Serum Interleukin-17 and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 as Diagnostic Biomarkers in Iraqi Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an immunoinflammatory illness that affects the mucous membrane of the colon, resulting in erosion and ulcers. Diagnosing ulcerative colitis is difficult and risky. Colonoscopy is the gold standard, but it is intrusive, expensive, and perforating. Serum markers cannot detect mucosal inflammation. creating non-invasive ulcerative colitis biomarkers. Aim: To evaluate the levels of Interleukin 17 and Matrix metalloproteinase 9 among the Ulcerative colitis patients in comparison to the healthy control subjects Methods: A case control study was held between September 2025 to march 2026 ,90 participants (60 with Ulcerative colitis and 30 healthy controls) were recruited from specialized hospital for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Najaf. The levels of interleukin 17 and Matrix metalloproteinase 9 were estimated using ELISA. Results: Significant difference (P value <0.05) was shown between the ulcerative colitis and healthy control groups regarding to the levels of Interleukin 17 and Matrix metalloproteinase 9, the two markers were significantly positively correlated. Age and BMI didn’t show any impact on the immunological markers. Conclusion: Interleukin 17 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 showed a good diagnostic potency as sensitive immunological markers but with moderate specificity.