B-cell activating factor (BAFF) expression is associated with Crohn's disease and can serve as a potential prognostic indicator of disease response to Infliximab treatment

Abstract

BackgroundSeveral studies correlated elevated B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels and its polymorphisms (SNPs) in patients with autoimmunity. Limited data existed regarding the role of BAFF in Crohn's Disease (CD) susceptibility and/or treatment response to infliximab. AimThis study aims to evaluate BAFF expression in CD patients, investigate if its expression can predict response to infliximab treatment, and examine the association of BAFF SNPs with CD susceptibility. MethodsOne hundred twelve CD patients and 164 healthy controls were recruited. Serum BAFF levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Participants were genotyped for rs9514828, rs1041569 and rs2893321 SNPs. ResultsSerum BAFF concentration was elevated in CD patients (472.86 ± 223.60 pg/ml) compared with controls (128.16 ± 70.10 pg/ml) before treatment. Responders to IFX treatment had increased serum BAFF levels at baseline (610.03 ± 167.55 pg/ml) compared to non-responders (267.09 ± 107 pg/ml). In responders, BAFF concentration reduced after IFX administration, while increased in non-responders. The rs1041569, TA and AA genotypes frequencies, and the minor allele A were increased significantly in CD patients, indicating an association of the SNP with CD susceptibility. ConclusionsOur study suggests that BAFF could be a potential biomarker of CD, while SNP rs1041569 was associated with CD susceptibility.