Plasma elafin, cathelicidin, and α-defensins are increased in paediatric inflammatory Crohn's disease and reflect disease location.

Abstract

IntroductionThe aim of our study was to assess antimicrobial peptides in children with Crohn’s disease (CD).MethodsPlasma elafin, cathelicidin, and α- and β-defensins were assessed in 35 children with CD using immunoassays. Phenotype and location of CD were assessed based on the results of endoscopic and radiological studies.ResultsWe found increased elafin, cathelicidin, and α-defensins in children with inflammatory phenotype as compared to stricturing and penetrating phenotypes of CD. Additionally, we found increased elafin and cathelicidin in colonic location and α-defensins in ileal CD locations.ConclusionsAssessing antimicrobial peptides may be helpful in estimating of phenotype and location of CD lesions.