Objective: To evaluate the value of IL-17 and IL23 expression in response prediction of infliximab treatment in Crohn's disease (CD).
Methods: A total 23 CD patients were enrolled in this study including 19 males and 4 females. Another 17 patients with colonic polyps were recruited as control group. The tissue expression of IL-17 and IL23 positive cells were counted and recorded in 10 random high power fields (HPFs).
Results: Infliximab was effective in sixteen patients (69.6%), while 7 patients (30.4%) did not response. The numbers of IL-17 or IL23 positive cells were much more in responders than those in nonresponders. The median numbers of IL-17 or IL23 positive cells were 26.7 (18.0, 38.6)/HPF in responders, 11.8 (7.0, 14.0)/HPF in nonresponders, 3.0 (2.0, 4.0)/HPF in controls (P = 0.004). The median numbers of IL-23 positive cells were 74.5 (44.8, 128.6)/HPF in responders, 22.4 (19.0, 38.8)/HPF in nonresponders, 3.0 (2.0, 4.0)/HPF in controls (P = 0.018). IL-17 or IL-23 positive mucosal cells were significantly decreased after infliximab treatment.
Conclusion: High expression of IL-17 and IL-23 in mucosa may predict the response to infliximab in CD patients.