Abstract
The role of spliceosome-associated protein 130 (SAP130) in gut inflammation, particularly in Crohn's disease (CD), remains unclear. The aim of our study was to analyze correlations between serum SAP130 levels and CD severity, and to assess its predictive value for the clinical efficacy of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) in CD. Correlations between the SAP130 levels and CD severity were evaluated. SAP130 and its receptor Mincle (macrophage-inducible C-type lectin) in the colon tissue in active CD were measured. Furthermore, the serum SAP130 level was investigated as a predictor of clinical efficacy in patients treated with EEN. The serum SAP130 levels significantly increased in patients with active CD compared with patients in remission for CD (P < 0.001) and control individuals (P < 0.001), and they varied according to clinical activity and significantly correlated with disease severity. In parallel, the expression of both SAP130 and Mincle in colon tissue was elevated in active CD. Additionally, the serum SAP130 level declined in patients with active CD who achieved efficacy at week 8 after EEN therapy. This preliminary evidence shows that SAP130 might be a potential noninvasive biomarker that correlates well with CD severity and the clinical efficacy of EEN in CD.