Investigating the Effects of Fusobacterium nucleatum Levels on Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Alpha Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis Disease
Project no. 26310 · Status: Kapanmış (Yayın bekleniyor) · 2022
Summary
<p>Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal system. The two main forms of IBD are known as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Although the exact cause of IBD is not fully understood, it is known that various factors such as genetic predisposition, smoking, and disrupted microbiota can trigger the disease. The incidence of IBD is increasing not only in the Western world but also in newly industrialized countries such as the Middle East, Asia, and South America. The pathophysiology of IBD is believed to arise from complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors, dysregulation of immune system responses, and alterations in the gut microbiota. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation in the colon, while Crohn's disease can cause transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal system. In the treatment of IBD, medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, steroids, and TNF antagonists are used. Anti-TNF agents are effective in reducing inflammation in IBD patients. TNF-alpha is a cytokine that plays a central role in the pathogenesis of IBD, and anti-TNF therapy can be effective in IBD patients. The human gut microbiota plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of IBD. In IBD patients, alterations in the microbiota's balance and decreased biodiversity compared to healthy individuals are observed. F. nucleatum forms a common bacterial group in the human oral and intestinal microbiota and is a recognized opportunistic pathogen implicated in IBD due to its pathogenic potential. It has been shown that F. nucleatum isolates from UC patients can adhere to and invade human colonic epithelial cells and increase TNF-alpha cytokine expression. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between this bacterial species and IBD and its association with disease activity. Additionally, the importance of F. nucleatum associated with UC in conjunction with the TNF factor and its impact on the course of the disease will be determined, shedding light on disease activity in UC.</p><p>Materials and Methods:</p><p>The density of F. nucleatum and the expression levels of TNF-alpha mRNA were determined using RT-PCR in DNA and RNA samples isolated from biopsy tissues of patients diagnosed with UC.</p><p>Results:</p><p>The density of F. nucleatum was found to be significantly higher in patients compared to the control group. When comparing the group of patients who achieved remission and the group that did not respond to treatment, the density of F. nucleatum was significantly higher in the non-responsive group. Both patient groups showed significantly higher TNF-alpha mRNA expression levels compared to the control group. Although an increase in TNF-alpha mRNA expression levels was observed when comparing the group achieving remission and the non-responsive group, it was not statistically significant.</p><p>Conclusion,</p><p>Fusobacterium nucleatum is increased in the intestinal tissues of ulcerative colitis patients. Measuring and targeting F. nucleatum and its associated pathways may provide new approaches for controlling ulcerative colitis and developing novel treatment strategies. This microorganism may have a significant impact on intestinal inflammation and the treatment of the disease. The increased presence of F. nucleatum in the intestine may be associated with the severity of the disease, making it a potential therapeutic target. Drugs or treatments targeting F. nucleatum and TNF-alpha can help reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, control intestinal inflammation, and halt disease progression. Therefore, investigating F. nucleatum and its associated pathways is crucial for better understanding of ulcerative colitis and the development.</p>