Serum Levels of Caspase-3 and XIAP in Patients with Gastrointestinal Disorders in Karbala Province, Iraq | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Medical Microbiology | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 01 April 2026 | ||
| Document Type: New and original researches in the field of Microbiology. | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejmm.2025.428902.1906 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Amal H. Abd Alameer* ; Kassim A.H. Al- Morshidy; Frial G. Abd | ||
| Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Babylon | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are a major health concern, and their pathogenesis is often linked to dysregulated apoptosis. Caspase-3 is a key executioner protease in apoptotic pathways, while the X-linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein (XIAP) functions as a crucial cellular anti-apoptotic regulator. Objective: This study aimed to quantitatively assess and compare the serum concentrations of Caspase-3 and XIAP in patients with gastrointestinal disorders compared to healthy controls. Method: A case-control study was conducted involving 400 participants (210 patients with confirmed GI disorders and 190 healthy controls). GI infections were confirmed via 10 g stools culture and microscopic examination. Serum concentrations of Caspase-3 and XIAP were measured using commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits. Results: The mean serum XIAP concentration was significantly lower in patients (3.6 ± 2.2 ng/mL) than in healthy controls (6.9 ± 1.2 ng/mL; p < 0.01). Conversely, the mean serum Caspase-3 concentration was significantly higher in patients (514.8 ± 199.8 ng/mL) compared to controls (325.7 ± 155.7 ng/mL; p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was observed between Caspase-3 levels and patient age (r = 0.42, p = 0.03). Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a significant dysregulation of apoptotic markers in GI disorder patients, characterized by decreased levels of the anti-apoptotic XIAP and increased levels of the pro-apoptotic Caspase-3. This suggests that an imbalance in apoptosis regulation may contribute to the pathophysiology of these conditions. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Caspase 3; X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Apoptosis; Iraq | ||
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