ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LAT1 AND MIR-126-3P EXPRESSION LEVELS AND DISEASE SEVERITY IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS: IMPLICATIONS FOR ATHLETIC HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) and miR-126-3p expression levels in the colonic mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and their association with disease severity, emphasizing potential implications for athletes' health and performance management. Methods: Ninety-six UC patients treated at Beijing Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital and the PLA General Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were divided into mild, moderate, and severe UC groups based on disease severity. A control group of 100 individuals with normal intestinal mucosa from single polyp removal was included. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to measure LAT1 and miR-126-3p levels. Serum inflammatory markers, including IL-1β, CRP, PLT, ESR, MDA, and SOD, were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to explore relationships between LAT1, miR-126-3p, and inflammatory indicators. Results: LAT1 and miR-126-3p levels in the colonic mucosa of UC patients were significantly higher than those in the control group, with levels increasing alongside disease severity. Serum IL-1β, PLT, CRP, ESR, and MDA showed an upward trend, while SOD levels decreased as UC severity worsened (P<0.05). LAT1 expression positively correlated with IL-1β, PLT, CRP, ESR, and MDA (r=0.448, r=0.263, r=0.473, r=0.401, r=0.380, P<0.05) and negatively with SOD (r=-0.532, P<0.05). Similarly, miR-126-3p expression positively correlated with IL-1β, PLT, CRP, ESR, and MDA (r=0.549, r=0.385, r=0.600, r=0.425, r=0.423, P<0.05) and negatively with SOD (r=-0.542, P<0.05). Conclusion: Elevated LAT1 and miR-126-3p expression levels are strongly associated with increased severity of UC. Their correlation with key inflammatory indicators highlights their potential as biomarkers for monitoring disease progression. In sports medicine, assessing these biomarkers could help manage athletes with inflammatory disorders, ensuring optimal performance and health.