Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) as a possible biomarker of ileitis in patients with ulcerative colitis

Abstract

BackgroundOne of nine types of FABP, intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) is primarily limited to the mature enterocytes of the small intestine, with only trace amounts identified in the stomach and large intestine. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of I-FABP as a possible plasma marker of intestinal injury in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Material and methodsThe study group consisted of 42 patients (11 females and 31 males) with active ulcerative colitis (UC), aged from 24 to 74 years (mean age: 41.8±3.5 years). Plasma I-FABP concentrations and hsCRP were compared using endoscopic pictures scored according to the system developed by Meyers et al., and analysed in the context of inflammatory process extension: pancolitis, or distal or left side colitis. ResultsThe mean serum I-FABP concentration in UC patients was 166.9±36.3 vs. 61.3±7.8 pg/mL in healthy individuals. The highest I-FABP concentrations were observed in the pancolitis group (249.89±54.84 pg/mL), whereas individuals with left-side colitis had a mean I-FABP concentration of 61.8±8.5 pg/mL. Significant serum I-FABP elevation was observed in UC patients with a severe form of the disease, in contrast to the serum I-FABP concentration in patients with the mild form (260.5±60.6 vs. 61.5±7.9 pg/mL). ConclusionThe elevated serum I-FABP concentration in patients with UC may indicate ileitis. I-FABP may be a useful marker of the extended inflammatory process.