Serum Interleukin-17A levels and HNF4α gene expression in ulcerative colitis patients

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition restricted to the colonic mucosa characterized by immune dysregulation. Interleukin 17A and the Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 gene are implicated in UC pathogenesis. This study aims to analyze the correlation of serum IL-17A levels and the gene expression of the HNF4α gene, to explain their potential association in the immune-mediated pathways of UC. Methods: real-time PCR was used to quantity HNF4α gene expression levels. IL17A concentrations were measured by ELISA according to manufacturer's instructions. Results: IL17A levels showed no significant differences between UC patients and control group (316.20±110.34 ng/L vs. 331.13±139.10 ng/L; P-value=0.5). HNF4α gene expression was down regulated in 62% of UC patients but this modification was not statistically significant (P-value= 0.098). Conclusion: There is non-significant difference in serum levels of IL17A between UC patients and control, this may beyond to disease activity or respond to treatment. This study displayed of down regulated in HNF4α gene in UC patients that may related to pathological mechanism of disease.