Plasma elafin, cathelicidin, and α-defensins are increased in paediatric inflammatory Crohn's disease and reflect disease location

Introduction: The aim of our study was to assess antimicrobial peptides in children with Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods: Plasma elafin, cathelicidin, and α- and β-defensins were assessed in 35 children with CD using immunoassays. Phenotype and location of CD were assessed based on the results of endoscopic and radiological studies.

Results: We found increased elafin, cathelicidin, and α-defensins in children with inflammatory phenotype as compared to stricturing and penetrating phenotypes of CD. Additionally, we found increased elafin and cathelicidin in colonic location and α-defensins in ileal CD locations.

Conclusions: Assessing antimicrobial peptides may be helpful in estimating of phenotype and location of CD lesions.