Polymorphisms of the macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha and ApoE genes are associated with ulcerative colitis

Background and aims An increased production of macrophage inflammatory proteins 1 alpha (MIP-1α) has been reported to be associated with ulcerative colitis (UC). We investigated whether a polymorphism site in MIP-1α was associated with UC in a Chinese population. Additionally, considering the abnormal lipoprotein metabolism in subjects with UC, we also sought to determine whether genetic variation in the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene may play a role in the development of UC.