Gene expression of leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein in the polypoid lesion of inflammatory colorectal polyps in miniature dachshunds

Inflammatory colorectal polyps (ICRPs) in miniature dachshunds (MDs) are speculated to be a breed-specific inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) has been identified as a novel biomarker of human IBD. The aim of this study was to examine LRG gene expression in the polypoid lesions of ICRPs. Polypoid lesion specimens were collected from 24 MDs with ICRPs. Nonpolypoid colonic mucosa was collected from 18 MDs with ICRPs and 10 controls. The gene expression of LRG, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-22 was examined. The expression of LRG gene was significantly increased in the polypoid lesions of ICRPs and correlated with that of the four cytokines. In conclusion, the LRG gene was expressed within the polypoid lesions of ICRPs and might be associated with local cytokine expression.