Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Potential Role in Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gut affecting both adults and children. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are structures released by activated neutrophils, potentially contributing to tissue damage in various diseases. This study aimed to explore the presence and role of NETs in pediatric IBD. We compared intestinal biopsies and peripheral blood from 20 pediatric IBD patients (UC and CD) to controls. Biopsy staining and techniques for neutrophil activation were used to assess neutrophil infiltration and NET formation. We also measured the enzymatic activity of key NET proteins and evaluated NET formation in UC patients in remission. Both UC and CD biopsies showed significantly higher levels of neutrophils and NETs compared to controls (p < 0.01), with UC exhibiting the strongest association. Peripheral blood neutrophils from UC patients at diagnosis displayed increased NET formation compared to controls and CD patients. Interestingly, NET formation normalized in UC patients following remission-inducing treatment. This pilot study suggests a potential role for NETs in pediatric IBD, particularly UC. These findings warrant further investigation into the mechanisms of NET involvement and the potential for targeting NET formation as a therapeutic strategy.