Endogenous polypeptide growth factors in children with duodenal ulcer

Abstract

Currently, the attention of many researchers is drawn to determine the features of the regeneration of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract in ulcers, as one of the most important protective factors in this pathology. Purpose - to investigate the indicators of endogenous polypeptides (epidermal growth factor - EGF and transforming growth factor α-TGF-α) in the serum of children with duodenal ulcers. Materials and methods. The study included 56 children aged 7-18 years (36 children with duodenal ulcer - the main group and 20 healthy children (comparison group). The content of endogenous polypeptides in serum was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the Human EGF ELISA Kit (Invitrogen, USA) for EGF and R&D system (USA) for TGF-α according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Statistical processing of the obtained results was carried out using parametric and non-parametric methods of evaluation of the obtained results. Results. Slightly higher levels of EGF and TGF-α were found in boys of both subgroups of the main group (EGF: 561.45 [391.81-699.34] pg/ml and 544.67 [411.23-569.77] pg/ml, p>0.05; TGF-α: 47.91 [21.41-29.69] and 42.56 [35.45-49.21] pg/ml, p>0.05). Concentrations of endogenous factors in exacerbation of ulcerative process are higher than in remission (p<0.001) and in remission does not reach that in healthy children, p<0.01). In patients with severe duodenal ulcers, EGF and TGF-α concentrations are higher (p<0.01), which may be due to the maximum degree of inflammatory-destructive process. Conclusions. The course of duodenal ulcer leads to disorders in the regulation of proliferative processes in the mucous membrane, which is manifested by increased levels of EGF and TGF-α in the serum of sick children, the more severe the course, the higher process. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local ethics committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interest was declared by the authors. Key words: children, duodenal ulcer, epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor α (TGF-α).