Increased Nuclear Localization of Interleukin 33 in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Abstract

Aim: Investigate the intensity and distribution of IL-33 staining in patients with EoE compared to healthy controls and patients with GERD. Methods: A retrospective study and reviewed pathology specimens from 20 patients with EoE and 20 patients with GERD and 20 healthy subjects. We performed immunohistochemical staining for IL-33 on these samples. The staining distribution was compared with respect to intranuclear or intracytoplasmic IL-33 intensity and the depth of staining intensity in the biopsies. Results: There was increased intensity of nuclear IL-33 staining in biopsies from patients with EoE as compared to healthy subjects patients with GERD (P<0.001), and no difference in cytoplasmic staining, or IL-33 distribution within biopsies thickness among the groups (P=0.42). Conclusion: This study describes enhanced nuclear expression of IL-33 in EoE, a disorder characterized by a predominantly Th2 response and esophageal hypereosinophilia in the absence of GERD. Our observations may have implications for improved understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of EoE.