Ulcerative Colitis Permeability

Study aim: To investigate whether the values of zonulin and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) as biomarkers of intestinal permeability are related to the degree of liver steatosis, steatohepatitis and fibrosis in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Subjects and methods: Participants with UC will be included, except for those whose inflammation affects only the rectum. During the clinical and biochemical remission of UC, a physical examination, taking of anamnestic data, blood tests, and abdominal ultrasound with measurement of parameters of liver steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis (controlled attenuation parameter, FibroScan-AST score, liver stiffness measure) will be performed via transient elastography. Blood samples will be taken to determine zonulin and LBP, and statistical data will be processed. Expected contribution to the field: Indicate the potential of zonulin and LBP as markers for advanced liver fibrosis in patients with MASLD and UC.

NCT Number	NCT07662902
Lead Sponsor	University Hospital Dubrava
Conditions	Ulcerative Colitis (UC), Steatotic Liver Disease, Intestinal Permeability
Enrollment	100 participants
Start Date	2025-12-01
Primary Completion	2027-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-05 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-06-25