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McCurdy JD, Weng R, Parlow S, Dawkins YM, Brar G, Oliveira L, Saloojee N, Murthy S, Kenshil S, Macdonald B, Sabri E, Moloo H, Sy R. Video Capsule Endoscopy can Identify Occult Luminal Crohn's Disease in Patients with Isolated Perianal Fistulas. J Crohns Colitis 2023; 17:1624-1630. [PMID: 37101357 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjad078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate tools to distinguish Crohn's disease [CD] from cryptoglandular disease in patients with perianal fistulas without detectable luminal inflammation on ileocolonoscopy and abdominal enterography (isolated perianal fistulas [IPF]) are lacking. We assessed the ability of video capsule endoscopy [VCE] to detect luminal inflammation in patients with IPF. METHODS We studied consecutive adults [>17 years] with IPF who were evaluated by VCE after a negative ileocolonoscopy and abdominal enterography between 2013 and 2022. We defined luminal CD by VCE as diffuse erythema, three or more aphthous ulcers, or a Lewis score greater than 135. We compared rates of intestinal inflammation in this cohort with age- and sex-matched controls without perianal fistulas, who underwent VCE for other indications. We excluded persons with pre-existing inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] and exposure to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or immunosuppressive treatments. RESULTS A total of 45 patients with IPF underwent VCE without complications. Twelve patients [26%] met our definition of luminal CD. Luminal CD was more common in patients with IPF than in controls [26% vs 3%; p <0.01]. Among patients with IPF, male sex (OR [odds ratio], 9.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.1-79.4]), smoking (OR, 4.5; 95% CI [0.9-21.2]), abscess (OR, 6.3; 95% CI [1.5-26.8]), rectal enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] (OR, 9.0; 95% CI [0.8-99.3]), and positive antimicrobial serology (OR, 7.1; 95% CI, [0.7-70.0]) were more common in those with a positive VCE study. CONCLUSIONS VCE detected small intestinal inflammation suggestive of luminal CD in approximately one-quarter of patients with IPF. Larger studies are required to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D McCurdy
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Robin Weng
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Simon Parlow
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Yvonne M Dawkins
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gurmun Brar
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Liliana Oliveira
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nav Saloojee
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sanjay Murthy
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sana Kenshil
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Blair Macdonald
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Elham Sabri
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Husein Moloo
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Richmond Sy
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Litta F, Papait A, Lucchetti D, Farigu S, Parello A, Tenore CR, Campennì P, Silini AR, Giustiniani MC, Parolini O, Sgambato A, Ratto C. The pathogenesis of cryptoglandular anal fistula: New insight into the immunological profile. Colorectal Dis 2022; 24:1567-1575. [PMID: 35916639 PMCID: PMC10087133 DOI: 10.1111/codi.16290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aetiology of cryptoglandular anal fistula (AF) is poorly understood. Evidence suggests that persistence and/or recurrence of the disease is more related to inflammatory than infectious factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the immune profile of cryptoglandular AF and to perform a histopathological characterization. METHOD Fistulectomy was performed in all patients; healthy ischioanal fat from the same patients was used as a control. Samples were evaluated by the Luminex xMAP system for the detection of 27 analytes. AF tissues were analysed using immunofluorescence. Staining was performed using primary antibodies to identify M1 inflammatory and M2 anti-inflammatory macrophages. Selective staining of total T lymphocytes and different T lymphocyte subsets was performed. RESULTS Twenty patients with AF underwent a fistulectomy. Specific cytokine pathways differentiated AF from healthy tissue: pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-8 and IL-17 and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were overexpressed in AF compared with controls. Chemokines involved in macrophage recruitment (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4) were higher in AF than in healthy fatty tissue. Moreover, we showed that Tc17 cells characterize AF patients, thus confirming the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay data. Furthermore, elevated infiltration of CD68+ myeloid cells and a reduction of the M1/M2 ratio characterize AF patients. CONCLUSION A combination of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and growth factors reside in the wound microenvironment of AF patients. For the first time an important prevalence of Tc17 cells and a reduction in the M1/M2 ratio was observed, thus suggesting new insights into the immunological characterization of AF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Litta
- Proctology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Papait
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario 'Agostino Gemelli' IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Lucchetti
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Serafina Farigu
- Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
| | - Angelo Parello
- Proctology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Ricciardi Tenore
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Campennì
- Proctology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Ornella Parolini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario 'Agostino Gemelli' IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sgambato
- Dipartimento Universitario di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Ratto
- Proctology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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McGregor CGC, Tandon R, Simmons A. Pathogenesis of Fistulating Crohn's Disease: A Review. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:1-11. [PMID: 36184031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Sustained, transmural inflammation of the bowel wall may result in the development of a fistula in Crohn's disease (CD). Fistula formation is a recognized complication and cause of morbidity, occurring in 40% of patients with CD. Despite advanced treatment, one-third of patients experience recurrent fistulae. Development of targeting treatment for fistulae will be dependent on a more in depth understanding of its pathogenesis. Presently, pathogenesis of CD-associated fistulae remains poorly defined, in part due to the lack of accepted in vitro tissue models recapitulating the pathogenic cellular lesions linked to fistulae and limited in vivo models. This review provides a synthesis of the existing knowledge of the histopathological, immune, cellular, genetic, and microbial contributions to the pathogenesis of CD-associated fistulae including the widely accredited contribution of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases, and overexpression of invasive molecules, resulting in tissue remodeling and subsequent fistula formation. We conclude by exploring how we might utilize advancing technologies to verify and broaden our current understanding while exploring novel causal pathways to provide further inroads to future therapeutic targets.
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Chin Koon Siw K, Engel J, Visva S, Mallick R, Hart A, de Buck van Overstraeten A, McCurdy JD. Strategies to Distinguish Perianal Fistulas Related to Crohn's Disease From Cryptoglandular Disease: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2022; 28:1363-1374. [PMID: 34792583 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izab286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of perianal fistulas differs based on fistula type. We aimed to assess the ability of diagnostic strategies to differentiate between Crohn's disease (CD) and cryptoglandular disease (CGD) in patients with perianal fistulas. METHODS We performed a diagnostic accuracy systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic search of electronic databases was performed from inception through February 2021 for studies assessing a diagnostic test's ability to distinguish fistula types. We calculated weighted summary estimates with 95% confidence intervals for sensitivity and specificity by bivariate analysis, using fixed effects models when data were available from 2 or more studies. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool was used to assess study quality. RESULTS Twenty-one studies were identified and included clinical symptoms (2 studies; n=154), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics (3 studies; n=296), ultrasound characteristics (7 studies; n=1003), video capsule endoscopy (2 studies; n=44), fecal calprotectin (1 study; n=56), and various biomarkers (8 studies; n=440). MRI and ultrasound characteristics had the most robust data. Rectal inflammation, multiple-branched fistula tracts, and abscesses on pelvic MRI and the Crohn's ultrasound fistula sign, fistula debris, and bifurcated fistulas on pelvic ultrasonography had high specificity (range, 80%-95% vs 89%-96%) but poor sensitivity (range, 17%-37% vs 31%-63%), respectively. Fourteen of 21 studies had risk of bias on at least 1 of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies domains. CONCLUSIONS Limited high-quality evidence suggest that imaging characteristics may help discriminate CD from CGD in patients with perianal fistulas. Larger, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to evaluate if combining multiple diagnostic tests can improve diagnostic sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Chin Koon Siw
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jake Engel
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Ailsa Hart
- Division of Gastroenterology, St Mark's Hospital, London, United Kingdomand the
| | | | - Jeffrey D McCurdy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Berger K, Arafat D, Chandrakasan S, Snapper SB, Gibson G. Targeted RNAseq Improves Clinical Diagnosis of Very Early-Onset Pediatric Immune Dysregulation. J Pers Med 2022; 12:919. [PMID: 35743704 PMCID: PMC9224647 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12060919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite increased use of whole exome sequencing (WES) for the clinical analysis of rare disease, overall diagnostic yield for most disorders hovers around 30%. Previous studies of mRNA have succeeded in increasing diagnoses for clearly defined disorders of monogenic inheritance. We asked if targeted RNA sequencing could provide similar benefits for primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) and very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEOIBD), both of which are difficult to diagnose due to high heterogeneity and variable severity. We performed targeted RNA sequencing of a panel of 260 immune-related genes for a cohort of 13 patients (seven suspected PID cases and six VEOIBD) and analyzed variants, splicing, and exon usage. Exonic variants were identified in seven cases, some of which had been previously prioritized by exome sequencing. For four cases, allele specific expression or lack thereof provided additional insights into possible disease mechanisms. In addition, we identified five instances of aberrant splicing associated with four variants. Three of these variants had been previously classified as benign in ClinVar based on population frequency. Digenic or oligogenic inheritance is suggested for at least two patients. In addition to validating the use of targeted RNA sequencing, our results show that rare disease research will benefit from incorporating contributing genetic factors into the diagnostic approach.
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Rubbino F, Greco L, di Cristofaro A, Gaiani F, Vetrano S, Laghi L, Bonovas S, Piovani D. Journey through Crohn's Disease Complication: From Fistula Formation to Future Therapies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10235548. [PMID: 34884247 PMCID: PMC8658128 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10235548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Crohn’s Disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder in which up to 50% of patients develop fistula within 20 years after the initial diagnosis, and half of these patients suffer perianal fistulizing disease. The etiopathogenesis of CD-related perianal fistula is still unclear, and its phenotypical and molecular characteristics are even more indefinite. A better understanding would be crucial to develop targeted and more effective therapeutic strategies. At present, the most accredited theory for the formation of CD-related fistula identifies the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as the driving force. It has been well recognized that CD carries an increased risk of malignancy, particularly mucinous adenocarcinoma is often associated with long-standing fistula in CD patients. Despite the availability of multiple treatment options, perianal fistulizing CD represents a therapeutic challenge and is associated with an important impact on patients’ quality of life. To date, the most effective management is multidisciplinary with the cooperation of gastroenterologists, surgeons, radiologists, and nutritionists and the best recommended treatment is a combination of medical and surgical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Rubbino
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (L.G.); (A.d.C.); (L.L.)
- Correspondence: (F.R.); (S.B.)
| | - Luana Greco
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (L.G.); (A.d.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Alessio di Cristofaro
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (L.G.); (A.d.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Federica Gaiani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy;
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, University-Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Vetrano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Italy; (S.V.); (D.P.)
| | - Luigi Laghi
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (L.G.); (A.d.C.); (L.L.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Stefanos Bonovas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Italy; (S.V.); (D.P.)
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.R.); (S.B.)
| | - Daniele Piovani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Italy; (S.V.); (D.P.)
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
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Porwal A, Kundu GC, Bhagwat G, Butti R. Polyherbal formulation Anoac‑H suppresses the expression of RANTES and VEGF for the management of bleeding hemorrhoids and fistula. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:736. [PMID: 34414451 PMCID: PMC8404094 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemorrhoids and fistula are considered the most common anorectal conditions in the general population. These conditions affect the quality of a patient's life by causing pain and bleeding during defecation or even in the resting state. Lower grades of hemorrhoids may be controlled by traditional measures. However, surgery is an effective treatment option in recurrent-lower and higher-grade hemorrhoids. Surgical procedures are associated with various complications, including pain and delayed wound healing. Recurrence of hemorrhoids is also a major concern in the post-operative period. An anal fistula is the connection between the anus and the skin and causes severe pain, swelling, as well as blood and pus discharge. Fistula has serious social and economic consequences. Hence, it is important to understand the pathophysiology and molecular pathology of hemorrhoids and fistula, to identify the molecular targets and to develop pharmacological-interventions. In a previous study by our group, the polyherbal formulation Anoac-H was developed for the treatment of different stages of hemorrhoids and fistula, and it was demonstrated that Anoac-H is an effective formulation for treating hemorrhoids. However, the molecular mode of action of Anoac-H on hemorrhoids and fistula had remained elusive. In the present study, it was determined that this formulation reduces the migration of mesenchymal (fibroblasts) and immune (RAW 264.7) cells without affecting their viability. It was also observed that Anoac-H suppresses the expression of regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted (RANTES) and VEGF in fibroblasts and macrophages. Inflammation and elevated expression of RANTES and VEGF were observed in hemorrhoids and fistula. However, inflammation, as well as the expression of RANTES and VEGF, were significantly reduced in treated human hemorrhoid and fistula tissues as compared to untreated ones, confirming the in vitro results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Porwal
- Healing Hands Clinic, Pune, Maharashtra 411001, India
| | - Gopal C Kundu
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
| | - Gajanan Bhagwat
- Healing Hands & Herbs (R&D Center), Pune, Maharashtra 411002, India
| | - Ramesh Butti
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
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Włodarczyk M, Włodarczyk J, Sobolewska-Włodarczyk A, Trzciński R, Dziki Ł, Fichna J. Current concepts in the pathogenesis of cryptoglandular perianal fistula. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:300060520986669. [PMID: 33595349 PMCID: PMC7894698 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520986669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptoglandular perianal fistula is a common benign anorectal disorder that is managed mainly with surgery. A fistula is typically defined as a pathological communication between two epithelialized surfaces. More specifically, perianal fistula manifests as an abnormal tract between the anorectal canal and the perianal skin. Perianal fistulas are often characterized by significantly decreased patient quality of life. The cryptoglandular theory of perianal fistulas suggests their development from the proctodeal glands, which originate from the intersphincteric plane and perforate the internal sphincter with their ducts. Involvement of proctodeal glands in the inflammatory process could play a primary role in the formation of cryptoglandular perianal fistula. The objective of this narrative review was to investigate the current knowledge of the pathogenesis of cryptoglandular perianal fistula with the specific aims of characterizing the potential role of proinflammatory factors responsible for the development of chronic inflammation. Further studies are crucial to improve the therapeutic management of cryptoglandular perianal fistulas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Włodarczyk
- Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jakub Włodarczyk
- Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Sobolewska-Włodarczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,Department of Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Radzisław Trzciński
- Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Łukasz Dziki
- Department of General and Colorectal Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jakub Fichna
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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