Correlation of disease severity in ulcerative colitis with fecal MMP-9 levels, occludin, PAR-2 and PAR-4 mRNA expression in corresponding biopsies

Introduction: Active ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by tight junction alterations and increased gut permeability. Matrix-metalloprotease 9 (MMP-9) is capable of occludin degradation and disruption of the epithelial barrier, while increased PAR-2 promoter methylation was shown in patients with severe forms of the disease. Our aims were: 1. to examine the correlation of UC disease severity with fecal levels of MMP-9 and occludin mRNA and protein expression; 2. to examine PAR-2 and 4 mRNA expressions related to disease severity. Methods: 14 UC patients and 6 control subjects undergoing colonoscopy were in…