Background and aims: The aim of this study was to identify new intestinal proteins potentially associated with acute inflammation using proteomic profiling of an in vivo mice model of ulcerative colitis.
Methods: 2D fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight spectrometer (MALDI-TOF) peptide mass fingerprinting were used to determine differentially expressed proteins between normal and inflamed intestinal mucosa. Acute colitis was induced by 8.0% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) given p.o. for 7 days.
Results: Among a total of seven protein spots showing differential expression, we identified five different proteins, of which two were upregulated and three downregulated in colitis in comparison to normal mucosa, using the MASCOT search engine. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase 2 and serpin b1a were upregulated proteins, and protein disulfide-isomerase A3, peroxiredoxin-6 and vimentin were identified as downregulated proteins.
Conclusion: These identified proteins may be responsible for the development of the intestinal inflammation. 2D-DIGE and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry are useful in the search for the differentially expressed proteins.