The aetiology and cure for inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are uncertain. Measures reflectingto disease activity, permeability, and Inflammatory state are available but are limited in their ability to predict or measure ‘clinical remission’ - a newly accepted gold-standard for treatment of this condition. Scientists and clinicians are embracing the concept of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity and its role in the pathogenesis and natural history of IBD.
Peptide biomarkers from the low-mass-plasma proteomes have been identified as significant players in the diagnosis of IBD, the differentiation of active disease and remission, and remission and healthy individuals. These markers have been quantitated using label-free and absolute MRM techniques. Binding partner studies show a novel relationship to endocytic signaling, lipid metabolism and actin nucleation; and additionally correlate to the ‘tissue integrity’ of leaky-gut’ IBD patients.
Modulated proteins in patients with ongoing intestinal damage may be able to predict for relapse and the need to escalate treatment. Markers which can be translated into treatment management able to measure repair of leak, restitution and epithelial cell healing are being sought to manage IBD.