Assessment of Serum Levels of YKL40 in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

IBD is a recurring chronic intestinal disease classified into two subtypes: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). YKL-40 is released by macrophages and neutrophils and is a growth factor for vascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Elevated blood concentrations of YKL-40 are detected in individuals with illnesses defined by inflammation or continuing fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between serum YKL-40 and clinical disease activity in individuals with ulcerative colitis (UC). Identifying the cause of the elevation can be considered one of the most important ways to help the specialist in identifying UC patients prior to endoscopy.