Replication of interleukin 23 receptor and autophagy-related 16-like 1 association in adult- and pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease in Italy

AIM: To investigate gene variants in a large Italian inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cohort, and to analyze the correlation of sub-phenotypes (including age at diagnosis) and epistatic interaction with other IBD genes.

METHODS: Total of 763 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD, 189 diagnosed at age < 19 years), 843 with ulcerative colitis (UC, 179 diagnosed < 19 years), 749 healthy controls, and 546 healthy parents (273 trios) were included in the study. The rs2241880 [autophagy-related 16-like 1 (ATG16L1)], rs11209026 and rs7517847 [interleukin 23 receptor (IL23R)], rs2066844, rs2066845, rs2066847 (CARD15), rs1050152 (OCTN1), and rs2631367 (OCTN2) gene variants were genotyped.

RESULTS: The frequency of G allele of ATG16L1 SNP (Ala197Thr) was increased in patients with CD compared with controls (59% vs 54% respectively) (OR = 1.25, CI = 1.08-1.45, P = 0.003), but not in UC (55%). The frequency of A and G (minor) alleles of Arg381Gln, rs11209026 and rs7517847 variants of IL23R were reduced significantly in CD (4%, OR = 0.62, CI = 0.45-0.87, P = 0.005; 28%, OR = 0.64, CI = 0.55-0.75, P < 0.01), compared with controls (6% and 38%, respectively). The A allele (but not G) was also reduced significantly in UC (4%, OR = 0.69, CI = 0.5-0.94, P = 0.019). No association was demonstrated with sub-phenotypes and interaction with CARD15, and OCTN1/2 genes, although both gene variants were associated with pediatric-onset disease.

CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the association of IL23R polymorphisms with IBD, and ATG16L1 with CD, in both adult- and pediatric-onset subsets in our study population.

Cerebral venous thrombosis and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in an 18-year old male with severe ulcerative colitis

The risk of thromboembolism is increased in inflammatory bowel disease and its symptoms may be overlooked. Furthermore, its treatment can be complex and is not without complications. We describe a case of an adolescent boy who developed a cerebral sinus venous thrombosis during a relapse of his ulcerative colitis and who, while on treatment with heparin, developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The treatment was then switched to fondaparinux, a synthetic and selective inhibitor of activated factor X.

Molecular basis of the potential of mesalazine to prevent colorectal cancer

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are at increased risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC), and this is believed to be a result of chronic inflammation. Although conclusive evidence is still missing, both epidemiological and experimental observations suggest that certain drugs used to treat inflammation, such as mesalazine, can reduce the incidence of colitis-associated CRC. Therefore, in recent years, several studies have been conducted to dissect the mechanisms by which mesalazine interferes with CRC cell growth and survival. This review summarizes the current information on the molecular mechanisms that underlie the antineoplastic action of mesalazine.

Advance in the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease and tumor necrosis factor polymorphisms

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative and Crohn's disease, is still not entirely clarified till today, and it is probably associated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which is influenced by its polymorphisms. The allele frequency, genotype frequency and carrier frequency of TNF affect the susceptibility and clinical manifestation of IBD, presenting differences in ethnics and regions, and produce significant effect on the development and prognosis of disease.

Role of cytokines in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), represents a group of chronic disorders characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, typically with a relapsing and remitting clinical course. Mucosal macrophages play an important role in the mucosal immune system, and an increase in the number of newly recruited monocytes and activated macrophages has been noted in the inflamed gut of patients with IBD. Activated macrophages are thought to be major contributors to the production of inflammatory cytokines in the gut, and imbalance of cytokines is contributing to the pathogenesis of IBD. The intestinal inflammation in IBD is controlled by a complex interplay of innate and adaptive immune mechanisms. Cytokines play a key role in IBD that determine T cell differentiation of Th1, Th2, T regulatory and newly described Th17 cells. Cytokines levels in time and space orchestrate the development, recurrence and exacerbation of the inflammatory process in IBD. Therefore, several cytokine therapies have been developed and tested for the treatment of IBD patients.

Efficacy of 6-mercaptopurine treatment after azathioprine hypersensitivity in inflammatory bowel disease

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) in cases of azathioprine (AZA) hypersensitivity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS: Twenty nine previously confirmed Crohn’s disease (CD) (n = 14) and ulcerative colitis (UC) (n = 15) patients with a known previous (AZA) hypersensitivity reaction were studied prospectively. The 6-MP doses were gradually increased from 0.5 up to 1.0-1.5 mg/kg per day. Clinical activity indices (CDAI/CAI), laboratory variables and daily doses of oral 5-ASA, corticosteroids, and 6-MP were assessed before and in the first, sixth and twelfth months of treatment.

RESULTS: In 9 patients, 6-MP was withdrawn in the first 2 wk due to an early hypersensitivity reaction. Medication was ineffective within 6 mo in 6 CD patients, and myelotoxic reaction was observed in two. Data were evaluated at the end of the sixth month in 12 (8 UC, 4 CD) patients, and after the first year in 9 (6 UC, 3 CD) patients. CDAI decreased transiently at the end of the sixth month, but no significant changes were observed in the CDAI or the CAI values at the end of the year. Leukocyte counts (P = 0.01), CRP (P = 0.02), and serum iron (P = 0.05) values indicated decreased inflammatory reactions, especially in the UC patients at the end of the year, making the possibility to taper oral steroid doses.

CONCLUSION: About one-third of the previously AZA-intolerant patients showed adverse effects on taking 6MP. In our series, 20 patients tolerated 6MP, but it was ineffective in 8 CD cases, and valuable mainly in ulcerative colitis patients.

Research progress in susceptibility genes of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a group of non-specific chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract with unknown complex etiology. Epidemiologic data indicate genetic contribution to IBD pathogenesis, which include familial aggregation, twin studies, racial and ethnic differences in disease prevalence. The most widely adopted approaches to identifying susceptibility genes in IBD include linkage studies, genome-wide association (GWA) studies and microarray. The first two technologies have confirmed NOD2, IL23R and other genes implicated in IBD pathogenesis and advances in microarray technology makes it possible to diagnose IBD at gene expression level. This article reviewed IBD related genes and introduced application of microarray to IBD research.

Advances in biological function of interleukin-21 and inflammatory bowel disease

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a recently discovered cytokine. Once combined with its receptor, IL-21 can regulate B cell proliferation, promote proliferation and differentiation of T cells and NK cells and enhance killing activity of NK cells. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a kind of autoimmune disease. Its pathogenesis is not clear yet and many factors may participate in it. Immunological derangement plays a significant role in IBD development which involves alteration of several cytokines. IL-21 is just one of them. This article reviewed IL-21 and its relationship with IBD.

Disease activity and cancer risk in inflammatory bowel disease associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis

AIM: To investigate the phenotype of inflammatory bowel disease associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC-IBD).

METHODS: Data from 75 PSC-IBD patients evaluated in our tertiary center between 1963 and 2006 were collected and compared to 150 IBD patients without PSC, matched for sex, birth date, IBD diagnosis date and initial disease location regarding ileal, different colonic segments, and rectum, respectively.

RESULTS: While PSC-IBD patients received more 5-aminosalicylates (8.7 years/patient vs 2.9 years/patient, P < 0.001), they required less immuno-suppressors (24% vs 46% at 10 years; P < 0.001) and less intestinal resection (10% vs 44% at 10 years, P < 0.001). The 25-year cumulative rate of colectomy was 25.1% in PSC-IBD and 37.3% in controls (P = 0.004). The 25-year cumulative rate of colorectal cancer was 23.4% in PSC-IBD vs 0% in controls (P = 0.002). PSC was the only independent risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer (OR = 10.8; 95% CI, 3.7-31.3). Overall survival rate without liver transplantation was reduced in PSC-IBD patients (67% vs 91% in controls at 25 years, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION: This study confirms that patients with PSC-IBD have a particular disease phenotype independent of the initial disease location. Although their disease is less active and they use more 5-aminosalicylates, they present a higher risk of colorectal cancer.

Hepatitis B virus prevalence and transmission risk factors in inflammatory bowel disease patients at Clementino Fraga Filho university hospital

AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients that followed up in our hospital and try to identify the possible risk factors involved in this infection transmission.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study for which 176 patients were selected according to their arrival for the medical interview. All these patients had already IBD diagnosis. The patient was interviewed and a questionnaire was filled out.

RESULTS: In the group of 176 patients whom we examined, we found that 17% (30) were anti-HBc positive. Out of 30 patients with positive anti-HBc, 2.3% (4) had positive HBsAg and negative HBV-DNA. In an attempt to identify the possible HBV infection transmission risk factors in IBD patients, it was observed that 117 patients had been submitted to some kind of surgical procedure, but only 24 patients had positive anti-HBc (P = 0.085). It was also observed that surgery to treat IBD complications was not a risk factor for HBV infection transmission, since we did not get a statically significant P value. However, IBD patients that have been submitted to surgery to treat IBD complications received more blood transfusions then patients submitted to other surgical interventions (P = 0.015).

CONCLUSION: There was a high incidence of positive anti-HBc (17%) and positive HBsAg (2.3%) in IBD patient when compared with the overall population (7.9%).

Retrospective analysis of old-age colitis in the Dutch inflammatory bowel disease population

AIM: To describe the characteristics of Dutch patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) first diagnosed above 60 years of age-a disease also known as old-age colitis (OAC) and to highlight a condition that has a similar appearance to IBD, namely segmental colitis associated with diverticular disease (SCAD).

METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal survey of patient demographic and clinical characteristics, disease characteristics, diagnostic methods, management and course of disease was performed. The median follow-up period was 10 years.

RESULTS: Of a total of 1100 IBD patients attending the Department of Gastroenterology, 59 (5%) [median age 82 years (range 64-101); 25 male (42%)] were identified. These patients were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (n = 37, 61%), Crohn’s disease (n = 14, 24%), and indeterminate colitis (n = 8, 15%). Remission was induced in 40 (68%) patients within a median interval of 6 mo (range 1-21) and immunosuppressive therapy was well tolerated. Histological evaluation based on many biopsy samples and the course of the disease led to other diagnosis, namely SCAD instead of IBD in five (8%) patients.

CONCLUSION: OAC is not an infrequent problem for the gastroenterologist, and should be considered in the evaluation of older patients with clinical features suggestive of IBD. Extra awareness and extensive biopsy sampling are required in order to avoid an erroneous diagnosis purely based on histological mimicry of changes seen in SCAD, when diagnosing IBD in the presence of diverticulosis coli.

Is infliximab safe to use while breastfeeding?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often affects women around the age of conception and pregnancy. Most drugs used to treat IBD are safe in pregnancy, but physicians must consider the clinical implications of certain treatment regimens in young, fertile females. We report an informative case of a pregnant patient with IBD who underwent treatment with infliximab during her pregnancy and while nursing her infant. Serum and breast milk infliximab levels were monitored throughout this time period. This case report suggests that targeted monoclonal antibodies and other biologic agents can be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding patients.

State-of-the-art of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease research in 2008

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are two of the leading causes of chronic intestinal conditions in the world. This issue of World Journal of Gastroenterology (WJG) presents a series of papers from world experts who discuss the current knowledge and opinions on these important conditions. Although great strides have been made in the diagnosis, treatment and pathology of IBS and IBD; much has yet to be explained. The etiologies and risk factors of these multifactorial conditions remain elusive. Specific diagnostic biomarkers need to be developed and safer treatments developed. The burden of IBS and IBD on the healthcare system is felt with repeated medical care visits and high costs. IBS and IBD patients can account for 30%-50% of office visits at gastroenterology services/clinics. Over one million people have IBD in the United States, with 30 000 new cases being diagnosed every year. One-quarter million people in the UK are afflicted with IBD. The cost of medical care in the United States for IBD is estimated to be $1.8 billion/year.

Colorectal cancer and dysplasia in inflammatory bowel disease

Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease carry an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Established risk factors for cancer among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) include the younger age at diagnosis, greater extent and duration of disease, increased severity of inflammation, family history of colorectal cancer and coexisting primary sclerosing cholangitis. Recent evidence suggests that current medical therapies and surgical techniques for inflammatory bowel disease may be reducing the incidence of this complication. Nonetheless heightened vigilance and a careful, comprehensive approach to prevent or minimize the complications of invasive cancer are warranted in this unique cohort of patients. Current guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cancer in this high risk population are grounded in the concept of an inflammation-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence. A thorough understanding of the definition and natural history of dysplasia in IBD, as well as the challenges associated with detection and interpretation of dysplasia are fundamental to developing an effective strategy for surveillance and prevention, and understanding the limitations of the current approach to prevention. This article reviews the current consensus guidelines for screening and surveillance of cancer in IBD, as well as presenting the evidence and rationale for chemoprevention of cancer and a discussion of emerging technologies for the detection of dysplasia.

Inflammatory bowel disease of the elderly: a wake-up call

As the baby-boomer generation enters the ranks of the elderly (defined as patients over 60 years of age), the increased burden of managing older inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients requires recognition of the impact of comorbid disease, polypharmacy, and surgical candidacy criteria. There is a surprisingly positive response to newer therapies and surgery, provided that a distinction is made between "fit elderly" and "frail elderly" patients. The former group should not be denied access to the newer biologics, clinical trials, or surgical alternatives on the basis of age alone. There is a need for clinicians caring for elderly IBD patients to be cognizant of the multiple and often disguised conditions contributing to disease management as well as the importance for careful allocation of health resources.

Use of infliximab in the prevention and delay of colectomy in severe steroid dependant and refractory ulcerative colitis

AIM: To determine if infliximab can prevent or delay surgery in refractory ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS: UC patients who failed to have their disease controlled with conventional therapies and were to undergo colectomy if infliximab failed to induce a clinical improvement were reviewed. Patients were primarily treated with a single 5 mg/kg infliximab dose. The Colitis Activity Index (CAI) was used to determine response and remission. Data of 8 wk response and colectomy rates at 6 mo and 12 mo were collected.

RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included, 7 with UC unresponsive or intolerant to IV hydrocortisone, and 8 with active disease despite oral steroids (all but one with therapeutic dosage and duration of immunomodulation). All the IV hydrocortisone-resistant/intolerant patients had been on azathioprine/6-MP < 8 wk. At 8 wk, infliximab induced a response in 86.7% (13/15) with 40% in remission (6/15). Within 6 mo of treatment 26.7% (4/15) had undergone colectomy and surgery was avoided in 46.6% (7/15) at 12 mo. The colectomy rate at 12 mo in those on immunomodulatory therapy < 8 wk at time of infliximab was 12.5% (1/8) compared with 100% (7/7) in patients who were on long-term maintenance immunomodulators (P < 0.02).

CONCLUSION: Infliximab prevented colectomy due to active disease in immunomodulatory-naïve, refractory UC patients comparable to the use of Cyclosporine. In patients, however, on effective dosage and duration of immunomodulation at time of infliximab therapy colectomy was not avoided.

Analysis on Chinese consensus on diagnosis and treatment standard of inflammatory bowel disease

In 2007, Chinese Medical Association Digestive Branch constituted the Chinese consensus on diagnosis and treatment standard of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this article, the diagnostic and therapeutic part of the consensus is analyzed. In addition, we also discuss the background of the consensus, the considerable revision and the cause, diagnosis and treatment of nonspecific colitis, selection of antibiotics, and wrong ways of hemostatic agent application.

Current view of the immunopathogenesis in inflammatory bowel disease and its implications for therapy

Although the aetiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unknown, the pathogenesis is gradually being unravelled, seeming to be the result of a combination of environmental, genetic, and immunological factors in which an uncontrolled immune response within the intestinal lumen leads to inflammation in genetically predisposed individuals. Multifactorial evidence suggests that a defect of innate immune response to microbial agents is involved in IBD. This editorial outlines the immunopathogenesis of IBD and their current and future therapy. We present IBD as a result of dysregulated mucosal response in the intestinal wall facilitated by defects in epithelial barrier function and the mucosal immune system with excessive production of cytokines growth factors, adhesion molecules, and reactive oxygen metabolites, resulting in tissue injury. Established and evolving therapies are discussed in the second part of this editorial and at the end of this section we review new therapies to modulate the immune system in patients with IBD.

Aberrant activation of nuclear factor of activated T cell 2 in lamina propria mononuclear cells in ulcerative colitis

AIM: To investigate the role of nuclear factor of activated T cell 2 (NFAT2), the major NFAT protein in peripheral T cells, in sustained T cell activation and intractable inflammation in human ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS: We used two-dimensional gel-electrophoresis, immunohistochemistry, double immunohistochemical staining, and confocal microscopy to inspect the expression of NFAT2 in 107, 15, 48 and 5 cases of UC, Crohn’s disease (CD), non-specific colitis, and 5 healthy individuals, respectively.

RESULTS: Up-regulation with profound nucleo-translocation/activation of NFAT2 of lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC) of colonic mucosa was found specifically in the affected colonic mucosa from patients with UC, as compared to CD or NC (P < 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis test). Nucleo-translocation/activation of NFAT2 primarily occurred in CD8+T, but was less prominent in CD4+ T cells or CD20+B cells. It was strongly associated with the disease activity, including endoscopic stage (τ = 0.2145, P = 0.0281) and histologic grade (τ = 0.4167, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: We disclose for the first time the nucleo-translocation/activatin of NFAT2 in lamina propria mononuclear cells in ulcerative colitis. Activation of NFAT2 was specific for ulcerative colitis and highly associated with disease activity. Since activation of NFAT2 is implicated in an auto-regulatory positive feedback loop of sustained T-cell activation and NFAT proteins play key roles in the calcium/calcineurin signaling pathways, our results not only provide new insights into the mechanism for sustained intractable inflammation, but also suggest the calcium-calcineurin/NFAT pathway as a new therapeutic target for ulcerative colitis.

Correlation between N-acetyltransferase 2 gene polymorphisms and genetic susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease

AIM: To investigate the correlation between N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) gene polymorphisms and genetic susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS: One hundred and nineteen patients with IBD and 120 controls were recruited in this study. The wild-type allele (NAT2 4) and three variant alleles (NAT2 5B, 6A and 7B) of NAT2 were determined with the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

RESULTS: In IBD cases, the frequency of NAT2 4, NAT2 5B, NAT2 6A, NAT2 7B was 55.9%, 6.7%, 23.5% and 13.9%, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found in the frequencies between the IBD patients and controls. The frequency of rapid genotype and intermediate genotype and slow genotype in IBD patients was 35.3%, 41.2% and 23.5%, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the IBD patients and controls.

CONCLUSION: There is no correlation between genetic polymorphisms of NAT2 and IBD.

Increased basolateral sorting of carcinoembryonic antigen in a polarized colon carcinoma cell line after cholesterol depletion-Implications for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

AIM: To investigate a possible increase of basolateral expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) by interfering with the apical transport machinery, we studied the effect of cholesterol depletion on CEA sorting and secretion.

METHODS: Cholesterol depletion was performed in polarized Caco-2 cells using lovastatin and methyl-β-cyclodextrin.

RESULTS: We show that CEA is predominantly expressed and secreted at the apical surface. Reduction of the cholesterol level of the cell by 40%-50% with lovastatin and methyl-β-cyclodextrin led to a significant change of the apical-to-basolateral transport ratio towards the basolateral membrane.

CONCLUSION: As basolateral expression of CEA has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory properties, Cholesterol depletion of enterocytes might be a potential approach to influence the course of inflammatory bowel disease.

Intestinal permeability and its association with the patient and disease characteristics in Crohn’s disease

AIM: To assess the intestinal permeability (IP) in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and study the association of IP with the patient and disease characteristics.

METHODS: One hundred and twenty five consecutive patients of CD (Males: 66) were diagnosed on the basis of a combination of standard clinical, endoscopic, imaging and histological features. CD activity index (CDAI) was used to calculate the activity of the disease while the behavior of the disease was assessed by the modified Montreal classification. IP was measured by the ratio of the percentage excretion of ingested doses of lactulose and mannitol in urine (LMR). The upper limit of normality of LMR (0.037) was derived from 22 healthy controls.

RESULTS: Thirty six percent of patients with CD had increased IP. There was no significant difference in mannitol excretion (patients vs controls = 12.5% vs 14.2%, P = 0.4652), but lactulose excretion was significantly higher in patients compared to healthy controls (patients vs controls = 0.326% vs 0.293%, P = 0.0391). The mean LMR was also significantly higher in the patients as compared to healthy controls [0.027 (0.0029-0.278) vs 0.0164 (0.0018-0.0548), P = 0.0044]. Male patients had a higher LMR compared to females [0.036 (95% CI 0.029, 0.046) vs 0.022 (95% CI 0.0178, 0.028) (P = 0.0024), though there was no difference in the number of patients with abnormal IP in both the sexes. Patients with an ileo-colonic disease had a higher LMR than those with only colonic disease [0.045 (95% CI 0.033, 0.06) vs 0.021 (95% CI 0.017, 0.025) (P < 0.001)]. Of patients with ileo-colonic disease, 57.8% had an abnormal IP, compared to 26.7% with colonic and 15.6% with small intestinal disease. Patients with a stricturing disease had significantly higher LMR compared to non-fistulising non-stricturing disease [0.043 (95% CI 0.032, 0.058) vs 0.024 (95% CI 0.019, 0.029) (P = 0.0062)]. There was no correlation of IP with age, disease activity, duration of illness, D-xylose absorption, upper GI involvement, perianal disease, and extra-intestinal manifestations. On multiple regression analysis, male gender and ileo-colonic disease were independent factors associated with increased IP. Gender, location, behavior of the disease and upper GI involvement could explain up to 23% of variability in IP (R² = 0.23).

CONCLUSION: IP was increased in 36% of patients with CD. Male gender and an ileo-colonic disease were the independent factors associated with increased IP.

Management of inflammatory bowel disease in the pregnant patient

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder affecting young adults in their reproductive years. Many young women with IBD express concern about the effect their disease will have on fertility, pregnancy course and fetal development. This article presents an approach to management of IBD in the pregnant patient, including counseling and investigation, and summarizes existing data on the safety of medications used to treat IBD in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Inflammatory bowel disease at the korle bu teaching hospital, accra

SummaryCase files of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) managed by the author in the Medical Department over the period 1997 - 2004 have been reviewed to identify some features of the disease that may aid improved diagnosis and management. The findings indicate that IBD may not be rare in the country and that there is usually a long delay in establishing the diagnosis. It appears that, in Ghana, more males than females are affected and that most are fifty years of age or below. Malignant colonic change is uncommon but there is a high default rate among the patients. Five patients (29%) died. Cases managed in an Arab country, between 1987 and 1996, have been compared. In that group more female than male patients were affected but the commonest age group affected was similar. The diagnosis was similarly delayed but no deaths were recorded as opposed to the Ghana patients. Since Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a potentially treatable condition medical practitioners need increased awareness to avoid undue delay in diagnosis.

Venous thromboembolism with inflammatory bowel disease

Venous thrombosis and thromboembolism appear to be increased in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Although several acquired and genetic risk factors are known, about half that develop a thromboembolic event have no identifiable risk factor. Control of the inflammatory process is thought to be the key factor in risk reduction for thrombotic events. Prophylactic use of anticoagulants is not universally recommended, but possible use should be reviewed in an individual patient after evaluation of the risks, such as hemorrhage, compared to potential benefits. Particular consideration should be given if there has been a prior thrombotic event, if hospitalization will require surgery, or if an underlying coagulation disorder is present.

Interleukin-23 and its receptor in Crohn's disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract and clinically presents either as Crohn's disease (CD) or as ulcerative colitis (UC). The incidence of IBD has increased in recent years and there is an increased risk for developing IBD in cohorts with a higher socioeconomic class. The underlying cause for the disease remains unknown. Studies have shown that IBD is associated with environmental, genetic and immunological factors. Immunoregulation disorder lays a key role in the development of IBD. IBD is a bacteria and cytokine-driven pathologic immune response and CD is mainly involved in the immune reaction mediated by type 1 helper T-cells (Th1). IL-23 plays an important role in the immune reaction mediated by Th1 cells. In this paper, we review the molecular immunologic pathogenesis of IL-23 and IL-23R in CD for a better understanding of the etiology of and the therapy for IBD.

Advances in studies on relation between inflammatory bowel disease and immunity

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Its main clinical manifestations are abdominal pain and diarrhea. Its etiology is complicated. Immune system is very important. Following factors, such as intestinal environment, immune cells, human leukocyte antigens, antibodies, anti- laminaribioside antibody, anti-chitobioside antibody IgA, cytokines, cell adhesion molecules, NO and NF-κB, play a key role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory bowel disease is related to all these factors. This paper reviews the possible role of these immune factors in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.

Quality of care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease in East China

AIM: To investigate the quality of care for a hospital based-cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from East China according to the current practice guidelines.

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted, involving 177 patients with IBD admitted to Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University between June 2000 and June 2006. Data regarding demographic and clinical characteristics as well as medical therapy including use of oral aminosalicylates, topical therapy, corticosteroid agents, immunomodulatory agents (such as azathioprine) at admission and outpatient clinic visit were analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 177 eligible patients were evaluated in this study, including 71 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 106 with ulcerative colitis (UC). All were the Han nationality Chinese with active disease at baseline. All the 106 patients with ulcerative colitis received optimal doses of aminosalicylate while 27 of 68 (39.7%) patients with ileal or colonic CD received the suboptimal doses of aminosalicylate. The incidence of suboptimal dose of aminosalicylate was significantly higher in CD patients with small intestine involvement only (52.8% vs 25.0%, P = 0.019). Thirty-one (54.4%) patients with active distal or left-sided ulcerative colitis received topical therapy, and 27.8% of patients suffering from severe inflammatory bowel disease did not receive oral or intravenous steroid therapy. Among the 51 patients for whom thiopurine was indicated, only 10 (19.6%) received immunomodulatory agents, and more than half of the 8 patients received a suboptimal dose of azathiopurine with no attempt to increase its dosage.

CONCLUSION: The quality of care for IBD patients can be further improved. A suboptimal dose of aminosalicylate is used in treatment of patients with CD, especially in those with small intestine involved only. Topical mesalazine is inadequately used in patients with distal or left-sided colitis. Oral or intravenous steroid therapy is not used in some patients with severe IBD. Use of immunomodulatory medication is limited. Larger prospective studies are needed to investigate the quality of care for patients with IBD to establish our own evidence-based guidelines.

Special issues in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

The incidence of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rising and recent advances in diagnostics and therapeutics have improved the care provided to these children. There are distinguishing features worth noting between early onset and adult onset IBD. Physical and psychosocial development remains a critical target for the comprehensive management of pediatric IBD. Children are not just little adults and consideration must be given to the stages of development and how these stages impact disease presentation and management. The final stage will be the transition from pediatric care to that of adult oriented care and special consideration must be given to make this a successful process. This review highlights special considerations in the management of the child with IBD.

Cancer in inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Many of the molecular alterations responsible for sporadic colorectal cancer, namely chromosomal instability, microsatellite instability, and hypermethylation, also play a role in colitis-associated colon carcinogenesis. Colon cancer risk in inflammatory bowel disease increases with longer duration of colitis, greater anatomic extent of colitis, the presence of primary sclerosing cholangitis, family history of CRC and degree of inflammation of the bowel. Chemoprevention includes aminosalicylates, ursodeoxycholic acid, and possibly folic acid and statins. To reduce CRC mortality in IBD, colonoscopic surveillance with random biopsies remains the major way to detect early mucosal dysplasia. When dysplasia is confirmed, proctocolectomy is considered for these patients. Patients with small intestinal Crohn’s disease are at increased risk of small bowel adenocarcinoma. Ulcerative colitis patients with total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal-anastomosis have a rather low risk of dysplasia in the ileal pouch, but the anal transition zone should be monitored periodically. Other extra intestinal cancers, such as hepatobiliary and hematopoietic cancer, have shown variable incidence rates. New endoscopic and molecular screening approaches may further refine our current surveillance guidelines and our understanding of the natural history of dysplasia.

Role of the intestinal barrier in inflammatory bowel disease

A critical function of the intestinal mucosa is to form a barrier that separates luminal contents from the interstitium. The single layer of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) serves as a dynamic interface between the host and its environment. Cell polarity and structural properties of the epithelium is complex and is important in the development of epithelial barrier function. Epithelial cells associate with each other via a series of intercellular junctions. The apical most intercellular junctional complex referred to as the Apical Junction Complex (AJC) is important in not only cell-cell recognition, but also in the regulation of paracellular movement of fluid and solutes. Defects in the intestinal epithelial barrier function have been observed in a number of intestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is now becoming evident that an aberrant epithelial barrier function plays a central role in the pathophysiology of IBD. Thus, a better understanding of the intestinal epithelial barrier structure and function in healthy and disease states such as IBD will foster new ideas for the development of therapies for such chronic disorders.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis and overlap syndromes in inflammatory bowel disease

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic progressive disorder of unknown aetiology characterised by chronic inflammation and stricture formation of the biliary tree. Symptoms include itch and lethargy and in advanced cases cholangitis and end-stage liver disease, however increasing numbers of asymptomatic individuals are being identified. The disease is rare in the general population but is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting up to 5% of patients with Ulcerative Colitis, with a slightly lower prevalence (up to 3.6%) in Crohn's disease. The strength of this association means that the vast majority (> 90%) of patients with PSC also have IBD, although many may have only mild gastro-intestinal symptoms. Usually IBD presents before PSC, although vice-versa can occur and the onset of both conditions can be separated in some cases by many years. Mean age of diagnosis of PSC is in the fifth decade of life with a strong male predominance. Risk is increased in those with a family history of PSC, suggesting a genetic predisposition and the disease is almost exclusive to non-smokers. The ulcerative colitis associated with PSC is characteristically mild, runs a quiescent course, is associated with rectal sparing, more severe right sided disease, backwash ileitis and has a high risk of pouchitis post-colectomy. Most worrisome is the high risk of colorectal malignancy which necessitates routine colonoscopic surveillance. Cholangiocarcinoma is also a frequent complication of PSC with a 10%-15% lifetime risk of developing this condition. Treatment with high dose ursodeoxycholic acid offers some chemoprotective effects against colorectal malignancy and may decrease symptoms, biochemical and histological progression of liver disease. Small duct PSC patients characteristically have normal cholangiography, and liver biopsy is required for diagnosis, it appears to have a more favourable prognosis. Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) is also more prevalent in patients with IBD, with up to 16% of patients with AIH also having ulcerative colitis. A small subgroup of patients have a AIH-PSC overlap syndrome and the management of these patients depends on liver histology, serum IgM levels, autoantibodies, degree of biochemical cholestasis and cholangiography as some of these patients may respond to immunosupression.

What’s new in inflammatory bowel disease in 2008?

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease represent the two major forms of inflammatory bowel disease. In this highlight topic series of articles we cover the latest developments in genetics and epidemiology, intestinal physiology, mucosal immunology, mechanisms of epithelial cell injury and restitution, current medical therapy, modern surgical management, important extra-intestinal complications such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, cholangiocellular carcinoma and autoimmune hepatitis as well as endoscopic and molecular screening, detection and prevention of small bowel and colorectal cancer.

Role of the JNK signal transduction pathway in inflammatory bowel disease

The c-Jun NH2-terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway represents one sub-group of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases which plays an important role in various inflammatory diseases states, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Significant progress towards understanding the function of the JNK signaling pathway has been achieved during the past few years. Blockade of the JNK pathway with JNK inhibitors in animal models of IBD lead to resolution of intestinal inflammation. Current data suggest specific JNK inhibitors hold promise as novel therapies in IBD.

Hygiene hypothesis in inflammatory bowel disease: A critical review of the literature

The hygiene hypothesis is thought to be a significant contributor to the growing incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) around the world, although the evidence for specific factors that underlie the hygiene hypothesis in IBD is unclear. We aimed to systematically review the literature to determine which hygiene-related factors are associated with the development of IBD. Publications identified from a broad based MEDLINE and Current Contents search between 1966 and 2007 on key terms relevant to the 'hygiene hypothesis' and IBD including H pylori exposure, helminths, cold chain hypothesis, measles infection and vaccination, antibiotic use, breastfeeding, family size, sibship, urban upbringing, day care attendance and domestic hygiene were reviewed. The literature suggests that the hygiene hypothesis and its association with decreased microbial exposure in childhood probably plays an important role in the development of IBD, although the strength of the supporting data for each of the factors varies considerably. The most promising factors that may potentially be associated with development of IBD include H pylori exposure, helminths, breastfeeding and sibship. However, the vast majority of studies in this area are plagued by serious methodological shortcomings, particularly the reliance on retrospective recall of information making it difficult to truly ascertain the importance of a 'hygiene hypothesis' in IBD. The 'hygiene hypothesis' in IBD is an important area of research that may give clues to the aetiology of this disease. Directions for future research are recommended.

Crohn’s disease complicated by multiple stenoses and internal fistulas clinically mimicking small bowel endometriosis

We report a 31-year-old woman with Crohn’s disease complicated by multiple stenoses and internal fistulas clinically misdiagnosed as small bowell endometriosis, due to the patient’s perimenstrual symptoms of mechanical subileus for 3 years; at first monthly, but later continuous, and gradually increasing in severity. We performed an exploratory laparotomy for small bowel obstruction, and found multiple ileal strictures and internal enteric fistulas. Because intraoperative findings were thought to indicate Crohn’s disease, a right hemicolectomy and partial distal ileum resection were performed for obstructive Crohn’s ileitis. Histopathology of the resected specimen revealed Crohn’s disease without endometrial tissue. The patient made an uneventful recovery from this procedure and was discharged home 10 d post-operatively. The differential diagnosis of Crohn’s diease with intestinal endometriosis may be difficult pre-operatively. The two entities share many overlapping clinical, radiological and pathological features. Nevertheless, when it is difficult to identify the cause of intestinal obstruction in a woman of child-bearing age with cyclical symptoms suggestive of small bowel endometriosis, Crohn’s disease should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Recent advances of endoscopy in inflammatory bowel diseases

Endoscopy plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The most valuable tool for distinguishing different types of IBD is a complete ileocolonoscopy with mucosal biopsy. Endoscopic localization of the disease not only aids in determining prognosis and appropriateness of medical therapies but also aids decision-making in those undergoing surgical therapy. With regard to therapeutic applications, obstructive symptoms caused by benign fibrotic strictures can be treated adequately by endoscopic balloon dilation. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an increased risk of colorectal cancer in patients with both ulcerative colitis and colonic Crohn's disease (CD). Colonoscopy is currently considered to be the gold standard for cancer surveillance. Published guidelines recommend that two to four biopsy samples should be obtained every 10 cm in the colorectum, necessitating 20-50 samplings per examination. This may result in standard colonoscopy - which is also very time-consuming and laborious - missing significant numbers of small lesions. Various novel techniques have been applied to reduce the required number of biopsy samples and the duration of examinations, including chromoendoscopy with or without magnification, fluorescence endoscopy, narrow-band imaging, optical coherence tomography, and confocal laser endomicroscopy. Until recently the only way to evaluate the small-bowel mucosa in a patient with CD was by barium small-bowel radiographs and intubation of the distal terminal ileum. Both wireless-capsule endoscopy (WCE) and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) allow light to be used in the inspection of the small bowel and may replace radiological methods. WCE is more convenient than DBE for probing small-bowel mucosal changes, but only DBE allows a biopsy sample to be obtained from the deep small bowel, and these two examinations can be considered complementary. The wider application of new techniques in the near future might increase the role played by endoscopy in the management of IBD.

Basic and clinical aspects of osteoporosis in inflammatory bowel disease

Low bone mineral density and the increased risk of fracture in gastrointestinal diseases have a multifactorial pathogenesis. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia and epidemiologic studies have reported an increased prevalence of low bone mass in patients with IBD. Certainly, genetics play an important role, along with other factors such as systemic inflammation, malnutrition, hypogonadism, glucocorticoid therapy in IBD and other lifestyle factors. At a molecular level the proinflammatory cytokines that contribute to the intestinal immune response in IBD are known to enhance bone resorption. There are genes influencing osteoblast function and it is likely that LRP5 may be involved in the skeletal development. Also the identification of vitamin D receptors (VDRs) and some of its polymorphisms have led to consider the possible relationships between them and some autoimmune diseases and may be involved in the pathogenesis through the exertion of its immunomodulatory effects during inflammation. Trying to explain the physiopathology we have found that there is increasing evidence for the integration between systemic inflammation and bone loss likely mediated via receptor for activated nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK), RANK-ligand, and osteoprotegerin, proteins that can affect both osteoclastogenesis and T-cell activation. Although glucocorticoids can reduce mucosal and systemic inflammation, they have intrinsic qualities that negatively impact on bone mass. It is still controversial if all IBD patients should be screened, especially in patients with preexisting risk factors for bone disease. Available methods to measure BMD include single energy x-ray absorptiometry, DXA, quantitative computed tomography (QCT), radiographic absorptiometry, and ultrasound. DXA is the establish method to determine BMD, and routinely is measured in the hip and the lumbar spine. There are several treatments options that have proven their effectiveness, while new emergent therapies such as calcitonin and teriparatide among others remain to be assessed.

Potential role of NKT regulatory cell ligands for the treatment of immune mediated colitis

Natural killer T lymphocytes (NKT) have been implicated in the regulation of autoimmune processes in both mice and humans. In response to stimuli, this subset of cells rapidly produces large amounts of cytokines thereby provoking immune responses, including protection against autoimmune diseases. NKT cells are present in all lymphoid compartments, but are most abundant in the liver and bone marrow. They are activated by interaction of their T-cell receptor with glycolipids presented by CD1d, a nonpolymorphic, major histocompatibility complex class I-like molecule expressed by antigen presenting cells. Several possible ligands for NKT cells have recently been suggested. β-glucosylceramide, a naturally occurring glycolipid, is a metabolic intermediate in the anabolic and catabolic pathways of complex glycosphingolipids. Like other β-glycolipids, β-glucosylceramide has an immunomodulatory effect in several immune mediated disorders, including immune mediated colitis. Due to the broad impact that NKT cells have on the immune system, there is intense interest in understanding how NKT cells are stimulated and the extent to which NKT cell responses can be controlled. These novel ligands are currently being evaluated in animal models of colitis. Here, we discuss strategies to alter NKT lymphocyte function in various settings and the potential clinical applications of natural glycolipids.

Insights from advances in research of chemically induced experimental models of human inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the most important being Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, results from chronic dysregulation of the mucosal immune system in the gastrointestinal tract. Although the pathogenesis of IBD remains unclear, it is widely accepted that genetic, environmental, and immunological factors are involved. Recent studies suggest that intestinal epithelial defenses are important to prevent inflammation by protecting against microbial pathogens and oxidative stresses. To investigate the etiology of IBD, animal models of experimental colitis have been developed and are frequently used to evaluate new anti-inflammatory treatments for IBD. Several models of experimental colitis that demonstrate various pathophysiological aspects of the human disease have been described. In this manuscript, we review the characteristic features of IBD through a discussion of the various chemically induced experimental models of colitis (e.g., dextran sodium sulfate-, 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-, oxazolone-, acetic acid-, and indomethacin-induced models). We also summarize some regulatory and pathogenic factors demonstrated by these models that can, hopefully, be exploited to develop future therapeutic strategies against IBD.

Effect of Scutellariae Radix extract on experimental dextran-sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of Scutellariae Radix extract (SRE) on ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats induced by dextran-sulfate sodium (DSS).

METHODS: Colitis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (170-180 g) by 4% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS, wt/v; MW 54000) in drinking water for 8 d. The treated rats received 4% DSS and SRE orally (100 mg/kg per day). Control rats received either tap water or SRE only. Macroscopic assessment which included body weight changes, fecal occult blood and stool consistency were determined daily. At the appointed time, the rats were sacrificed and the entire colons were removed. The colon length and the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured. The severity of colitis was graded by morphological and histological assessments. The ion transport activity of the colonic mucosa was assessed by electrophysiological technique.

RESULTS: Rats treated with oral administration of 4% DSS regularly developed clinical and macroscopic signs of colitis. Treatment with SRE relieved the symptoms, including the reduction in body weight, shortening and ulceration of the colon. Administration of SRE also significantly reduced the histological damage induced by DSS. Moreover, the I_SC responses of the colonic mucosa to forskolin were suppressed after the induction of colitis. The stimulated ion transport activity of DSS-rats treated with SRE displayed significant improvement in the secretory responsiveness.

CONCLUSION: SRE was effective in treating acute DSS-induced ulcerative colitis, as gauged by reduced clinical disease, improved macroscopic and histological damage scores, and enhanced recovery of normal colonic secretory function.

Novel genetic markers in inflammatory bowel disease

Genetic factors play a significant role in determining inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) susceptibility. Epidemiologic data support genetic contribution to the pathogenesis of IBD, which include familial aggregation, twin studies, racial and ethnic differences in disease prevalence. Linkage studies have identified several susceptibility genes contained in different genomic regions named IBD1 to IBD9. Nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD2) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are the most extensively studied genetic regions (IBD1 and IBD3 respectively) in IBD. Mutations of the NOD2 gene are associated with Crohn's disease (CD) and several HLA genes are associated with ulcerative colitis (UC) and CD. Toll like receptors (TLRs) have an important role in the innate immune response against infections by mediating recognition of pathogen-associated microbial patterns. Studying single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in molecules involved in bacterial recognition seems to be essential to define genetic backgrounds at risk of IBD. Recently, numerous new genes have been identified to be involved in the genetic susceptibility to IBD: NOD1/Caspase-activation recruitment domains 4 (CARD4), Chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20), IL-11, and IL-18 among others. The characterization of these novel genes potentially will lead to the identification of therapeutic agents and clinical assessment of phenotype and prognosis in patients with IBD.

Innate immunity in inflammatory bowel disease

The human intestinal tract is home to an enormous bacterial flora. The host defense against microorganisms can be divided into innate and adaptive immunity. The former is the most immediate line of response to immunologic challenges presented by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The mucosal immune system has evolved to balance the need to respond to pathogens while co-existing with commensal bacteria and food antigens. In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), this hyporesponsiveness or tolerance breaks down and inflammation supervenes driven by the intestinal microbial flora. Bacteria contain compounds and are recognized by a variety of receptors, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NODs (a family of intracellular bacterial sensors) and are potent stimuli of innate immune responses. Several mutations in these receptors have been associated with development of IBD.

Genetic factors associated with the development of inflammatory bowel disease

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are complex polygenic disorders, characterized by several genes together with environmental factors contributing to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recent advances in research on genetic susceptibility have allowed the identification of diverse genes at different levels: (1) Innate immunity; (2) Antigen presentation molecules; (3) Epithelial integrity; (4) Drug transporter; (5) Cell adhesion. The application of genetic testing into clinical practice is close and all genetic markers may have several clinical implications: prediction of disease phenotype, molecular classification, prevention of complications, and prognosis.

Role of bacteria in the etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease

Increased numbers of mucosa-associated Escherichia coli are observed in both of the major inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). A potential pathophysiological link between the presence of pathogenic invasive bacteria and genetic host susceptibility of patients with ileal CD is suspected. In CD patients, with increased ileal expression of the CEACAM6 molecule acting as a receptor recognized by type 1 pilus bacterial adhesin, and with the identification of mutations in the NOD2-encoding gene, the presence of pathogenic invasive bacteria could be the link between abnormal ileal bacterial colonization and innate immune responses to invasive bacteria. In a susceptible host, the sequential etiological steps of the disease induced by adherent-invasive E. coli (AIEC) are: (1) abnormal colonization via binding to the CEACAM6 receptor, which is overexpressed in the ileal mucosa of CD patients; (2) ability to adhere to and to invade intestinal epithelial cells, which allows bacteria to cross the mucosal barrier; (3) survival and replication within infected macrophages in the lamina propria; and (4) induction of tumor necrosis factor-α secretion and granuloma formation.

Genetic epidemiology of primary sclerosing cholangitis

The aetiology of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is not known. A more than 80-fold increased risk of PSC among first-degree relatives emphasizes the importance of genetic factors. Genetic associations within the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex on chromosome 6p21 were detected in PSC 25 years ago. Subsequent studies have substantiated beyond doubt that one or more genetic variants located within this genetic region are important. The true identities of these variants, however, remain to be identified. Several candidate genes at other chromosomal loci have also been investigated. However, according to strict criteria for what may be denominated a susceptibility gene in complex diseases, no such gene exists for PSC today. This review summarises present knowledge on the genetic susceptibility to PSC, as well as genetic associations with disease progression and clinical subsets of particular interest (inflammatory bowel disease and cholangiocarcinoma).

Maintenance of remission with infliximab in inflammatory bowel disease: Efficacy and safety long-term follow-up

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a long-term therapy with infliximab in Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients retrospectively.

METHODS: The medical charts of 50 patients (40 CD and 10 UC), who received after a loading dose of 3 infliximab infusions scheduled re-treatments every 8 wk as a maintenance protocol, were reviewed.

RESULTS: Median (range) duration of treatment was 27 (4-64) mo in CD patients and 24.5 (6-46) mo in UC patients. Overall, 32 (80%) CD and 9 (90%) UC patients showed a sustained clinical response or remission throughout the maintenance period. Three CD patients shortened the interval between infusions. Eight (20%) CD patients and 1 UC patient underwent surgery for flare up of disease. Nine out of 29 CD and 4 out of 9 UC patients, who discontinued infliximab scheduled treatment, are still relapse-free after a median of 16 (5-30) and 6.5 (4-16) mo following the last infusion, respectively. Ten CD patients (25%) and 1 UC patient required concomitant steroid therapy during maintenance period, compared to 30 (75%) and 9 (90%) patients at enrolment. Of the 50 patients, 16 (32%) experienced at least 1 adverse event and 3 patients (6%) were diagnosed with cancer during maintenance treatment.

CONCLUSION: Scheduled infliximab strategy is effective in maintaining long-term clinical remission both in CD and UC and determines a marked steroid sparing effect. Long-lasting remission was observed following infliximab withdrawal.

Exogenous sphingomyelinase causes impaired intestinal epithelial barrier function

AIM: To test the hypothesis that hydrolysis of sphingomyelin to ceramide changes the composition of tight junctions (TJs) with increasing permeability of the intestinal epithelium.

METHODS: Monolayers of Caco-2 cells were used as an in vitro model for the intestinal barrier. Permeability was determined by quantification of transepithelial flux and transepithelial resistance. Sphingolipid-rich membrane microdomains were isolated by a discontinuous sucrose gradient and characterized by Western-blot. Lipid content of microdomains was analysed by tandem mass spectrometry. Ceramide was subcellularly localized by immunofluorescent staining.

RESULTS: Exogenous sphingomyelinase increased transepithelial permeability and decreased transepithelial resistance at concentrations as low as 0.01 U/mL. Lipid analysis showed rapid accumulation of ceramide in the membrane fractions containing occludin and claudin-4, representing TJs. In these fractions we observed a concomitant decrease of sphingomyelin and cholesterol with increasing concentrations of ceramide. Immunofluorescent staining confirmed clustering of ceramide at the sites of cell-cell contacts. Neutralization of surface ceramide prevented the permeability-increase induced by platelet activating factor.

CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that changes in lipid composition of TJs impair epithelial barrier functions. Generation of ceramide by sphingomyelinases might contribute to disturbed barrier function seen in diseases such as inflammatory, infectious, toxic or radiogenic bowel disease.

Crohn’s disease incidence evolution in North-western Greece is not associated with alteration of NOD2/CARD15 variants

AIM: To assess the trends in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) over 23 years in the same area and to identify genetic factors related to incidence evolution.

METHODS: Patients with IBD arising from North-western Greece were systematically recorded through the 1983-2005 period. Trends in disease incidence and genetic patterns related to CARD15 variants were documented and correlated.

RESULTS: A total of 447 patients with IBD were recorded (23.5% Crohn’s disease, 72.7% Ulcerative colitis and 3.8% indeterminate colitis). Mean annual incidence rates of CD and UC were 0.9/100 000 (95% CI 0.1-1.7) and 2.7/100 000 (95% CI 1.7-4.1) inhabitants, respectively. There was a statistically significant increase of CD incidence (P < 0.01) during the study period, in contrast to the UC incidence. There were no statistical differences in CARD15 variants over the study period.

CONCLUSION: The incidence of CD in North-western Greece has risen disproportionately to that of UC in the 21st century. This is not related to alterations of genetic background though.

Progress in research the roles of regulatory T cells in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a nonspecific intestinal inflammatory disease. Its causes and pathogenesis have a close relationship with disorder of autoimmune function. The imbalance of the Th1/Th2 paradigm is an important factor for IBD. However, the pathogenesis of IBD cannot be interpreted on the basis of the Th1/Th2 paradigm alone. Recent research has highlighted the substantial role of regulatory T cells in the nosogenesis of IBD. This review will explore the relationship between regulatory T cells and IBD, and the progress in the study of regulatory T cells.