Role of serological markers of activated eosinophils in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Background: Activated eosinophils can infiltrate the intestinal mucosa in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and eosinophils are also implicated in the histological damage seen in allergic diseases.

Aim: To assess, in a group of patients with IBD in remission or with a mild disease activity, whether serological markers of eosinophil activation, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil protein X (EPX), are related to evidence of IgE hypersensitivity and to the eosinophilia in gut mucosa.

Methods: Sixty-one patients with IBD (21 Crohn's disease and 40 ulcerative colitis) in remission or with a mild disease activity were screened for IgE hypersensitivity and serological levels of ECP and EPX.

Circulating soluble-CD30 (sCD30) in patients with HCV-related chronic hepatitis and in patients with alcoholic liver disease.

Background/aims: Serum sCD30 (soluble CD30) is a marker of cells producing Th2-type (T-helper-2-type) cytokines. High levels of sCD30 have been found in the active phase of HBV infection. The Th2-type cytokine profile has been documented in alcoholic liver diseases, which have particularly high IgE and IgA serum levels.