EXPRESSION OF TOLL-LIKE RECEPTOR 4, CD14, AND NF-κB IN CHINESE PATIENTS WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS

This study elucidates the significance of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), CD14, and nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B on the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Colonic biopsy specimens were collected from active UC and controls. The expression of TLR4, CD14, and NF-kappa Bp 65 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). In UC, disease activity index (DAI) and pathological grade were classified according to the Powell-Tuck grade system and Truelove-Richards system, respectively. Fifty-six UC cases and 56 controls entered the investigation. IHC and RT-PCR revealed a significant increase of TLR4, CD14, and NF-kappa Bp 65 antigen expression in colonic mucosa of UC compared with colonic mucosa of controls (p < .001). In UC, TLR4, CD14, and NF-kappa Bp 65 expression were positively related to DAI (r= .873, p < .001; r=. 576, p < .001; r= .747, p < .001 receptively). NF-kappa Bp65 significantly correlated with TLR4 and CD14 (r= .669, p < .001; r=.576, p < .001, receptively). TLR4, CD14, and NF-kappa Bp65 were positively related to pathological classification in UC (p < .01). Thus, TLR4, CD14, and NF-kappa Bp65 were upregulated significantly in UC, to an extent that reflects the degree of inflammation and thereby might contribute to the occurrence and development of UC.