RESUMO
Objective To investigate the expression of TLR2 in colon mucosa of ulcerative colitis (UC) and to analyze the correlation with clinical activity and endoscopic grading. Methods The biopsies from 47 UC patients and 13 healthy controls were collected, and the expression of TLR2 protein and mRNA in colonic mucosa was determined by Western Blot and semi-quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. The patients were graded according to endoscopic and clinical findings. Results The expressions of TLR2 protein and TLR2 mRNA in UC patients were significantly increased than those in healthy controls, which was correlated with the progression of the disease. Conclusion The expressions of TLR2 protein and TLR2 mRNA in colon mucosa from UC patients might be used as a marker for disease activity.