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Altered immune system glycosylation causes colitis in alpha1,2-fucosyltransferase transgenic mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Altered glycosylation of the mucosal barrier has been proposed as a primary defect in the pathogenesis of IBD. Glycosylation defects however may also have a profound influence on immune function. Mice transgenic for human alpha1,2-fucosyl-transferase (hFUT1) have widespread disturbances in cell surface glycosylation and spontaneously develop colitis. The aims of this study were to characterize colitis in hFUT1 mice and to determine whether glycosylation-induced changes of the mucosal barrier or the immune system were critical for its pathogenesis. METHODS: The pathologic features of hFUT1 transgenic mice were characterized. The mucosal barrier was assessed by lectin binding and permeability studies. T-cells and the thymus were assessed by FACS analysis and histology. To isolate the hFUT1 mucosal barrier from the hFUT1 immune system, bone marrow chimeras were generated. RESULTS: Seventy percent of hFUT1 mice raised in SPF conditions developed histologic evidence of colitis. The mucosal barrier demonstrated altered glycosylation but intestinal permeability was preserved. HFUT1 mice were profoundly lymphopenic, with aberrant T-cell markers and thymic medullary hypoplasia. Reconstitution with wild type bone marrow restored thymic morphology and prevented colitis in hFUT1 mice. CONCLUSION: Altered glycosylation in hFUT1 mice has a profound influence on T-cell development and this defect, rather than a mucosal barrier defect, is crucial for the development of colitis.

Animals↗

Regulatory cells induced by feeding TNP-haptenated colonic protein cross-protect mice from colitis induced by an unrelated hapten.

In previous studies, we have shown that the oral administration of colonic proteins that have been haptenated (i.e., haptenated colonic proteins [HCPs]) with trinitrophenol (TNP) can protect mice from the subsequent induction of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid colitis. Inasmuch as this protection was mediated by regulatory cells that express the antigen-non-specific suppressor factors transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-10, we reasoned that TNP-HCP feeding would also "cross-protect" mice from colitis induced by a different hapten, oxazolone. Indeed, we found that feeding TNP-HCP protected mice from the development of oxazolone-colitis, albeit to a lesser extent than it protected mice from trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid colitis. In addition, we showed that protection was associated with the appearance of mononuclear cells producing regulatory cytokines. These data strongly imply that the cells induced by feeding 1 type of haptenated protein are capable of cross-reacting with antigens present in colitis produced by a second type of haptenated protein. The cross-protection demonstrated in this study holds promise for the treatment of humans with inflammatory bowel disease because it shows that an appropriate fed antigen can induce regulatory cells that have the potential to suppress an inflammation induced by the unknown antigens causing this disease.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

ADOA3R as a therapeutic target in experimental colitis: proof by validated high-density oligonucleotide microarray analysis.

Adenosine A3 receptors (ADOA3Rs) are emerging as novel purinergic targets for treatment of inflammatory diseases. Our goal was to assess the protective effect of the ADOA3R agonist N(6)-(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine-5-N-methyluronamide (IB-MECA) on gene dysregulation and injury in a rat chronic model of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)--induced colitis. It was necessary to develop and validate a microarray technique for testing the protective effects of purine-based drugs in experimental inflammatory bowel disease. High-density oligonucleotide microarray analysis of gene dysregulation was assessed in colons from normal, TNBS-treated (7 days), and oral IB-MECA-treated rats (1.5 mg/kg b.i.d.) using a rat RNU34 neural GeneChip of 724 genes and SYBR green polymerase chain reaction. Analysis included clinical evaluation, weight loss assessment, and electron paramagnetic resonance imaging/spin-trap monitoring of free radicals. Remarkable colitis-induced gene dysregulation occurs in the most exceptional cluster of 5.4% of the gene pool, revealing 2 modes of colitis-related dysregulation. Downregulation occurs in membrane transporter, mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, and channel genes. Upregulation occurs in chemokine, cytokine/inflammatory, stress, growth factor, intracellular signaling, receptor, heat shock protein, retinoid metabolism, neural, remodeling, and redox-sensitive genes. Oral IB-MECA prevented dysregulation in 92% of these genes, histopathology, gut injury, and weight loss. IB-MECA or adenosine suppressed elevated free radicals in ex vivo inflamed gut. Oral IB-MECA blocked the colitis-induced upregulation ( 90% of genes tested (33 of 37 genes). We conclude that our validated high-density oligonucleotide microarray analysis is a powerful technique for molecular gene dysregulation studies to assess the beneficial effects of purine-based or other drugs in experimental colitis. ADOA3R is new potential therapeutic target for inflammatory bowel disease.

Adenosine↗

Classic pathology of ulcerative and Crohn's colitis.

The distinction between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's colitis has become crucially important since the introduction of pouch surgery. The classic pathologic findings in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's colitis are described, as well as the subtleties causing the difficulty in differentiation. In difficult cases, it is essential to review the whole patient, all available biopsy material, and the colectomy specimen. The diverted rectum in ulcerative colitis usually becomes more inflamed, whereas in Crohn's disease inflammation usually resolves. Upper gastrointestinal tract biopsies with apparent normal mucosa may also be contributory.

Biopsy↗

Pathology of indeterminate colitis.

The term indeterminate colitis (IC) is an interim, or preliminary, descriptive term used by pathologists for cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which a definite diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) cannot be established based on the information available at the time of surgical sign-out. Most cases are due to fulminant ulcerative colitis, a condition in which the classic pathologic features of UC are often obscured and may overlap with CD. For instance, fulminant UC may show early superficial fissuring ulceration, transmural lymphoid aggregates and relative rectal sparing, simulating CD. Other common causes for establishing a diagnosis of IC include confusion of backwash ileitis in UC for terminal ileal involvement in CD, failure to accept hard criteria, such as granulomas, or segmental disease, as representative of CD, and failure to recognize unusual variants of UC that can cause CD-like patchiness of disease. Also, a diagnosis of IC should be avoided on biopsy studies and should not be established until all available clinical, endoscopic, radiologic and pathologic information are available for review. Some cases of IC may represent other forms of colitis as well, such as chronic ischemic or infectious colitis. The natural history of IC more closely resembles that of UC than CD. In fact, most cases of IC represent UC upon long-term clinical follow-up. Although, in some instances, serologic testing for ANCA or ASCA may be helpful in separating UC from CD in patients with IC, there is much overlap in the results of these assays for cases in which CD involves the colon in a UC-like pattern. Approximately 20% of IC patients develop severe pouch complications, which is intermediate in frequency between that seen in UC or CD. The risk of pouch complications, such as perianal fistulas or abscesses, and the risk of pouch breakdown is, overall, quite similar between IC and UC patients, supporting the notion that most patients with IC probably have UC and can safely undergo an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis procedure and have a reasonably good chance of having a good outcome.

Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic↗

Collagenous colitis as the presenting feature of biopsy-defined celiac disease.

BACKGROUND: Prior case reports have linked celiac disease with collagenous colitis, but serological and retrospective pathologic survey studies of small intestinal biopsies have produced conflicting results. METHODS: In this report, consecutive patients with chronic diarrhea and the initial finding of collagenous colitis were evaluated to determine if occult celiac disease was also present. All 36 patients with no exclusions were offered upper endoscopy and biopsies. If the changes of untreated celiac disease were detected in the small intestinal biopsies, then a gluten-free diet was instituted. Diet response was based on resolution of diarrhea and normalization of repeated small intestinal biopsies. RESULTS: Eight patients, or over 20%, had severely abnormal small bowel biopsy changes characteristic of untreated celiac disease. In some, lymphocytic or collagenous gastritis were also detected with or without celiac disease. All 8 patients were treated with a gluten-free diet alone and, in all, diarrhea improved and small intestinal biopsies normalized. In 5, however, repeated colonic biopsies showed persistent collagen deposits. Autoimmune thyroid disease or neoplastic diseases, like lymphoma known to be associated with celiac disease were also noted in this cohort with collagenous colitis, often in the absence of celiac disease. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that collagenous colitis may be the presenting clinical and pathologic feature of celiac disease. Diagnosis of collagenous colitis should lead the clinician to consider exclusion of underlying occult celiac disease.

Adult↗

Preventing neoplastic progression in ulcerative colitis.

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's colitis carry an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients with more extensive colitis, greater duration of disease, concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis, and a family history of CRC are at greatest risk among UC patients. Young age at disease onset and greater inflammatory burden have also been proposed as risk factors. Maneuvers that limit the impact of cancer in colitis include prophylactic colectomy, which is unacceptable to most UC and Crohn's colitis patients, and dysplasia surveillance. Although recommended in a number of practice guidelines, surveillance has not yet been demonstrated to reduce CRC mortality or morbidity. A number of factors, including low levels of agreement among pathologists interpreting surveillance specimens, patients lost to follow-up, failure to recommend colectomy once dysplasia has been discovered, and others, hinder the success of surveillance. In an effort to compensate for the limitations of surveillance, chemoprevention and newer endoscopic and molecular techniques are being assessed for their effectiveness in augmenting or replacing conventional surveillance.

Chemoprevention↗

Budesonide treatment and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA in colonic mucosa in collagenous colitis.

OBJECTIVE: In collagenous colitis, the production of nitric oxide in the colon is found to be 50 to 100-fold higher than in healthy controls. The role of nitric oxide in collagenous colitis is debated and it has been suggested that nitric oxide has a causative role in diarrhoea. The aim of this study was to examine the possible effect of budesonide treatment on the level of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA. METHODS: In 20 patients with collagenous colitis, clinical activity was assessed by registration of the daily stool frequency and stool weight. Sigmoidoscopy was performed and biopsies for histological examination and one biopsy for determination of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA was obtained in 16 patients. RESULTS: Budesonide treatment was followed by a significant reduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA (P<0.01) whereas no change was observed after placebo treatment. Significant correlations between inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA and the grade of inflammation (rho=0.47; P<0.01), the daily stool weight (rho=0.51; P<0.005) and the daily stool frequency (rho=0.49; P<0.005) were observed. No significant association was observed between inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA and the thickness of the collagen layer. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with collagenous colitis, treatment with budesonide results in a reduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA. The level of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA in colonic mucosa correlates with the inflammatory and clinical activity. The results support that nitric oxide is a central factor in the pathogenesis of collagenous colitis.

Adult↗

Heme oxygenase-1-generated biliverdin ameliorates experimental murine colitis.

BACKGROUND: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) seems to have an important protective role in acute and chronic inflammation. The products of heme catalysis, biliverdin/bilirubin, carbon monoxide (CO), and iron (that induces apoferritin) mediate the beneficial effects of HO-1. Blockade of HO-1 activity results in exacerbation of experimental colitis. We tested whether HO-1 has protective effects in the development of colitis and determined that specific enzymatic products of HO-1 are responsible for these effects. METHODS: Colitis was induced by oral administration of dextran sodium sulfate (5%) to C57BL/6 mice for 7 days. HO-1 was up-regulated by cobalt-protoporphyrin (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Biliverdin, exogenous CO, or the iron chelator desferrioxamine was administered to other groups. RESULTS: Cobalt-protoporphyrin treatment resulted in significant up-regulation of HO-1 protein in mucosal and submucosal cells. Induction of HO-1 was associated with significantly less loss of body weight in mice with induced colitis (-12% versus -22% in the control animals, P < 0.001). Development of diarrhea and gastrointestinal hemorrhage was substantially delayed in animals in which HO-1 was induced, and mucosal injury was significantly attenuated. Administration of CO or desferrioxamine alone had no significant effects, whereas enhanced protection with lesser evidence of bowel inflammation was observed with systemic biliverdin administration (50 micromol/kg, 3 times per day, intraperitoneally). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that heightened HO-1 expression or administration of biliverdin ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate-induced experimental colitis. Novel therapeutic strategies based on HO-1 and/or biliverdin administration may have use in inflammatory bowel disease.

Acute Disease↗

Down-regulation of endothelial adhesion molecules and leukocyte adhesion by treatment with superoxide dismutase is beneficial in chronic immune experimental colitis.

Modulation of adhesion molecule expression that govern trafficking of leukocytes into the inflamed intestine is envisioned as a new strategy for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study was designed to determine the impact of reducing oxidative stress on adhesion molecules expression and leukocyte recruitment in experimental chronic colitis. For that purpose, colitic interleukin-10 knockout and wild-type mice were studied. Groups of animals were treated with Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) 13 mg/kg/d or vehicle for either 7 or 14 days. Expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 were determined; leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in colonic venules were studied with intravital microscopy; and changes in colon pathology and biomarkers of colitis severity were determined. Development of colitis was associated with a marked increase in endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 expression, which were significantly reduced by treatment with SOD1. The increase in leukocyte rolling and adhesion in colonic venules of colitic mice were significantly reduced by administration of SOD1. This treatment markedly reduced colonic lipid hydroperoxidation, myeoloperoxidase activity, and plasma levels of serum amyloid A protein and resulted in significant, although modest, reductions in histologic damage score. The therapeutic value of SOD1 when administered prophylactically was assessed in the dextran sulfate sodium model of colitis with similar positive results. These results indicate that SOD1 affords significant amelioration of colonic inflammatory changes in experimental colitis. Down-regulation of adhesion molecule expression, reduction of lipid hydroperoxidation, and recruitment of leukocytes into the inflamed intestine contribute to this beneficial effect.

Animals↗

CXC chemokine receptor 3 expression increases the disease-inducing potential of CD4+ CD25- T cells in adoptive transfer colitis.

BACKGROUND: CD4CD25 T cells induce severe colitis when injected into immunodeficient recipients. The migration of disease-inducing cells to the bowel is controlled by adhesion molecules and chemotactic proteins. Chemokine receptors expressed on the T cells are therefore potential targets for anti-inflammatory therapy in inflammatory bowel disease. In this study, we have investigated the role of the chemokine receptor CXCR3 in the development of chronic colitis in a murine model. METHOD: Expression of CXCR3 on CD4 T cell from normal and colitic mice was assessed by flow cytometry. Development of colitis was followed after transfer of either normal or CXCR3CD4CD25T cell into immunodeficient host. In addition, the ability of regulatory T cell to function in vivo in the absence of CXCR3 was tested. RESULTS: We find CXCR3 to be expressed on 80% to 90% of CD4 T cells isolated from colitic mice compared with only 4% to 10% of CD4 T cells in normal naïve mice. Injecting CD4CXCR3CD25 T cells into immunodeficient hosts results in an ameliorated form of colitis with a lack of clinical symptoms, suggesting that CXCR3 expression is important for enteroantigen priming of CD4 T cells and/or subsequent migration into the gut wall. In contrast, CXCR3 expression does not affect the function of regulatory T cells because CXCR3 regulatory T cells are just as capable as their wild-type counterpart of controlling disease development. The diminished disease-inducing capability of CXCR3 T cells is not caused by the absence of enteroantigen specificity; we also tested the enteroantigen-specific proliferative ability of CD4CD25 T cells from CXCR3 mice in vitro and found that they respond even more strongly than wild-type cells. CONCLUSIONS: The present data indicate that CXCR3 plays an important role in controlling the migration of disease-inducing CD4CD25 T cells into the gut wall. In contrast, lack of CXCR3 expression by regulatory T cells does not compromise their function in this model of colitis.

Adoptive Transfer↗

Amelioration of murine dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis by ex vivo extracellular superoxide dismutase gene transfer.

BACKGROUND: Although the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease has not been fully clarified, reactive oxygen species is speculated to be involved. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD), an isozyme of SODs, is known to function mainly in body fluids. We investigated the efficacy of an ex vivo EC-SOD gene transfer into dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental colitis was induced by providing Balb/c mice with DSS in sterile distilled water provided as desired. The syngenic fibroblasts were obtained from Balb/c mice embryos and retrovirally transduced with the hEC-SOD gene. These engineered cells were confirmed to secrete EC-SOD in culture medium by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and were inoculated subcutaneously in the backs of DSS-treated mice. Mucosal injury of the colon was evaluated by the disease activity index (DAI: body weight, rectal bleeding, and stool consistency), grading of histologic disease severity, and levels of cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta) production. 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in the mucosal tissue were assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured using a colorimetric assay. RESULTS: A significant improvement was observed in DAI score and histologic severity as well as in mucosal tissue levels of inflammatory cytokines, 8-OHdG, and MDA of mice treated with the EC-SOD gene as compared with those without gene therapy, not only in a mild colitis model but also in a severe colitis model. Survival of treated mice in these models was significantly prolonged. CONCLUSIONS: Ex vivo transfer of the EC-SOD gene was feasible for treatment of DSS-induced colitis.

Animals↗

Clinical guidelines for the medical management of left-sided ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis: summary statement.

There are few published guidelines for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Physicians choose therapy based on evidence-based data, peer and expert opinion, and personal experience. This article provides treatment guidelines for the induction and maintenance of ulcerative proctitis and left-sided colitis and the management of disease refractory to 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) compounds and corticosteroids The guidelines are derived from evidence-based data and, when lacking, expert opinion or the authors' experience. The comprehensive review of the literature is presented in the accompanying article, "The Medical Management of Left-Sided Ulcerative Colitis and Ulcerative Proctitis: Critical Evaluation of Therapeutic Trials". Rectally administered 5-ASA and corticosteroid suppositories are effective treatment for most ulcerative proctitis patients. Corticosteroid and 5-ASA enemas, which reach the splenic flexure of the colon, are recommended for patients with left-sided ulcerative colitis. The combination of rectally administered 5-ASA enemas and oral 5-ASA agents may afford better treatment of left-sided colitis and possibly prevent proximal extension of disease. Patients refractory to 5-ASAs and corticosteroids may require an immunomodulator or biological response modifier therapy. Those who have ongoing signs and symptoms of ulcerative proctitis and left-sided ulcerative colitis despite maximal medical therapy require a proctocolectomy.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

A practical perspective on ulcerative colitis: patients' needs from aminosalicylate therapies.

A large, Internet-based survey of a random sample of members of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America was undertaken to gain knowledge and understanding of patients' experiences with ulcerative colitis and first-line therapies. From 49,410 invitations to participate, 1,595 usable responses were received from patients with ulcerative colitis. Patients were prescribed a range of aminosalicylates for their ulcerative colitis. Treatments with the highest proportion of satisfied patients were associated with highest remission rates. Forty-three percent of patients considered their disease to be in remission; however, 74% reported disease relapse during the previous 12 months. Over 60% of patients reported that they were noncompliant with prescribed aminosalicylate dosing schedules, with reasons attributed to frequency of dosing, the number of pills, and the inconvenience of the medication. Many respondents reported that they had made significant lifestyle changes because of their ulcerative colitis, including spending more time at home (46%) and participating in fewer social activities (37%). When asked to describe their ideal treatment, patients considered high efficacy (97%), lack of side effects (74%), nonparenteral dosing (46%), nonrectal dosing (36%), low cost (23%), fewer pills (23%), and less frequent dosing (23%) as "very important." This study demonstrates that continuous symptomatic remission is central to patient satisfaction and that patients find currently available aminosalicylates to be inconvenient. Patients' ideal therapy would be an effective, oral formulation with fewer tablets, less frequent dosing, and minimal side effects. Development of such a therapy would, therefore, potentially improve both patient compliance and overall treatment success.

Adult↗

A population-based study of the frequency of corticosteroid resistance and dependence in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to examine the 1-year outcome after the first course of systemic corticosteroids in an inception cohort of pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS: All Olmsted County (Minnesota) residents diagnosed with Crohn's disease (n = 50) or ulcerative colitis (n = 36) before 19 years of age from 1940 to 2001 were identified. Outcomes at 30 days and 1 year after the initial course of corticosteroids were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients with Crohn's disease (65%) and 14 with ulcerative colitis (44%) were treated with corticosteroids before age 19. Thirty-day outcomes for corticosteroid-treated Crohn's disease were complete remission in 16 (62%), partial remission in 7 (27%), and no response in 3 (12%), with 2 of these patients requiring surgery. Thirty-day outcomes for treated ulcerative colitis were complete remission in 7 (50%), partial remission in 4 (29%), and no response in 3 (21%). One-year outcomes for Crohn's disease were prolonged response in 11 (42%) and corticosteroid dependence in 8 (31%), whereas 7 (27%) were postsurgical. One-year outcomes for ulcerative colitis were prolonged response in 8 (57%) and corticosteroid dependence in 2 (14%), whereas 4 (29%) were postsurgical. CONCLUSIONS: Most pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease initially responded to corticosteroids. However, after 1 year, 58% of pediatric patients with Crohn's disease and 43% of pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis either were steroid dependent or required surgery. This finding emphasizes the need for early steroid-sparing medications in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

Adolescent↗

Histologic predictors of pouchitis in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis.

Inflammation of ileal reservoir mucosa ("pouchitis") is a common sequelae in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients who have had a colectomy with ileal pouch anal-anastomosis (IPAA). Although several clinical, genetic, and laboratory parameters have been evaluated, reliable pathologic predictors for the development of pouchitis are lacking. The purpose of this case-control study was to determine whether there are any pathologic features in UC colectomy specimens that may help predict the subsequent development of pouchitis after an IPAA procedure. The study group consisted of 39 UC patients (male/female ratio: 21/18, mean age: 35 years), who had at least 1 episode of pouchitis after an IPAA procedure during the follow-up period (mean: 57 months, range: 12-121 months). There were 26 control patients (male/female ratio: 11/15, mean age: 37 years), all of whom also underwent a total colectomy and IPAA procedure for UC, but did not develop pouchitis during the follow-up period (mean: 78 months, range: 14-223 months). Routinely processed tissues from each colectomy specimen were evaluated for a variety of histologic features, such as extent of colitis, severity of colitis, extent of severe colitis, type and extent of ulceration, presence and severity of appendiceal inflammation, and the presence of active ileitis, and compared between the study and control patients. Pathologic features that were associated with the subsequent development of pouchitis included the presence of severe colitis that extended into the cecum (severe pancolitis), which was present in 7/39 (18%) pouchitis patients, but in none (0%) of the control patients (P = 0.03), early fissuring ulcers [9/39 (23%) pouchitis cases versus 1/26 (4%) controls (P = 0.04)], active inflammation of the appendix [20/32 (63%) pouchitis patients versus 7/19 (31%) controls (P = 0.03)], and appendiceal ulceration [13/32 (41%) pouchitis patients versus none (0%) of the controls (P = 0.002)]. No significant differences in patient gender or age, depth or extent of ulceration, or the presence or absence of "backwash ileitis" were identified between the 2 groups. In conclusion, there are several histologic features in colectomy specimens from UC patients who have undergone an IPAA procedure that may help predict the subsequent development of pouchitis. Of these features, appendiceal ulceration is highly associated with pouchitis.

Adolescent↗

Thalidomide treatment reduces the alteration of paracellular barrier function in mice ileum during experimental colitis.

Small intestine permeability is frequently altered in inflammatory bowel diseases and may be caused by the translocation of intestinal toxins through leaky small intestine tight junctions (TJs) and adherence. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the effects of thalidomide treatment on the permeability and structure of small intestine TJs in an animal model of experimental colitis induced by dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). Four days after colitis induction with DNBS, the ileal TJs were studied by means of transmission electron microscopy using lanthanum nitrate and immunohistochemistry of occludin and zonula occludens 1. When compared with DNBS-treated mice, thalidomide-treated (200 mg/kg orally starting 30 min after the administration of DNBS) mice subjected to DNBS-induced colitis experienced a significantly reduced rate of the extent and severity of the histological signs of colon injury associated with a significant reduction of plasma and colon tumor necrosis factor alpha levels. After administration of DNBS to the mice induced a significant increase of ileal permeability was observed. Distal colitis in mice induced an increase of TJ permeability throughout the entire small intestine, and the extent of alterations correlates with colonic damage. In particular, we have observed that thalidomide treatment resulted in a significant reduction of the following: (1) the degree of colon injury, (2) the alteration of zonula occludens 1 and occludin localization (immunohistochemistry), and (3) intestinal permeability caused by DNBS in the colon. Taken together, our results clearly show that thalidomide treatment reduced small intestinal permeability in experimental colitis through the regulation of TJ protein.

Animals↗

Ischemic colitis revisited: a prospective study identifying hypercoagulability as a risk factor.

BACKGROUND: Although causes for ischemic colitis have been identified, many cases are deemed idiopathic. Some reports suggest an association between ischemic colitis and coagulation disorders. Our purpose was to explore the relationship of ischemic colitis and clotting abnormalities. METHODS: Eighteen patients consented to undergo a hypercoagulability evaluation. Tests included protein C, protein S, activated protein C resistance, factor V Leiden, anticardiolipin antibodies, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, rheumatoid factor, antithrombin III, anti-smooth muscle antibody, lupus anticoagulant panel, and prothrombin 20210G/A mutation (in women undergoing hormone replacement therapy). RESULTS: Five of 18 patients tested positive for coagulation abnormalities, including factor V and activated protein C resistance, protein S deficiency, prothrombin 20210G/A mutation, and anticardiolipin antibody. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the largest series of patients with ischemic colitis studied for coagulation defects in the United States. The prevalence of clotting disorders in our study (28%) was higher than that in the general population (8.4%). Coagulation disorders should be considered in some cases of ischemic colitis that are thought to be idiopathic.

Aged↗