Serial Changes of Cytokines in Steroid-Refractory Ulcerative Colitis Patients Treated with Tacrolimus

Abstract

AIM: We examined cytokine levels in steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) patients before and after administration of tacrolimus. METHODS: A total of 124 patients with UC were enrolled, and 13 with steroid-refractory UC were evaluated. Patients were given a 0.025 mg/kg oral dose of tacrolimus twice daily with plasma trough levels of 10 to 15 ng/mL for the first 2 weeks, and doses were maintained to achieve plasma levels between 5 and 10 ng/mL. The Disease Activity Index (DAI) and serum CRP levels were determined before and 12 weeks after treatment. Serum levels of 17 cytokines were simultaneously determined using a Bio-Plex suspension array system before and 12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: DAI scores and DAI mucosal appearance subscores after treatment were significantly decreased compared to before treatment (P<0.05). CRP levels were significantly decreased after treatment. G-CSF levels were significantly decreased after treatment compared to before treatment in all patients. In the efficacy group, IL-8 and G-CSF levels were significantly decreased after treatment compared to before treatment, and a significant correlation was noted between CRP and IL-8 levels. CONCLUSION: Treatment with tacrolimus reduced serum IL-8 and G-CSF levels in UC patients, which may be associated with an overall reduction in disease severity.