OBJECTIVES: To explore the value of ferroptose-related genes in the diagnosis and prediction of ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: We used UC dataset from the GEO database to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in UC. The DEGs related to ferroptositis were screened from the FerrDb database and their functions were analyzed. The hub genes were identified by constructing the protein-protein interaction network (PPI), the differences in immune infiltration levels between UC and the control group were evaluated using CIBERSORT, and the diagnostic values of the hub genes for UC were verified by using the training set. In a mouse model of UC, we examined the expression levels of the hub genes in the colon tissues of the mice using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR). RESULTS: We identified a total of 76 DEGs related to ferroptosis. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these genes were significantly enriched in ferroptosis and hypoxia pathways. The PPI network identified 10 hub genes, and 9 of them were highly expressed in UC. Analysis of immune cell infiltration showed that 27 cell types were significantly increased in UC (P<0.05), and the immune checkpoints-related genes had the strongest correlation with the hub gene PPARG (P<0.05). Verification analysis using the training set showed that P4HB, PPARG and STAT3 had the best predictive value for UC (P<0.05). In the UC mouse model, the expression of PPARG was significantly decreased and the expressions of P4HB and STAT3 were significantly increased in the colon tissues of the mice as compared with the normal mice. CONCLUSIONS Ferroptose-related genes have significant value for diagnosis and prediction of UC.
Colitis, Ulcerative/genetics* ; Animals ; Mice ; Ferroptosis/genetics* ; Humans ; Protein Interaction Maps ; Disease Models, Animal ; Gene Expression Profiling ; STAT3 Transcription Factor/genetics*

Objective To study the role and influence of basic Alkaline ceramidase 1 on mucosal barrier and immune regulation in ulcerative colitis(UC).Methods Acer1 knockout mice(Acer1 KO)were constructed,and the UC model was induced by continuous drinking water of sodium dextran sulfate(DSS)for 7 days,and the severity of symptoms of UC disease in C57 and Acer1 KO mice was compared.The expression levels of intestinal mucosal barriers(ZO-1,Occludin,Claudin,JAMA)were detected by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.Systemic immune response levels(IL-1b、IL-6、IL-23、IL-17、IL-10,and TNF-a)were assessed by ELISA and intestinal inflammatory infiltration levels(TNF-a、IL-1b、IL-6、IL-17、IL-21,etc.)were assessed by RT-PCR.Results There was no significant difference between C57 and Acer1 KO mice in free drinking water.In the DSS induced UC model,compared with C57 mice,the survival rate of Acer1 KO mice decreased,the weight decreased significantly,the mechanical barrier and mucus barrier protein expression levels decreased significantly,the intes-tinal epithelial barrier was seriously damaged,the inflammatory response was strong,and the cytokine infiltration was obvious,with statistical differences(P<0.05).Conclusion Acer1 can inhibit inflammatory infiltration by maintaining the integrity of intestinal mucosal barrier,preventing endotoxin,and delaying the progression of UC.

Objective To study the role and influence of basic Alkaline ceramidase 1 on mucosal barrier and immune regulation in ulcerative colitis(UC).Methods Acer1 knockout mice(Acer1 KO)were constructed,and the UC model was induced by continuous drinking water of sodium dextran sulfate(DSS)for 7 days,and the severity of symptoms of UC disease in C57 and Acer1 KO mice was compared.The expression levels of intestinal mucosal barriers(ZO-1,Occludin,Claudin,JAMA)were detected by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.Systemic immune response levels(IL-1b、IL-6、IL-23、IL-17、IL-10,and TNF-a)were assessed by ELISA and intestinal inflammatory infiltration levels(TNF-a、IL-1b、IL-6、IL-17、IL-21,etc.)were assessed by RT-PCR.Results There was no significant difference between C57 and Acer1 KO mice in free drinking water.In the DSS induced UC model,compared with C57 mice,the survival rate of Acer1 KO mice decreased,the weight decreased significantly,the mechanical barrier and mucus barrier protein expression levels decreased significantly,the intes-tinal epithelial barrier was seriously damaged,the inflammatory response was strong,and the cytokine infiltration was obvious,with statistical differences(P<0.05).Conclusion Acer1 can inhibit inflammatory infiltration by maintaining the integrity of intestinal mucosal barrier,preventing endotoxin,and delaying the progression of UC.