Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can result in progressive bowel damage and disability. Also, Crohn's disease can affect individuals of any age, from children to the elderly, and may cause significant morbidity and impact quality of life. LncRNAs are transcripts consisting of more than 200 nucleotides that can be processed by RNA polymerase II. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the role of serum lncRNA (IFNG-AS1) as a marker of disease activity in patients with Crohn's disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 50 subjects divided into the following groups: Group I: Thirty patients with Crohn's disease, subdivided into: Group Ia; 15 patients with active Crohn's disease. Group Ib; 15 patients with Crohn's disease in remission. Group II: 20 subjects as control group. Detailed history taking, systemic physical examination, laboratory investigations, and relative quantification of serum level of lncRNA IFNG-AS1: real-time PCR was performed in all patients. RESULTS: The mean IFN-G AS1 (2-∆∆ cT) level in group I was (70.10 ±150.55 pg/ml) markedly higher than the mean in group II (0.70 ±0.34 pg/ml). The mean in group Ia had significantly higher IFN-G AS1 (2-∆∆ cT) compared to group Ib (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum IFNG AS-1 can be a good diagnostic marker and can be used to measure disease activity in Crohn's disease patients.