Samin Zamani, Sima Besharat, Nasser Behnampour, Armina Behnam, Negar Asgari, Nazanin Mortazavi,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) caused by abnormal immune responses, leading to inflammation and scarring in the large intestine. The bacteria Prevotella melaninogenica, found in the intestine and mouth, may contribute to UC. This study focuses on the detection of P. melaninogenica in the saliva of UC patients and compares them with the healthy control (HC) group.
Methods: The present study was a case-control study including 40 UC patients and 40 healthy controls (HCs) with an average age of 43.0 3± 10.3. This study used a real-time PCR test to investigate the frequency and average number of P. melaninogenica from the 16S rRNA gene sequence of P. melaninogenica in both groups.
Results: P. melaninogenica was more frequent in UC patients (77.5%) than HCs (45%) (p = 0.003). The patient group had more bacteria (339.31 ± 1082.29) than HCs (61.29 ± 154.03) (p = 0.005). Women in the UC group had more P. melaninogenica (492.35 ± 1427.61) than the control group (56.98 ± 123.50) (p = 0.0342). Similarly, men in the UC group (262.85 ± 664.97) had more bacteria than the control group (72.62 ± 222.76) (p = 0.015).
Conclusion: The current study showed that dysbiosis in P. melaninogenica, a bacterium in human saliva, could be important in the development of UC. Further investigation is needed to evaluate its use as a potential biomarker in the UC.
Babak Tamizifar , Nazila Kassaian , Marzieh Rahimkhorasani, Hazhir Moradi , Somaieh Sabzali , Kiana Shahzamani , Peyman Adibi ,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (1-2026)
Abstract
Background: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of vaccination in immunocompromised patients, including those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the Sinopharm anti-COVID-19 vaccine on fecal calprotectin (fCP) levels and clinical symptoms in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).
Methods: A total of 28 patients with UC (8 females and 20 males), with a mean age of 40.8 ± 9.7 years, were enrolled in the study. Most patients were receiving 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) agents. All patients received the Sinopharm anti-COVID-19 vaccine. Fecal calprotectin levels and clinical symptoms were assessed at baseline and at 2 and 12 weeks after vaccination. The Lichtiger score and Mayo score were used to evaluate clinical symptoms.
Results: No IBD-related adverse events were reported following vaccination. There was no significant difference in fCP levels between baseline and 2 weeks after vaccination. However, a significant decrease in fCP levels was observed at 12 weeks after vaccination compared to baseline and 2 weeks post-vaccination. Similarly, a significant improvement in clinical symptoms was noted at 2 and 12 weeks after vaccination compared to baseline, as evidenced by a reduction in the Lichtiger score. There was no association between vaccination and the clinical bleeding score (Mayo score). None of the other parameters, including location of injury, type of medication, or sex, were associated with fCP levels, Lichtiger score, or Mayo score.
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the Sinopharm anti-COVID-19 vaccine is safe for patients with IBD and does not lead to exacerbation of UC symptoms.
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