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The Expression of Protease-Activated Receptor 2 and 4 in the Colon of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients

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Abstract

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pathophysiology has not been fully understood. Abnormalities of serine proteases have been identified in IBS patients. In addition, protease-activated receptors (PAR) activation interferes with several components of the pathogenesis of IBS, so, evaluating the PAR expression in IBS patients may contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of the disease.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate whether the expression of PAR4 and PAR2 in the colon was changed in IBS patients and was associated with IBS.

Methods

Colon mucosal biopsies of 34 IBS patients (16 constipation- and 18 diarrhea-predominant) and 18 control subjects were collected. Gene transcripts of PAR2, PAR4, tryptase, and trypsin were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the expression of PAR2 and PAR4 receptors was also measured by immunohistology and image analysis.

Results

In IBS patients, the mRNA expression of tryptase and trypsin normalized against β-actin gene was higher compared to control subjects (P < 0.001). No difference was observed in the PAR2 mRNA level or protein level between control subjects on the one hand and IBS patients or subgroups on the other. In IBS or IBS subgroups patients, the expression of PAR4 in the mRNA level or protein level was lower than the control subjects.

Conclusions

This study, for the first time, indicated the PAR4 expression in IBS patients. Decreased PAR4 expression may help us to understand the pathogenesis of IBS.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, No. 157 Xi’wu Road, Xi’an, China

    Ju-hui Zhao, Lei Dong, Hai-tao Shi, Zong-yan Wang, Hong-yang Shi & Hui Ding

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  1. Ju-hui Zhao
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  2. Lei Dong
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  3. Hai-tao Shi
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  4. Zong-yan Wang
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  5. Hong-yang Shi
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  6. Hui Ding
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Correspondence to Lei Dong.

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Zhao, Jh., Dong, L., Shi, Ht. et al. The Expression of Protease-Activated Receptor 2 and 4 in the Colon of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients. Dig Dis Sci 57, 58–64 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-011-1827-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-011-1827-3

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