Plasma fibronectin levels in patients with idiopathic ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND

Deficiency of fibronectin-a naturally occurring glycoprotein-has been demonstrated in patients with Crohn's disease. We studied plasma fibronectin levels in idiopathic ulcerative colitis to see whether there was any correlation with disease activity.

METHODS

Fifty patients and an equal number of age and sex matched healthy controls were studied by ELISA for plasma fibronectin.

RESULTS

The mean plasma fibronectin levels were significantly lower (p<0.001) in patients with idiopathic ulcerative colitis (171±93 μg/ml) as compared to those in controls (347±59 μg/ml). There was, however, no significant difference (p>0.05) in fibronectin levels between those who had active colitis (176±103 μg/ml) and those with quiescent colitis (163±73 μg/ml). Plasma fibronectin levels did not show any correlation with the extent and duration of colitis or with steroid administration.

CONCLUSION

Decreased fibronectin levels may be important in the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis.