Correlation between IL-17 and inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a protracted, persistent gastrointestinal disease that is distinguished by recurring, persistent inflammation of the digestive tract. IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by persistent inflammation due to immune dysregulation. Interleukin -17 (IL-17) contributes significantly to the pathophysiology of IBD, as highlighted in the context of the provided research. There is a strong correlation between IL-17 inhibitors and the onset or exacerbation of IBD, with IL-17 inhibitor treatment being linked to gastrointestinal inflammatory events such as IBD and colitis. The goal of the current study was to determine the relationship between IBD disease activity and serum IL-17 levels in individuals with IBD. This case-control study included 102 IBD patients and 48 normal individuals as a control group. Blood samples were used for measuring IL-17 levels using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Levels of IL-17 were increased in patients compared with the control group (p=0.0001). IL-17 levels were significantly elevated in patients aged 1-15 years, 31-45 years and 16-30 years. IL-17 levels showed significant differences between two types of inflammatory bowel disease being elevated in Crohn's disease more than ulcerative colitis (p=0.001). IL-17 demonstrated significant differences in IL-17 levels between male and female in patients and controls groups (p=0.0001). In conclusion, patients with IBD have higher serum levels of IL-17, indicating that these cytokines may have a role in the development and pathophysiology of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Overall, monitoring IL-17 levels could serve as valuable biomarkers for assessing IBD severity and guiding treatment decisions.