الفهرس 
Inflammatory bowel diseaseOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Abstract
Background
Matrix γ-carboxyglutamic acid (GLA) protein is a vitamin K dependent peptide which is contributing to the immunomodulatory activity of mesenchymal stromal cells. Recent reports have pointed to a possible association between matrix GLA protein and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, little is known about the clinical utility of matrix GLA protein in IBD patients.
Aim
To assess the impact of achieving remission on the serum matrix GLA protein levels in IBD patients.
Patient and methods
Sixty newly diagnosed IBD patients were included in this prospective observational study. All patients were subjected to full clinical, laboratory, radiological, and histopathological assessment of IBD at baseline and six months after initiating treatment. Serum matrix GLA protein level was assessed using ELISA.
Results
The UC cases were 29 (48.3%) and CD cases were 31 (51.67%). We observed a significant decrease in serum matrix GLA protein levels following 6 months of treatment compared to pretreatment values in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients (120.490 ± 26.273 vs. 26.320 ± 17.378 nmol/L, p<0.001) and Crohn’s disease (CD) patients (125.576 ± 28.208 vs. 28.520 ± 18.443 nmol/L, p<0.001). In addition, serum matrix GLA protein levels were significantly higher in non-remittent compared to remittent UC patients before treatment (142.556 ± 17.096 vs. 110.560 ± 23.659 nmol/L, p<0.001) and after six months of treatment (51.222 ± 4.410 vs. 15.114 ± 3.302 nmol/L, p<0.001). In addition, serum matrix GLA protein levels were significantly higher in non-remittent compared to remittent CD patients before treatment (150.727 ± 7.198 vs. 111.743 ± 25.718 nmol/L, p<0.001) and after six months of treatment (52.182 ± 5.269 vs. 15.506 ± 4.475 nmol/L, p<0.001). This response was irrespective of the therapeutic modality.
Conclusion
The achievement of remission in IBD patients results in a significant decrease in serum matrix GLA protein levels. Nevertheless, the current results highlight the necessity of addressing matrix GLA protein involvement and possible therapeutic utility for IBD in upcoming studies.