Differential cathelicidin expression in duodenal mucosa from African and German patients

Introduction: Epithelial surfaces such as the gastrointestinal mucosa depend on expression of antimicrobial peptides like cathelicidin for immune defence against pathogens. The mechanisms behind mucosal cathelicidin regulation are incompletely understood. In cooperation between Bugando Medical Centre (Tanzania, Africa) and the Department of Medicine (University of Wuerzburg, Germany) duodenal cathelicidin expression of African and German patients in the upper gastrointestinal tract was analysed. Methods: Mucosal biopsy specimen were obtained during routine endoscopy from patients in Bugando (n=31) and Würzburg (…