Reduced Paneth cell α-defensins in ileal Crohn's disease
University of California System · University of California, Los Angeles · +5 more institutions
Abstract
The pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD), an idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease, is attributed, in part, to intestinal bacteria that may initiate and perpetuate mucosal inflammation in genetically susceptible individuals. Paneth cells (PC) are the major source of antimicrobial peptides in the small intestine, including human alpha-defensins HD5 and HD6. We tested the hypothesis that reduced expression of PC alpha-defensins compromises mucosal host defenses and predisposes patients to CD of the ileum. We report that patients with CD of the ileum have reduced antibacterial activity in their intestinal mucosal extracts. These specimens also showed decreased expression of PC alpha-defensins, whereas the…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 37.19
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 48
Authors
17- JWJan WehkampCorresponding
University of California System
- NHNita H. Salzman
University of California System
- EPEdith Porter
University of California, Los Angeles, University of California System
- SNSabine Nuding
University of California System
- MWMichael Weichenthal
University of California System, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
Topics & keywords
- Paneth cell
- Pouchitis
- Ileum
- Defensin
- Pathogenesis
- Ileitis
- Inflammation
- Crohn's disease
- Good health and well-being