Tenascin-C is a multifunctional matrix protein that is induced in inflammation and neoplasia. In the colonic mucosa of ulcerative colitis patients tenascin-C indicates tissue repair, and mucosal concentrations are correlated with local disease activity. We prospectively examined the relationship between serum concentrations of tenascin-C parameters of disease activity in surgically treated patients with ulcerative colitis and patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Perioperative serum concentrations were quantified by ELISA in 58 patients admitted for restorative proctocolectomy; controls were 37 patients with familial adenomatous polyposis receiving the same treatment. We also measured tenascin-C serum levels in 47 patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease who were receiving nonsurgical treatment. Preoperative serum tenascin-C levels were significantly higher in ulcerative colitis patients than in controls (17.2 +/- 14.6 microg/ml vs. 3.2 +/- 1.7 microg/ml) and were significantly correlated with clinical and histological parameters of disease activity; levels decreased significantly after restorative proctocolectomy. Serum tenascin-C levels were also correlated with the course of disease activity in conservatively treated IBD patients. Tenascin-C is thus not disease-specific. However, it does indicate the activity of IBD and may reflect the degree of tissue remodeling. The tenascin-C levels therefore offers a novel serum parameter for assessing disease activity and monitoring therapy in patients with IBD.