Role of Cytokines, Oxidative Stress Markers and Inflammatory Mediators in Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the role of cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory mediators in gastrointestinal dysfunction and to assess their relationship with disease severity in patients with UC.

Materials and Methods: A total of 120 participants were enrolled, including 80 patients with clinically and histopathologically confirmed ulcerative colitis and 40 age and sex matched healthy controls. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17), anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, myeloperoxidase), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione), and inflammatory mediators (CRP, ESR, prostaglandin E2, COX-2 expression) were analyzed using standard biochemical and immunological methods. Disease severity was assessed using the Mayo Clinic Disease Activity Index, and histopathological evaluation was performed on colonic biopsy samples.

Results: The results demonstrated significantly elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory mediators in UC patients compared with controls (p < 0.001). In contrast, antioxidant enzyme levels and IL-10 were significantly reduced. These biochemical alterations showed a strong positive correlation with disease severity, while antioxidant markers showed a negative correlation. Histopathological findings revealed mucosal inflammation, crypt distortion, goblet cell depletion, and epithelial damage, which were consistent with biochemical abnormalities.

Conclusion: Ulcerative colitis is strongly associated with an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, increased oxidative stress, and heightened inflammatory mediator activity. These factors collectively contribute to gastrointestinal dysfunction and disease progression. The studied biomarkers may serve as useful indicators of disease severity and potential targets for therapeutic intervention.