Fecal Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4: An Emergent Biomarker in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Introduction: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) is a membrane-bound glycoprotein that acts as a receptor but also exists in a soluble form. It has been recognized as a mediator of inflammation and considered a biomarker in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods: We evaluated a prospectively recruited cohort, consisting of 101 patients with IBD, using validated clinical indexes; 22 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) underwent endoscopic evaluation.

The Role of Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 as a Therapeutic Target and Serum Biomarker in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review.

Background: The roles dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), aminopeptidase N (APN), and their substrates in autoimmune diseases are being increasingly recognized. However, their significance in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is not entirely understood. This systematic review aims to discuss the pathophysiological processes related to these ectopeptidases while comparing findings from preclinical and clinical settings.

Serum Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4: A Predictor of Disease Activity and Prognosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background: Serum dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) has drawn particular interest as a biomarker in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as this protease inactivates several peptides that participate in the inflammatory cascade.

Methods: Two prospectively recruited cohorts consisting of 195 patients (101 had Crohn's disease [CD] and 94 had ulcerative colitis [UC]) were evaluated using clinical indexes and followed up to assess for treatment escalation. Sixty-eight patients underwent endoscopic evaluation at baseline.

A Systematic Review on Infliximab and Adalimumab Drug Monitoring: Levels, Clinical Outcomes and Assays.

Background: Immunogenicity to therapeutic proteins has been linked to loss of response by a large percentage of patients taking anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha agents. Drug monitoring can be extremely useful, allowing physicians to adjust the therapeutic scheme individually. This article aims to systematically review the published data with respect to cutoff levels of infliximab (IFX) and adalimumab (ADA) and relate them to the methodology adopted for quantification of IFX and ADA levels and clinical outcomes.

Indolent systemic mastocytosis limited to the bone: a case report and review of the literature.

CONTEXT Systemic mastocytosis is defined as a clonal disorder of mast cells and their precursor cells and is currently classified as a myeloproliferative neoplasm. Its clinical course has a wide spectrum, ranging from indolent disease, with normal life expectancy, to highly aggressive disease, associated with multisystemic involvement and poor overall survival. The aim of this study was to report a case of indolent systemic mastocytosis, focusing on the diagnostic challenges, with a review of the literature.