Mannan-binding lectin deficiency in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Objective. The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Europe has increased significantly. At least a fourth of patients are children. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is believed to be an important component of innate immunity, acting as an opsonin and activator of the lectin pathway (LP) of complement. The data relating any of the LP factors to IBD are sparse and contradictory and were obtained mainly from adult patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of MBL in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in children. Methods. MBL2 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) and MBL concentrations (ELISA) were determined. Results. The frequency of MBL2 gene variants responsible for MBL deficiency (LXPA/O and O/O) is significantly higher in CD patients compared with controls or children with UC. A relatively high frequency of the codon 52 mutation (D allele) was noted in these patients. Practically no difference was found between UC and control (C) groups...