BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of NLRP3 and HMGB1 in patients with active ulcerative colitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study which included a total of 62 cases with active ulcerative colitis during January 2017 to December 2018. The patients were divided into a mild/moderate group or a severe group according to Sutherland Disease Activity Index (DAI) score. Clinical activity index and endoscopic index were used to determine the severity of UC. Serum levels of NLRP3, HMGB1, endothelin-1, IL-1β, and TNF-α were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS: Sutherland DAI score, clinical activity index, and endoscopic index were all significantly higher in severe patients than in the mild/moderate group. NLRP3, HMGB1, endothelin-1, IL-1β, and TNF-α were significantly higher in severe UC patients. NLRP3 level was positively correlated with HMGB1, ET-1, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels. Both NLRP3 and HMGB1 were positively correlated with Sutherland DAI score, clinical activity index, and endoscopic index.

CONCLUSIONS: Both serum NLRP3 and HMGB1 were elevated in UC patients, and the serum levels of NLRP3 were positively correlated with serum levels of HMGB1, ET-1, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as severity of UC patients.

Keywords: Colitis, Ulcerative, Hemostasis, Endoscopic, HMGB1 Protein, Cytokines, Endothelin-1, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein, Prospective Studies, Severity of Illness Index