Expression and pathogenesis of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis.

Background and aim: Insulin-like growth factor-1 may be involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process. It can mitigate adverse effects when interacting with insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3. This study aimed to explore alterations in the expression of these two factors in the colonic tissue of mice with ulcerative colitis. Method: This study utilized animal models. Mice were randomly allocated into three distinct groups. Disease activity index assessment was performed first, followed by histological grading of colitis. Protein and mRNA expression levels were determined using Western blotting and RT-qPCR. Immunohistochemical detection was used to determine histochemistry scores. Pearson correlation and SPSS 25.0 software were used for data analysis. Results: The findings indicated a reduction in the expression of the two investigated factors as well as in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition epithelial markers during inflammation, while the expression of noninflammatory factors increased. These effects were notably amplified following treatment. Interestingly, the changes in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-inducing factors and mesenchymal markers contradicted this trend. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a correlation between molecular indicators of change and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Conclusion: Insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 may play a protective role in the development and progression of ulcerative colitis, potentially through their inhibition of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. These factors hold promise as targets for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis.