMI >22 and those <22 were dichotomized as were those individuals with injuries at and above T1 (tetraplegia) and those below T1 (paraplegia) were analyzed. Results: The mean age of participants was 34.4+/- 12.1 years with BMI of 23.8 +/- 5, while 64% had BMI < 25 and 11% > 30. Low HDL was noted in 47% and high TG in 22% of individuals.. Additionally, IL 8, macrophage inflammatory protein 1b, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 correlated positively with total and truncal lean mass. Inflammatory marker CRP correlated positively with BMI (r 0.57), total fat (r 0.42) and truncal fat (r 0.43). Additionally, IL-8 correlated positively with HbA1c (r 0.69), serum glucose (r 0.62), BMI (r0.34), triglycerides (r 0.43), total lean mass (r 0.42) and truncal lean mass (r=0.38). Interleukin 27 correlated with neurogenic bowel score (r 0.42). Conclusions / Discussion: IL-27 has recently been implicated in gut barrier health. Constipation and bowel dysfunction may contribute to a pathogenic imbalance in the gut microbiome. Bowel dysfunction may increase leaky gut and bacterial translocation from the gut. Positive correlation of IL-27 and NBDS indicates a potential relationship with inflammation. IL-27 is now recognized to play a dual role in regulating immune responses with pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties. In one study IL-27 level was a significant predictor for cardiovascular events independent of CHD. Further investigation of the gut microbiome in assessing microbiome profiles in those with SCI may elucidate influence and risk of systemic inflammation and body composition profiles that increase risk of CMD. Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025