Inflammatory Bowel Disease Ulcerative Colitis Research Articles

P119 Single-cell RNA sequencing in Inflammatory Bowel Disease in patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: a distinct form of colitis

Abstract Background Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an inflammatory disorder of the bile ducts, in which Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) concomitantly occurs (PSC-IBD). Substantial differences in clinical presentation are observed between PSC-IBD and ulcerative colitis (UC). In this study we aim to find distinct pathomechanisms for PSC-IBD using single-cell RNA sequencing. Methods Forty-seven colonic samples of PSC-IBD (n=24), UC (n=18) and non-IBD subjects (n=5) were collected. Whole biopsies were dissociated into single cells using collagenase digestion. Library preparation was done with 10x Genomics and sequencing was performed on an MGI2000 sequencer. Then, differential abundance, differential expression, and cell-cell interaction analyses were performed. Stainings for DUOX2 and HLA-DR were performed on paraffin embedded colon mucosal slides. Results In total, 71,798 high quality cells identified 54 distinct cell types, including a new type of epithelial cells: DUOX2+ enterocytes. DUOX2+ enterocytes are almost exclusively present in diseased inflamed colon and can act as antigen presenting cells through the expression of MHC2 on its surface. A general shift in cell type composition upon inflammation was observed, comparable between PSC and UC samples. However, an increased abundance was seen for stem cells in non-inflamed (NI) PSC, and not in UC-NI, compared to healthy controls. Additionally, we found distinct gene expression patterns between PSC and UC inflammation: while activation of inflammatory monocytes was observed in PSC inflammation, several types of fibroblasts were activated upon UC inflammation. Conclusion We describe DUOX2+ enterocytes, which may play a role in both PSC and UC colitis through antigen presentation. Furthermore, we show that intestinal inflammation in PSC-IBD, as compared to UC, is characterized by distinct mucosal cell composition and cell-specific gene expression patterns. PSC colitis, and not UC colitis, is driven by activation of inflammatory monocytes, with antigen presentation through HLA-DRB1, and activation of CD4+ T cells. Additionally, an increased abundance of stem cells in PSC-NI could be related with the increased colorectal cancer risk in PSC-IBD.

Semen and sex-steroid parameters among inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis type according to rectal bleeding grade

Hypogonadism and inflammato-ry bowel disease (IBD) are often associated. This association may influence sexual and reproductive function in IBD, including sperm profile and sex steroid hormones. This study included 59 IBD patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis type IBD. Anamnesis was carried out regarding the history of the disease, along with a history of rectal bleeding. Evaluation proceeded with sperm and hormone examination if the patient agreed. Progressive motility sperm, immotile sperm, and normal sperm were found to be significantly different between the rectal bleeding groups. In grade 3 (more significant bleeding) progressive sperm (24.81 ± 5.85, p < 0.0001) and normal sperm (6.33 ± 12.56, p = 0.0003) rates tended to be lower, while immotile sperm tended to be higher (44.48 ± 11.21, p < 0.0001). Testosterone and free testosterone levels were also reported to be significantly different between groups, where grade 3 had lower levels 255.9 ± 30.08, p = 0.014 and 4.645 ± 0.5, p = 0.002 respectively. Our study shows that the degree of rectal bleeding influences sperm motility and morphology, as well as testosterone and free testosterone levels. These results can concern managing IBD patients to fulfill reproductive health care.

Lichen Sclerosus: A Current Landscape of Autoimmune and Genetic Interplay.

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is an acquired chronic inflammatory dermatosis predominantly affecting the anogenital area with recalcitrant itching and soreness. Progressive or persistent LS may cause urinary and sexual disturbances and an increased risk of local skin malignancy with a prevalence of up to 11%. Investigations on lipoid proteinosis, an autosomal recessive genodermatosis caused by loss-of-function mutations in the extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) gene, led to the discovery of a humoral autoimmune response to the identical molecule in LS, providing evidence for an autoimmune and genetic counterpart targeting ECM1. This paper provides an overview of the fundamental importance and current issue of better understanding the immunopathology attributed to ECM1 in LS. Furthermore, we highlight the pleiotropic action of ECM1 in homeostatic and structural maintenance of skin biology as well as in a variety of human disorders possibly associated with impaired or gained ECM1 function, including the inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis, Th2 cell-dependent airway allergies, T-cell and B-cell activation, and the demyelinating central nervous system disease multiple sclerosis, to facilitate sharing the concept as a plausible therapeutic target of this attractive molecule.

To the question of classification of intestinal post-COVID lesions. Review

Pandemic of COVID‑19 has brought significant changes not only to the daily life of mankind, but also to the course of many chronic diseases. In addition to lung damage, extrapulmonary manifestations may develop against the background of coronavirus disease progression. These changes often have multi‑organ nature, especially against the background of existing chronic diseases. Literature describes cardiac, neurologic, renal extrapulmonary SARS‑CoV‑2 lesions as well as eye damage. Gastrointestinal tract is one of the areas affected by SARS‑CoV‑2 virus. This impact is stipulated by the significant effects of virus on the microbiota and permeability of mucosal barriers, as well as important role of changes in the intestinal barrier function in the development of local and systemic immune response.&#x0D; Working group of the Ukrainian Gastroenterological Association (UGA) worked out a classification of intestinal post‑covid lesions, which was presented at the UGA congress in September 2021. The following types of damage have been outlined: COVID‑19 induced bacterial overgrowth syndrome, functional diarrhea after previous COVID‑19 infection, infection‑induced irritable bowel syndrome (post‑infectious IBS), antibiotic‑associated diarrhea (without Clostridium difficile and pseudomembranous colitis with confirmed Clostridium difficile), exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease), newly diagnosed (COVID‑induced) inflammatory bowel disease.&#x0D; The course of functional and inflammatory diseases can be modified by COVID‑19, affecting the gut microbiome. It is necessary to conduct a thorough differential diagnosis of exacerbation of functional, inflammatory and post‑covid lesions of the intestine. Complex therapy including agents to correct dysbiosis should be used to treat this group of patients.&#x0D;

Diarrheal Illness

Diarrhea, qualitatively defined as an increase in stool frequency and liquid content, is a frequent complaint in patients presenting to emergency departments. Although most cases are uncomplicated viral infections, the most frequent causes of dangerous underlying entities are often not viral. In uncomplicated cases, laboratory testing for metabolic derangements is not required unless there are signs of moderate to severe dehydration or the patient has particular risks, such as chronic kidney disease. Secondary infections associated with antibiotic use (C difficile–associated diarrhea), other significant nosocomial exposures, recent international travel history, the presence of a nonintact immune system (HIV/AIDS, cancer/chemotherapy), and exposure to high-risk environments (including zoonotic exposures, outbreak-prone environments such as day care facilities) increase the likelihood of a bacterial or other infectious cause requiring either microbiologic testing or empirical antimicrobial treatments. Diarrhea is often present as a feature of clinically significant noninfectious conditions, including complications of inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis), overdoses, and withdrawal syndromes. In such cases, after hemodynamic stability has been ensured, advanced workup and treatment are guided by the underlying condition and antecedent risks, not the presence of diarrhea per se. Oral rehydration is the first step in management for mild dehydration caused by uncomplicated diarrhea. Intravenous fluids may be necessary in moderate to severe dehydration and in cases of electrolyte derangement requiring resuscitation where fluid choice and rate are paramount, as well as in patients who cannot tolerate oral intake. In cases of suspected bacteria-caused diarrhea, antibiotics, most often fluoroquinolones, reduce both the severity and duration of illness. In patients safe for home management, antidiarrheal agents such as loperamide may be used in uncomplicated and resolving cases. Probiotics appear safe in most cases and impart a small but clinically detectable decrease in the duration and severity of illness. Although there have been fears of bacterial outbreaks following natural disasters, improvements in local and global health efforts have led to decreases in cholera outbreaks, and typical viral causes of diarrhea are generally the most common causes. This review contains 4 figures, 5 tables and 32 references Key words: Clostridium difficile, diarrhea, infectious diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, medication side effects, overdose syndromes, sepsis, traveler’s diarrhea, zoonotic infections

Diarrheal Illness

Diarrhea, qualitatively defined as an increase in stool frequency and liquid content, is a frequent complaint in patients presenting to emergency departments. Although most cases are uncomplicated viral infections, the most frequent causes of dangerous underlying entities are often not viral. In uncomplicated cases, laboratory testing for metabolic derangements is not required unless there are signs of moderate to severe dehydration or the patient has particular risks, such as chronic kidney disease. Secondary infections associated with antibiotic use (C difficile–associated diarrhea), other significant nosocomial exposures, recent international travel history, the presence of a nonintact immune system (HIV/AIDS, cancer/chemotherapy), and exposure to high-risk environments (including zoonotic exposures, outbreak-prone environments such as day care facilities) increase the likelihood of a bacterial or other infectious cause requiring either microbiologic testing or empirical antimicrobial treatments. Diarrhea is often present as a feature of clinically significant noninfectious conditions, including complications of inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis), overdoses, and withdrawal syndromes. In such cases, after hemodynamic stability has been ensured, advanced workup and treatment are guided by the underlying condition and antecedent risks, not the presence of diarrhea per se. Oral rehydration is the first step in management for mild dehydration caused by uncomplicated diarrhea. Intravenous fluids may be necessary in moderate to severe dehydration and in cases of electrolyte derangement requiring resuscitation where fluid choice and rate are paramount, as well as in patients who cannot tolerate oral intake. In cases of suspected bacteria-caused diarrhea, antibiotics, most often fluoroquinolones, reduce both the severity and duration of illness. In patients safe for home management, antidiarrheal agents such as loperamide may be used in uncomplicated and resolving cases. Probiotics appear safe in most cases and impart a small but clinically detectable decrease in the duration and severity of illness. Although there have been fears of bacterial outbreaks following natural disasters, improvements in local and global health efforts have led to decreases in cholera outbreaks, and typical viral causes of diarrhea are generally the most common causes. This review contains 4 figures, 5 tables and 32 references Key words: Clostridium difficile, diarrhea, infectious diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, medication side effects, overdose syndromes, sepsis, traveler’s diarrhea, zoonotic infections

Early outcomes after open total colon resection for haemorrhagic pan-colonic diverticulosis: Report of a case and review of literature; Department of Surgery, Adult Hospital, University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia

Total colon resection is usually performed to treat or prevent diseases that affect a large part of right and left colons and that could not been answerable to medications alone. Patients are then referrals from gastroenterologists, who had been treating them for a certain time. A part from cancer patients, who are sent quickly to surgeons upon diagnosis, other conditions include: complicated polyposis, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease) and Hirschprung disease affecting the whole colon. Pan-colonic diverticulosis disease is rare in Sub-Saharan African settings; hence is also very rare an open total colectomy aiming to treat it. A 80 year-old man was referred to our surgical unit from a gastro-entomologist for medically unanswerable pan colonic haemorrhagic diverticulosis. Furthermore, the patient has a well-known long standing hypertension with chronic heart ischemic lesions a type 2 diabetes Mellitus stabilized medically. The report is aiming to share the perioperative features mainly the early outcomes postoperatively when reviewing relate literature. The case served as a topic for a grand round interdepartmental topic at the University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka and deserved contribution from the Internal Medicine Units where he had been hospitalised for anaemia in a cardiac unit. Then the patient was followed for bleeding colonic diverticulosis by the Gastro-enterology unit without success. He was finally referred to our Surgical Unit where one stage Open Total Colon Resection was indicated, performed and managed with the contribution of units of endoscopy, Intensive Care, Anesthesia, Cardiovascular and Biomecal laboratory as well as Medical Imaging and Nutrition support departments. After managing type II unavoidable complications, the patient was discharged and was reviewed in out-patient in an excellent status of health with quasi normal defecation habits, not pale and well hydrated, of course continuing taking his comorbidity drugs. Conclusion: One step pan-colectomy with site-end one layered extra-mucosal ileo-rectal anastomosis is a safe procedure in extensive colonic surgical disease of a stabilised patient.

Значення дослідження фекального кальпротектину в діагностиці хронічних запальних захворювань кишечника у дітей

Актуальність. Запальні захворювання кишечника є однією з найбільш складних проблем в дитячій гастроентерології, що мають не тільки медичне, але й соціальне значення. Останнім часом велика увага приділяється неінвазивним методам діагностики, серед яких при хронічних запальних захворюваннях кишечника розглядають фекальні маркери запалення. Метою роботи було вивчення діагностичної цінності фекального кальпротектину при хронічних захворюваннях кишечника у дітей. Матеріали та методи. Обстежено 19 пацієнтів від 3 до 17 років з хронічними запальними захворюваннями кишечника в активній фазі (виразковим колітом і хронічним неспецифічним невиразковим колітом). Групу порівняння становили 12 дітей із синдромом подразненого кишечника. Крім стандартних методів обстеження, у хворих вивчали вміст кальпротектину в зразках калу з використанням моноклональних антитіл. Результати. Згідно з даними нашого дослідження, у пацієнтів з хронічними запальними захворюваннями кишечника середній рівень кальпротектину в калі перевищував нормальні показники в 3 рази, причому в усіх обстежених хворих в активній фазі хронічних запальних захворювань кишечника кальпротектин калу був підвищений. Середні значення фекального кальпротектину були вірогідно вище у хворих з виразковим колітом порівняно з пацієнтами з неспецифічним невиразковим колітом. При функціональному захворюванні — синдромі подразненого кишечника — рівні фекального кальпротектину не виходили за межі нормальних значень у жодного з пацієнтів. Висновки. Вивчення фекального кальпротектину при хронічних запальних захворюваннях кишечника у дітей має високу діагностичну цінність як скринінг для виключення органічної природи захворювання и визначення показань для проведення інструментальних методів діагностики. Впровадження неінвазивної методики вивчення кальпротектину в зразках калу дозволить моніторувати перебіг хронічних запальних захворювань кишечника у дітей в динаміці, оцінювати результати терапії, а також скоротити кількість інвазивних методів обстеження.

Features of inflammatory bowel diseases in St. Petersburg and peculiarities of basic therapy in the regional healthcare system: cross-sectional study results

Background. Inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) are serious problem in modern gastroenterology, as these diseases affect the working population, have a progressive chronic course, a high risk of disabling complications and require significant costs for the drug management.Aim. We wanted to assess the inflammatory bowel diseases structure and features of the use of basic drugs in outpatient and inpatient treatment in St. Petersburg, Russia.Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was performed. Data about drug therapy, disease features and demographic from 42 outpatient institutions and from 6 city hospitals for the period 2018–2020 in St. Petersburg was collected. The analysis included data from 617 patients with ulcerative colitis and 455 patients with Crohn’s disease.Results. The median age of patients with ulcerative colitis was 44 years, which was statistically significant more than with Crohn’s disease (39 years). In ulcerative colitis, the left-sided localization of colon lesions (56%) prevailed over total colitis (23%) and proctitis (21%) In Crohn’s disease, the prevalence of ilecocolitis (36%) was approximately equal to the prevalence of colitis (35%), the frequency of terminal ileitis was significantly less (26%), other variants of gastrointestinal lesions were found in 3% cases. In Crohn’s disease compared to ulcerative colitis, the proportion of patients with mild disease was similar (36.6% and 38.2% respectively), but in in Crohn’s disease the frequency of severe disease there was more than three times compared to ulcerative colitis. There has been a significantly higher incidence of surgery in the past for Crohn’s disease compared to ulcerative colitis (14.8% and 2.6%, respectively). The vast majority of patients (more than 80%) received therapy with oral 5-aminosalycilic acid drugs. Topical formulas of 5-aminosalycilic acid drugs in ulcerative colitis were prescribed in about 50% of cases (it was significantly less than commonly used in Crohn’s disease). Corticosteroids were used in the treatment of 16.6% of ulcerative colitis patients and in 24.4% Crohn’s disease patients. In both diseases in the conditions of inpatient treatment, this group of drugs was used several times more often than in outpatient observation. Immunosuppressants (tyopurines, methotrexate) were administered in 6.9% ulcerative colitis patients with and in 17.0% Crohn’s disease patients.Conclusion. Clinical features of inflammatory bowel diseases in St. Petersburg and the features of basic therapy in comparison with the nationwide indicators in Russia demonstrate similar trends. The key problem points of therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases remains the widespread use of drugs of the group of 5-aminosalycilic acid in Crohn’s disease, insufficient use of rectal forms of 5-aminosalycilic acid in ulcerative colitis, a relatively small frequency of use of immunosupressors to maintain remission in Crohn’s disease. The solution to the problem of optimizing the therapy of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases within the framework of routine practice includes educational activities, as well as the creation of a regional register of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases in St. Petersburg.

IBD-like gastrointestinal disorders in children

Traditionally, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). At the same time, there are a number of lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, which can proceed for a long time under the guise of IBD, masking the true cause of the disease. This leads to late diagnosis and, quite often, fatal consequences. These diseases include autoimmune enteropathy (AIE). It is a fairly rare disease characterized by severe diarrhea and immune- mediated damage to the intestinal mucosa.The aim is to describe the criteria of diagnosis, etiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinic and treatment of AIE in children based on an analysis of modern literature.Results. Diagnostic criteria for AIE include chronic diarrhea (lasting more than 6 weeks), malabsorption syndrome, specific histological findings from small bowel biopsy with the exclusion of other causes of villous atrophy. An additional criterion is the presence of antibodies against enterocytes or goblet cells. There are: (1) AIEs associated with syndromes such as IPEX and APECED; (2) an isolated form of GI AIE with antibodies against enterocytes without diseases of the digestive system; and (3) any form of AIE in girls associated with any other autoimmune phenomena. To date, at least five subtypes of AIE are known: Primary AIE (pediatric); Syndromic AIE (pediatric); Primary (sporadic) EIA of adults; Secondary (iatrogenic) AIE of adults; Paraneoplastic AIE. Patients with AIE may have associated autoimmune diseases, including diabetes mellitus, autoimmune hepatitis, alopecia, hypothyroidism, and interstitial nephritis. AIE. is a complex disease and potentially life-threatening, the mortality rate reaches 30% in pediatric practice. The prognosis depends on the age of onset of the disease, the severity of symptoms and the degree of histological damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Along with nutritional support, immunosuppressive therapy, the use of therapy based on modern knowledge in the field of molecular biology can help control the disease.

A case of pneumoperitoneum after diagnostic colonoscopy for ulcerative colitis managed conservatively: a rare but possible complication

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease characterized by recurring episodes of inflammation of the colonic mucosae. Patients with ulcerative colitis are at an increased risk of perforations due to friability of colonic mucosa. Colonoscopy is usually regarded as a safe procedure, but complications may occur. Perforations associated with colonoscopy are dreaded complications. Most patients with pneumoperitoneum require surgical intervention, with associated major postoperative morbidity and mortality. This case report describes a 30 year old female presenting with an extensive pneumoperitoneum 2 days after colonoscopy done for her complaint of melena for one week. Colonoscopy was suggestive of severe active colitis in background of chronic ulcerative colitis. Histopathological reports s/o inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis likely. CT Abdomen was s/o diffuse concentric thickening of the large bowel more predominantly seen in rectosigmoid colon, ascending colon, caecum, IC junction and consistent with inflammatory bowel disease and moderate pneumoperitoneum noted. The patient remained stable despite intraperitoneal free air. Patient was managed conservatively and no surgical intervention needed.

Clinical experiences and predictors of success of treatment with vedolizumab in IBD patients: a cohort study

BackgroundVedolizumab has become a standard treatment for the inflammatory bowel diseases ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). However, there is an ongoing debate on the ideal individual treatment algorithms and means to predict treatment response are not routinely established.AimsWe aimed to describe our experiences with vedolizumab at a large German tertiary referral center and to identify clinical predictors of success of vedolizumab treatment.MethodsWe performed a retrospective single-center cohort study employing univariable and multivariable analyses as well as Kaplan–Meier analyses of persistence on treatment.Results36% and 35% of the patients with UC and CD, respectively, reached clinical remission after 17 weeks. Patients with lower clinical disease activity were more likely to achieve remission. The median persistence on treatment was 33 months for UC and 29 months for CD.ConclusionOur study confirms that vedolizumab is an efficient option for the treatment of UC and CD. Clinical parameters of disease activity may help to predict the success of treatment.

Cognitive dysfunction in ulcerative colitis patients in remission and its comparison with patients with irritable bowel syndrome and healthy controls.

There is a paucity of research concerning cognitive impairments in Inflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis (IBD-UC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Studies on cognitive dysfunction in patients with IBD-UC have either been small or have shown conflicting results. This study is conducted to examine the evidence of cognitive dysfunction in IBD-UC patients in remission and compare the evident cognitive deficit with IBS patients and healthy controls. This single-centre cross-sectional observational study enrolled a total of 90 participants, 29 in ulcerative colitis (UC) in remission group, 31 in IBS group and 30 in healthy control group. Assessment of cognition with the help of cognitive function tests mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test and p300 was performed in all participants. A statistically significant number of the participants in IBD-UC in remission group had MMSE and MoCA score below the lower limit of normal, in comparison to the healthy control and IBS groups. The mean peak latency of the p300 wave was statistically significantly increased in people in the IBD-UC group, in comparison to the healthy control and IBS groups. Patients with IBD-UC in remission show impairments in cognitive functioning compared to the IBS and healthy control groups as assessed on cognitive function testing on MMSE, MoCA and mean peak latency of the p300 wave. This impairment in cognitive function isunlikely to be due to premorbid levels of intellectual functioning and is likely to have impact on health-related quality of life.

Herpesvirus and inflammatory bowel disease

Aim. Conduct a review of studies characterizing the role of herpesvirus infections in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Introduction. The study of the role of herpes virus infections in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is currently of considerable interest to researchers from different countries.Result. The results of studies on the significance of human herpes viruses (HHV) in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), their effect on the course of these diseases, and refractory treatment of UC and CD in the presence of HHV are presented.It is shown that most researchers unanimously conclude that the main attention should be paid to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human herpes simplex virus type 6 (HHV-6), which are found in the mucous membrane of the colon in patients with IBD and affect both the course of the disease and the effectiveness of the treatment. Attention is focused on the fact that it is necessary to differentiate colitis due to HHV and IBD, proceeding against the background of HHV reactivation, since approaches to the treatment of these conditions are different.Conclusion. Requires targeted research on the role of human herpes viruses in the pathogenesis of IBD.

The serotonin reuptake transporter is reduced in the epithelium of active Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Serotonin is a highly conserved and ubiquitous signaling molecule involved in a vast variety of biological processes. A majority of serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal epithelium, where it is suggested to act as a prominent regulatory molecule in the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Extracellular and circulating serotonin levels are thought to be elevated during intestinal inflammation, but the underlying mechanisms have been poorly understood. The data on human material are limited, contradictory, and in need of further investigation and substantiating. In this study, we show a potent and significant downregulation of the dominant serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) mRNA (SLC6A4) in the epithelium from active CD ileitis, CD colitis, and UC colitis, compared with healthy controls. The mRNA of tryptophan hydroxylase 1, the rate-limiting enzyme in serotonin synthesis, was unregulated. Immunohistochemistry showed expression of the SERT protein in both the epithelium and the lamina propria and localized the downregulation to the epithelial monolayer. Laser capture microdissection followed by RNA sequencing confirmed downregulation of SLC6A4 in the epithelial monolayer during intestinal inflammation. Patient-derived colon epithelial cell lines (colonoids) incubated with the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) reduced SERT expression. In summary, these results show that intestinal inflammation potently reduces the expression of SERT in both CD and UC and that TNF-α alone is sufficient to induce a similar reduction in colonoids. The reduced serotonin reuptake capacity may contribute to the increased interstitial serotonin level associated with intestinal inflammation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The serotonin reuptake transporter is potently reduced in inflamed areas of Crohn's ileitis, Crohn's colitis, and ulcerative colitis. The changes are localized to the intestinal epithelium and can be induced by TNF-α. The serotonin synthesis through tryptophan hydroxylase 1 is unchanged. This regulation is suggested as a mechanism underlying the increased extracellular serotonin levels associated with intestinal inflammation.

Is Psoriasis Treatment a Risk Factor for Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory bowel diseases—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—are linked with several environmental and genetic risk factors. There are also known drugs able to induce de novo disease or to exacerbate its course. Several autoimmune disorders are more frequent in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, including psoriasis. The aim of the presented review was to summarise current knowledge on the links between psoriasis therapy and inflammatory bowel diseases. The interleukin-17 inhibitors (secukinumab, brodalumab and ixekizumab) and tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (etanercept), have the potential to induce ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease de novo or exacerbate existing but silent diseases. There is no evidence that other biologic agents used in psoriasis are lined with such risk. The biologic drugs for psoriasis differ in their potential to induce or worsen inflammatory bowel diseases. Currently, there are no recommendations in European guidelines to screen patients with psoriasis for inflammatory bowel diseases. However, based on available evidence, inflammatory bowel diseases should not be forgotten on in-depth diagnostics in patients with psoriasis.

Clinical Features of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease) in Geriatric Practice in St. Petersburg

Clinical Features of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease) in Geriatric Practice in St. Petersburg

Инфекция, вызванная Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile. Обзор актуальных клинических рекомендаций

Clostridioides difficile (CDI) infection is a disease associated with a disruption of the gut microbiome with over-colonization of C. difficile, the toxins of which cause inflammation and damage to the colon. A dynamic assessment of the CDI prevalence indicates a significant increase in laboratory-confirmed cases of infection and a high mortality associated with it. C. difficile is recognized as the main causative agent of nosocomial infections in Europe, USA, Canada and Australia, which develops 48 hours after hospitalization in a medical facility and within 12 weeks after discharge. The severity of CDI is determined by the severity of infectious-toxic, diarrheal and abdominal syndromes. Severe CDI is characterized by manifestations of colitis, accompanied by severe leukocytosis, a decrease in albumin levels and an increase in serum creatinine levels. Development of fulminant forms, pseudomembranous colitis, toxic megacolon, intestinal perforation, sepsis is possible. The risk factors include in-hospital stay; recent use of antibiotics (within the previous 12 weeks, especially the use of fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins of III–IV generations, carbapenems and clindamycin), PPI and H2-histamine blockers; presence of inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease), immunodeficiency states, including iatrogenic; recent endoscopic examinations, surgical interventions on the gastrointestinal tract, tube feeding, enemas; possible contact with a family member who recently had a C..difficile infection. The «gold standard» for confirming the CDI diagnosis is the identification of the causative agent and/or toxins of C. difficile in the stool using specific laboratory research methods. Vancomycin or metronidazole are recommended as first-line therapy.

Histopathology of inflammatory bowel disease — Position statement of the Pathologists of the Italian Group for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IG-IBD) and Italian Group of Gastrointestinal Pathologists (GIPAD-SIAPEC)

Diagnosis of the inflammatory bowel diseases ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) relies mainly on the histopathological examination of endoscopic biopsies of the gastrointestinal tract. To facilitate the accurate diagnosis of these two conditions, this paper addresses key issues on the: (A) gastrointestinal biopsy procedure, (B) histomorphological characteristics of UC and CD, and (C) diagnosis of dysplasia. The 13 statements presented here represent the consensus of two groups of Italian pathologists (IG-IBD and GIPAD).

Proposal for an Organ-Specific Chronic Inflammation–Remodeling–Carcinoma Sequence

An organ-specific chronic inflammation–remodeling–carcinoma sequence has been proposed, mainly for the alimentary tract. As representative diseases, gastroesophageal reflux disease, chronic gastritis and inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease of the colitis type) were adopted for this discussion. Tissue remodeling is such an important part of tumorigenesis in this sequence that an organ-specific chronic inflammation–remodeling–carcinoma sequence has been proposed in detail. Chronic inflammation accelerates the cycle of tissue injury and regeneration; in other words, cell necrosis (or apoptosis) and proliferation result in tissue remodeling in long-standing cases of inflammation. Remodeling encompasses epithelial cell metaplasia and stromal fibrosis, and modifies epithelial–stromal cell interactions. Further, the accumulation of genetic, epigenetic and molecular changes—as well as morphologic disorganization—also occurs during tissue remodeling. The expression of mucosal tissue adapted to chronic inflammatory injury is thought to occur at an early stage. Subsequently, dysplasia and carcinoma develop on a background of remodeling due to continuous, active inflammation. Accordingly, organ-specific chronic inflammation should be ameliorated or well controlled with appropriate monitoring if complete healing is unachievable.