Circumferential Stenosis of the Second Part of the Duodenum Caused by Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis

Isolated eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) of the second part of the duodenum is rare. We herein report a case of EGE limited to the second part of the duodenum that caused circumferential stenosis due to massive wall thickening. A boring biopsy was useful to verify the accumulation of eosinophils. Induction of remission by prednisolone was accompanied by a marked reduction in the mRNA expression of interleukin-6, C-C motif chemokine ligand 17 (CCL17), and CCL26 without any reduction in prototypical EGE-associated T helper type 2 cytokines (IL-5, IL-13). Thus, the enhanced expression of IL-6, CCL17, and CCL26 might be involved in the development of EGE in this case.

Analyses of cytokine gene expression and fecal microbiota in a patient with Cronkhite-Canada syndrome successfully treated with prednisolone

Although prednisolone treatment is effective in Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS), its mechanisms of action are poorly understood. We performed analyses of cytokine expression and fecal microbiota in a patient with the concurrent occurrence of CCS and rectal cancer, in whom regression of polyposis was achieved by prednisolone. Regression of CCS polyps was accompanied by downregulation of proinflammatory cytokine expression and alterations in microbiota composition; a decrease in Bacteroides fragilis and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius with the promotion of inflammation. We could not completely exclude the possibility that alterations in fecal microbiota composition might be influenced by the presence of advanced cancer. However, this case suggests that the administration of PSL might lead to the regression of CCS polyps through alterations in gut microbiota composition and suppression of proinflammatory cytokine responses.

Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Serratus Anterior in a Patient Treated With Infliximab and Prednisolone for Ulcerative Colitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressive bacterial infection with high mortality. Invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection is the leading cause of NF. Our understanding regarding clinicopathological features and pathogenesis of invasive GAS infection is expanding as the incidence of NF in healthy individuals increases. However, clinicopathological features of NF in the presence of autoimmune diseases have been poorly defined. We experienced NF in a patient treated with infliximab and prednisolone for ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Herein, we present time kinetics findings of clinical symptoms and laboratory data of GAS-associated NF in the presence of immunosuppressant-treated immune disorders.

Crosstalk between NOD2 and TLR2 suppresses the development of TLR2-mediated experimental colitis

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) is an intracellular sensor for muramyl dipeptide (MDP), a degradation product of bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan (PGN). PGN stimulates cell-surface Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) independently of NOD2, indicating the presence of crosstalk between extracellular TLR2 and intracellular NOD2 upon exposure to PGN. NOD2-deficient mice were sensitive, while TLR2-deficient mice were resistant to experimental colitis induced by intrarectal administration of PGN. Severe colitis in NOD2-deficient mice was accompanied by increased expression of nuclear factor-kappa B-dependent cytokines and decreased expression of autophagy-related 16-like 1 (ATG16L1). MDP activation of NOD2 enhanced autophagy mediated by TLR2 in human dendritic cells. mRNA expression of TLR2 tended to be higher in the colonic mucosa of patients with active ulcerative colitis compared to that of those in remission. Induction of remission was associated with increased mRNA expression of ATG16L1 in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients. Conversely, mRNA expression of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 2 was higher in the inflammatory colonic mucosa of patients with active disease than in the non-inflamed mucosa of patients in remission, in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These findings highlight the role of NOD2-TLR2 crosstalk in the immunopathogenesis of colitis.

Cytokine and chemokine profiles in ulcerative colitis relapse after coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are highly effective; however, vaccine-related adverse events, including autoimmunity, have been reported. Case reports describing relapse or new-onset of ulcerative colitis (UC) after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination are available. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of colonic inflammation associated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccination are poorly understood. Furthermore, it is unclear whether the relapse of UC after COVID-19 vaccination is driven by unique cytokine responses that differ from those of UC not associated with vaccination. mRNAs derived from COVID-19 vaccines are potent inducers of type I IFN response. We encountered three cases of UC relapse after COVID-19 vaccination. mRNA expressions of IFN-α, IFN-β, IL-1β, and IL-12/23p40 showed higher tendency in the colonic mucosa of patients with UC associated with vaccination compared with those not associated with vaccination. In contrast, the expressions of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9) and CXCL10 were comparable. Immunofluorescence analyses also showed higher expression of IFN-α in the colonic mucosa of patients with UC associated with COVID-19 vaccination than in those not associated with vaccination. Taken together, these data suggest that the colonic mucosa of patients with UC who relapsed after COVID-19 vaccination was characterized by enhanced type I IFN responses.

Visualization of Gastrointestinal Bezoar Movement Causing and Releasing Small Bowel Obstruction on Computed Tomography in a Patient With Diabetes Mellitus

Although delayed gastric emptying promotes gastrointestinal bezoar formation in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), the association between movement of gastrointestinal bezoars and glycemic status remains unclear. We report a case of small bowel obstruction (SBO) caused by impaction of the migrated gastric bezoar into the small bowel in a patient with DM. Correction of hyperglycemia and lactic acidosis led to normalization of gastrointestinal motility, followed by expulsion of the impacted bezoar and resolution of SBO. This case suggests a link between hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and gastrointestinal motility based on visualization of gastrointestinal bezoar movement in the gastrointestinal tract using computed tomography.

Activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 by muramyl dipeptide negatively regulates Toll-like receptor 9-mediated colonic inflammation through the induction of deubiquitinating enzyme A expression

Mutations in nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) are associated with Crohn's disease (CD). Although NOD2 activation contributes to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis through the negative regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine responses mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLRs), the effects of NOD2 activation on interferon (IFN)-α responses induced by TLR9 have been poorly defined. To explore the cross-talk between NOD2 and TLR9, human monocytes or dendritic cells (DCs) were stimulated with NOD2 and/or TLR9 ligands to measure IFN-α production. The severity of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis was compared in mice treated with NOD2 and/or TLR9 ligands. Expression of IFN-α and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) was examined in the colonic mucosa of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). NOD2 activation reduced TLR9-induced IFN-α production by monocytes and DCs in a deubiquitinating enzyme A (DUBA)-dependent manner. Activation of DUBA induced by the co-stimulation of TLR9 and NOD2 inhibited Lys63-linked polyubiquitination of TRAF3 and suppressed TLR9-mediated IFN-α production. NOD2 activation in hematopoietic cells protected mice from TLR9-induced exacerbation of DSS-induced colitis by down-regulating IFN-α responses and up-regulating DUBA expression. Colonic mucosa of patients with active and remitted IBD phases was characterized by the enhanced and reduced expression of ISGs, respectively. Expression levels of IFN-α and IL-6 positively correlated in the active colonic mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis and CD, whereas DUBA expression inversely correlated with that of IFN-α in patients with CD. Collectively, these data suggest that DUBA-dependent negative effect of NOD2 on TLR9-mediated IFN-α responses contributes to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis.

Successful initial tofacitinib treatment for acute severe ulcerative colitis with steroid resistance: a case series

Background

The standard therapy for acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is intravenous corticosteroids; however, 30% of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients do not recover with corticosteroids alone. Few studies have reported the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib for ASUC with steroid resistance. We report a case series of successful first-line treatment consisting of tofacitinib (20 mg/day) administered to ASUC patients with steroid resistance.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with ASUC at our institution between October 2018 and February 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. They were administered a high dose of tofacitinib (20 mg) after showing no response to steroid therapy in a dose of 1-1.5 mg/kg/day.

Results

Eight patients with ASUC, 4 (50%) men, median age 47.1 (range 19-65) years, were included. Four patients were newly diagnosed, and the median UC duration was 4 (range 0-20) years. Six of the 8 patients were able to avoid colectomy. One patient (patient 2) had no response; however, remission was achieved after switching from tofacitinib to infliximab. One patient (patient 6) with no response to tofacitinib underwent total colectomy. Only one patient (patient 4) experienced an adverse event, local herpes zoster, treated with acyclovir without tofacitinib discontinuation.

Conclusions

Clinical remission without serious adverse events can be achieved with high probability and colectomy can be avoided by first administering high-dose tofacitinib to steroid-resistant ASUC patients. Tofacitinib may be one of the first-line treatment options for steroid-resistant ASUC.

Expression levels of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins and colitogenic cytokines are inversely correlated with the activation of interferon regulatory factor 4

Cellular inhibitors of apoptosis proteins 1 (cIAP1) and 2 (cIAP2) are involved in signaling pathways mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Excessive activation of TLRs and TNF-α underlies the immunopathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the roles played by cIAP1 and cIAP2 in the development of CD and UC remain poorly understood. In this study, we attempted to clarify the molecular link between cIAP1/cIAP2 and colonic inflammation. Human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) treated with siRNAs specific for cIAP1 or cIAP2 exhibited reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine responses upon stimulation with TLR ligands. Expression of cIAP1 and cIAP2 in human DCs was suppressed in the presence of interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4). This effect was associated with inhibition of cIAP1 and cIAP2 polyubiquitination. To verify these in vitro findings, we created mice overexpressing IRF4 in DCs and showed that these mice were resistant to trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis as compared with wild-type mice; these effects were accompanied by reduced expression levels of cIAP1 and cIAP2. Pro-inflammatory cytokine production by mesenteric lymph node cells upon stimulation with TLR ligands was reduced in mice with DC-specific IRF4 overexpression as compared with that in wild-type mice. Finally, in clinical samples of the colonic mucosa from patients with CD, there was a negative relationship between the percentage of IRF4+ DCs and percentages of cIAP1+ or cIAP2+ lamina propria mononuclear cells. These data suggest that the colitogenic roles of cIAP1 and cIAP2 are negatively regulated by IRF4.

Castor oil as booster for colon capsule endoscopy preparation reduction: A prospective pilot study and patient questionnaire

BACKGROUND

Preparation for colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) requires a large liquid laxative volume for capsule excretion, which compromises the procedure's tolerability.

AIM

To assess the safety and utility of castor oil-boosted bowel preparation.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study including 20 patients (age range, 16-80 years; six men and 14 women) suspected of having colorectal disease was conducted at Kindai University Hospital from September 2017 to August 2019. All patients underwent CCE because of the following inclusion criteria: previous incomplete colonoscopy in other facility (n = 20), history of abdominal surgery (n = 7), or organ abnormalities such as multiple diverticulum (n = 4) and adhesion after surgery (n = 6). The exclusion criteria were as follows: Dysphagia, history of allergic reactions to the drugs used in this study (magnesium citrate, polyethylene glycol, metoclopramide, and castor oil), possibility of pregnancy, possibility of bowel obstruction or stenosis based on symptoms, or scheduled magnetic resonance imaging within 2 wk after CCE. The primary outcome was the capsule excretion rate within the battery life, as evaluated by the total large bowel observation rate, large bowel transit time, and bowel creasing level using a five-grade scale in different colorectal segments. The secondary outcomes were complications, colorectal lesion detection rates, and patients’ tolerability.

RESULTS

The castor oil-based regimen was implemented in 17 patients. Three patients cancelled CCE because they could tolerate castor oil, but not liquid laxatives. The capsule excretion rate within the battery life was 88% (15/17). The mean large bowel transit time was 236 min. Approximately 70% of patients had satisfactory colon cleansing levels. CCE detected colon polyps (14/17, 82%) and colonic diverticulum (4/12, 33%). The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy rates for detecting colorectal polyps (size ≥ 6 mm) were 76.9%, 75.0%, and 76.4%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy rates for detection of diverticulum were 100% each. Twelve patients (71%) rated CCE as more than “good”, confirming the new regimen’s tolerability. No serious adverse events occurred during this study.

CONCLUSION

The castor oil-based regimen could reduce bowel preparation dose and improve CCE tolerability.

Case Report: A Case of Intestinal Behçet's Disease Exhibiting Enhanced Expression of IL-6 and Forkhead Box P3 mRNA After Treatment With Infliximab

Behçet's disease (BD) is a rare inflammatory condition characterized by oral and genital ulcers, skin lesions, as well as ophthalmological, neurological, and gastrointestinal manifestations. BD involving the gastrointestinal tract is known as intestinal BD. The mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract of patients with intestinal BD exhibits enhanced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. These proinflammatory cytokines play pathogenic roles in the development of BD, as evidenced by the fact that biologics targeting these cytokines effectively induce BD remission. It should be noted, however, that the molecular mechanisms by which the blockade of these cytokines suppresses chronic inflammatory responses in BD are poorly understood. Herein, we report a case of intestinal BD resistant to prednisolone that was successfully treated with infliximab (IFX). The induction of remission by IFX was accompanied by a marked elevation of IL-6 and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) at mRNA level. This case suggests that induction of remission by IFX is mediated not only by the suppression of TNF-α-mediated signaling pathways, but also by the promotion of IL-6 expression and accumulation of regulatory T cells expressing FOXP3.

Possible involvement of autophagy in esophageal ulcers in anorexia nervosa

Although patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) present with various gastrointestinal disorders, little has been understood regarding the incidence and pathophysiology of gastrointestinal ulcers related to AN. A 20-year-old woman with a past history of AN was hospitalized for further examination of dysphagia and chest pain. Her nutritional status was very poor as evidenced by very low body mass index. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy detected longitudinal and geographical ulcers in the entire circumference of the cervical and upper esophagus. Enhanced expression of autophagy-related proteins, LC3B and p62, was seen in the esophageal epithelium surrounding the active ulcers. Expression of these autophagy markers disappeared from the esophageal epithelium soon after the nutritional rehabilitation. Given the fact that starvation and malnutrition are potent inducers for autophagy, these findings suggest that autophagy might be involved in the development of gastrointestinal ulcers in patients with AN.

Cellulose nanofiber dispersion as a new submucosal injection material for endoscopic treatment: preliminary experimental study

Background and aims  Although various solutions have been tested for submucosal injections during endoscopic treatment, the ideal solution has not been established. We investigated the suitability of a cellulose nanofiber (CNF) dispersion with high viscosity and thixotropy as a potential submucosal injection material for endoscopic treatment. Methods  We evaluated the catheter injectability and mucosa-elevating capacity of CNF dispersion compared with sodium hyaluronate (SH) solution, which has been reported to be a promising submucosal injection solution. The catheter injectability of CNF dispersion was examined under conditions equivalent to those used clinically in endoscopic treatment. The mucosa-elevating capacity of CNF dispersion was examined in porcine stomachs. Results  There was no significant difference between the catheter injectability of 0.4 % CNF dispersion and 0.4 % SH solutions; however, 0.4 % CNF dispersion maintained significantly higher and longer elevation of the submucosal layer than 0.4 % SH solution. A clear separation of the mucosal layer from the underlying muscle layer was achieved by injecting 0.4 % CNF dispersion. Conclusion  This preliminary study suggests that CNF dispersion could be an ideal submucosal injection material for endoscopic treatment because of its unique high thixotropy index.

Study of correlation between plasma parameter and beam optics

Simultaneous measurement of negative ion source plasma and extracted beam is carried out in order to clarify a key plasma parameter governing the meniscus formation in negative ion sources for fusion. The plasma discharge is performed with various discharge powers at different bias voltages in order to vary the plasma parameters. It is shown that the beam width changes along the same curve with respect to the negative ion density at any bias voltage while it varies along different curves with other plasma parameters depending on the bias voltage. This implies that the mechanism of meniscus formation in negative ion sources could be described along the similar manner as positive ion sources.

Spatial distribution of negative ion density near the plasma grid

Density distributions of negative hydrogen (H^-) ions and negative deuterium (D^-) ions were measured with the laser photodetachment method in the extraction region of the negative ion source. The distribution of H^- ion density peaks at the center of the ion source, while that of the D^- ion shows a flatter profile in the direction parallel to the plasma grid. The positive ion densities of hydrogen and deuterium estimated from the positive saturation current indicate similar profiles with different amounts close to the grid. The difference in the H^- ion and D^- ion distributions can be explained by the difference in the negative ion yield and the survival probability of the ions due to the isotope effect.

Extension of high power deuterium operation of negative ion based neutral beam injector in the large helical device

Second deuterium operation of the negative ion based neutral beam injector was performed in 2018 in the large helical device. The electron and ion current ratio improves to I_e/I_acc(D) = 0.31 using the short extraction gap distance of 7 mm between the plasma grid (PG) and the extraction grid (EG). The strength of the magnetic field by the electron deflection magnet installed in the EG increases by 17% at the PG ingress surface, which effectively reduces the electron component in the negative ion rich plasma in the vicinity of PG apertures. The reduction of the electron current made it possible to operate at a high power arc discharge and beam extraction. Then, the deuterium negative ion current increases to 55.4 A with the averaged current density of 233 A/m². The thermal load on the EG using 7 mm gap distance is 0.6 times smaller than the thermal load using a 8 mm gap caused by the reduction of coextracted electron current. The injection beam power increases to 2.9 MW in the beam line BL3, and the total beam injection power increases to 7 MW by three beam lines in the second deuterium campaign.

A new mouse model with cochleo-saccular type inner ear defects

We found a new inner ear mutant exhibiting abnormal behavior, such as circling and head shaking, in a breeding stock of SJL/J mice. The traits are inherited in a simple autosomal-recessive fashion. Animals homozygous for the responsible gene, designated cosa, show no startle response to sounds and an inability to swim. In the inner ears of cosa/cosa homozygous, but not +/cosa heterozygous adults, histopathological features of severe damage that are typical for 'cochleo-saccular' or 'spotting' mutants have been demonstrated. We suggest here that the abnormal mice carry a mutation of a gene that is developmentally switched on in the early stages of development and is involved in endolymph homeostasis.