Background/aims: Although cytokines have an important role on the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC), the serial changes of cytokines have not been well characterized. It was examined cytokine levels in UC patients before and after administration of antibiotic combination therapy.
Methods: Protocol 1: A total of 26 patients with active UC (13 treatment group, 13 control group) with a median age of 40.5 years were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to receive amoxicillin, tetracycline, and metronidazole per os for 2 wks (treatment group) or placebo (control group). Lichtiger's symptom score was determined before, 1 month after, and 3 months after treatment, and Matts endoscopic score was determined before and 3 months after treatment. Protocol 2: A total of 23 patients with active UC were enrolled (13 men, 10 women; mean age, 34.8 years). Serum levels of 17 cytokines were simultaneously determined using a Bio-Plex suspension array system (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.) before, 1 month after, and 3 months after treatment.
Results: Protocol 1: The incidence of clinical symptoms in the treatment group was significantly lower at 3 months after treatment compared to that before treatment and that in the control group (p < 0.05). The rate of change in endoscopic scores in the treatment group at 3 months after treatment was significantly decreased compared to that before treatment. Serum CRP in the treatment group at 1 month and 3 months after treatment was significantly decreased compared to before treatment. Protocol 2: There were no significant differences in the serum levels of the 17 cytokines before versus 1 month or 3 months after treatment. However, IL-6 and MCP-1 levels tended to be lower 1 month after treatment compared to before treatment. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between the symptom score severity and serum IL-8 and MIP-1beta levels.
Conclusion: The present study results suggest that changes in IL-8 and MIP-1beta levels in UC treated with the antibiotic combination therapy may be associated with symptom relief.