Role of IL 12 and IL 23 as Potential Biomarkers in Diagnosis of Early Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by periods of remission and relapse, with symptoms ranging from abdominal pain and diarrhea to severe complications such as fistulas and intestinal obstruction. Interleukins (ILs) are known clusters of cytokines that regulate the proliferation, development, and activation of immune cells. IL-12 is predominantly a pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by antigen-presenting cells (APC) in response to sensing of microbial components by Toll-like receptors. Another member of this family, IL-23 is also produced by DCs and macrophages after toll-like receptors (TLRs) engagement.