Threaded biliary inside stents are a safe and effective therapeutic option in cases of malignant hilar obstruction

BACKGROUND

Although endoscopic biliary stents have been accepted as part of palliative therapy for cases of malignant hilar obstruction, the optimal endoscopic management regime remains controversial. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of placing a threaded stent above the sphincter of Oddi (threaded inside plastic stents, threaded PS) and compared the results with those of other stent types.

METHODS

Patients with malignant hilar obstruction, including those requiring biliary drainage for stent occlusion, were selected. Patients received either one of the following endoscopic indwelling stents: threaded PS, conventional plastic stents (conventional PS), or metallic stents (MS). Duration of stent patency and the incident of complication were compared in these patients.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients underwent placement of endoscopic indwelling stents (threaded PS = 12, conventional PS = 17, MS = 13). The median duration of threaded PS patency was significantly longer than that of conventional PS patency (142 vs. 32 days; P = 0.04, logrank test). The median duration of threaded PS and MS patency was not significantly different (142 vs. 150 days, P = 0.83). Stent migration did not occur in any group. Among patients who underwent threaded PS placement as a salvage therapy after MS obstruction due to tumor ingrowth, the median duration of MS patency was significantly shorter than that of threaded PS patency (123 vs. 240 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Threaded PS are safe and effective in cases of malignant hilar obstruction; moreover, it is a suitable therapeutic option not only for initial drainage but also for salvage therapy.

[A case report: feasible treatment of adalimumab for Crohn disease during pregnancy]

A 33-year-old woman with Crohn disease complained of diarrhea and hematochezia from the fifth week of her third pregnancy and was hospitalized. Because her CDAI indicated 307.1 points and colonoscopy showed multiple longitudinal ulcers in the distal colon, adalimumab therapy was initiated. The CDAI had decreased to 160.0 points and the colonic ulcers improved by 22 days after beginning the administration of adalimumab. Although adalimumab therapy was continued every 2 weeks during the third trimester, fetus growth was not affected and the woman delivered a healthy child. Adalimumab should be considered as one treatment for Crohn disease during pregnancy.

Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the gut microbiota profiles of pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND/AIM

We analyzed the fecal microbiota profiles of pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

METHOD

Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was performed in 10 fecal samples from Crohn's disease (CD), 14 samples from ulcerative colitis (UC) and 27 samples from healthy individuals. The bacterial diversity was evaluated by the Shannon diversity index.

RESULT

In CD patients, a setting of similarity generated three major clusters. The majority of CD patients were classified into CD clusters I and II (9 out of 10), but the majority of healthy individuals (21 of 27) were classified into CD cluster III. In UC patients, a setting of similarity also generated three major UC clusters, but each cluster was not characteristic for UC patients or healthy individuals. The changes in simulated bacterial composition indicated that the class Clostridia, including the genus Faecalibacterium, was significantly decreased in CD patients as compared to UC patients and/or healthy individuals. The genus Bacteroides was also decreased as compared to healthy individuals. The bacterial diversity measured by the Shannon diversity index was significantly reduced in CD patients as compared to healthy individuals.

CONCLUSION

The gut microbiota profile of pediatric CD patients was different from that of healthy children.

Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging in the differential diagnosis of gastric adenoma and carcinoma and identification of a simple indicator

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Discrimination of gastric adenomas from adenocarcinomas by conventional endoscopy is difficult. Therefore, we evaluated the usefulness of magnifying endoscopy combined with narrow-band imaging for this differential diagnosis.

METHODS

Forty-nine consecutive gastric lesions were diagnosed as adenomas by conventional endoscopy with forceps biopsy and finally resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection. The findings from magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging were retrospectively classified into five types according to the marginal crypt epithelium and microvascular pattern: Types I and II (clear marginal crypt epithelium combined with regular or unclear microvascular pattern) and Types III, IV, and V (unclear marginal crypt epithelium combined with regular, irregular, or unclear microvascular pattern).

RESULTS

Conventional endoscopy showed 39 flat elevated-type lesions (0-IIa) and 10 flat elevated-type lesions with depression (0-IIa+IIc). The patterns on magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging were Type I (n = 8), Type II (n = 8), Type III (n = 2), Type IV (n = 30), and Type V (n = 1). The final histological diagnoses after endoscopic submucosal dissection were adenoma (n = 20), adenocarcinoma in adenoma (n = 22), and adenocarcinoma (n = 7). The cancer-bearing rates were Type I (0%), Type II (0%), Type III (100%), Type IV (89.7%), and Type V (100%). Among the expert endoscopists, intra- and interobserver κ values for each type were 0.85 each, with 92.0% and 88.0% consensus of diagnoses, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging is a powerful tool for diagnosing gastric borderline lesions.

Multicenter analysis of fecal microbiota profiles in Japanese patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

We analyzed the fecal microbiota profiles of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) at 4 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) centers located in different districts in Japan.

METHODS

Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis was performed in 161 fecal samples from CD patients and 121 samples from healthy individuals. The bacterial diversity was evaluated by the Shannon diversity index (SDI).

RESULTS

There were no regional differences in the fecal microbiota profiles of the healthy individuals in Japan. A setting of similarity generated three major clusters of T-RFs: one included almost all the healthy individuals (118/121), and the other two clusters were mainly formed by CD patients at different stages of disease activity. The changes in simulated bacterial composition indicated that the class Clostridia, including the genus Faecalibacterium, was significantly decreased in CD patients with active disease and those in remission as compared with findings in the healthy individuals. In contrast, the genus Bacteroides was significantly increased in CD patients during the active phase as compared with findings in the healthy individuals. The genus Bifidobacterium was significantly decreased during the active phase of CD and increased to healthy levels during the remission phase. The bacterial diversity measured by the SDI was significantly reduced in CD patients during the active and remission phases as compared with findings in the healthy individuals. From the clinical data and T-RFLP analysis, we developed a logistic model to predict disease activity based on the fecal microbiota composition.

CONCLUSION

Dysbiosis in CD patients was shown by a multi-IBD center study. The feasibility of using the fecal microbiota profile as a predictive marker for disease activity is proposed.

Neutralization of complement component C5 ameliorates the development of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-colitis in mice

The complement system is a potent effector of innate immunity. To elucidate the pathophysiological role of the complement system in inflammatory bowel disease, we evaluated the effects of anti-C5 antibodies on the development of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice. Dextran sulfate sodium-colitis was induced in BALB/c mice with intraperitoneal administrations of anti-C5 antibodies (1 mg/body [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED]) every 48 h. Tissue samples were evaluated by standard histological procedures. The mucosal mRNA expression of the inflammatory cytokines was analyzed by real-time PCR. Body weight loss in the mice was completely blocked by the administration of anti-C5 antibody. The disease activity index was significantly lower in the anti-C5 antibody-treated mice than the dextran sulfate sodium mice. The colonic weight/length ratio, histological colitis score and mucosal myeloperoxidase activity were significantly lower in the anti-C5 antibody-treated mice than the dextran sodium sulfate mice. The administration of the anti-C5 antibody significantly reduced the mucosal expression of mRNAs for tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6. In conclusion, the complement system plays a role in the development of dextran sodium sulfate-induced experimental colitis.

Polymorphisms of the Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 gene in a Japanese population

The Niemann-Pick C1 like 1 (NPC1L1) protein is a polytopic transmembrane protein responsible for dietary cholesterol absorption. Genetic variation in the NPC1L1 gene affects cholesterol absorption and serum cholesterol levels. However, NCP1L1 genotypes have not previously been invesigated. In this study, genotyping of the NPC1L1 gene was examined in healthy individuals as well as patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A total of 541 individuals were enrolled in the study, including 80 patients with HCV hepatitis, 205 with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 127 with Crohn's disease (CD). Genotyping was performed using TaqMan^® SNP assays. Minor allelic frequencies of the 17345C>G (rs2072183) and 19031G>A (rs4720470) SNPs were found to be 0.40 and 0.30, respectively. No significant differences were detected in serum HCV levels in the 1735C>G or 19031G>A SNPs. The 1735C>G SNPs were not associated with total cholesterol (TC) levels in the healthy controls and/or HCV patients. However, statistically significant associations between the 1735GG variant and TC levels were detected in CD patients, with 1735GG carriers having the highest TC levels compared to the 1735CC and 1735CG carriers (P=0.048). Similar trends were noted in UC patients, but did not reach statistical significance (P= 0.19). The 19031G>A SNPs were not associated with TC levels in the healthy controls or patients. This study showed the allelic and genotypic distribution of 1735C>G and 19031G>ASNPs of the NPC1L1 gene in a large number of subjects. The NPC1L1 1735GG variant may therefore be favorable for CD accompanied with malnutrition.

Increased number of FoxP3+CD4+ regulatory T cells in inflammatory bowel disease

FoxP3 is a member of the forkhead/winged helix family of transcription factors and plays a critical role in the development and function of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). In this study, we performed an immunohistochemical evaluation of FoxP3-expressing cells in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mucosa. Mucosal FoxP3 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in samples from normal (n=30), ulcerative colitis (UC) (n=53) and Crohn's disease (CD) (n=24) mucosa. There were no FoxP3-immunopositive cells in the normal colonic mucosa. In contrast, FoxP3-immunopositive cells were significantly increased in the inflamed regions of patients with active UC and CD. FoxP3-immunopositive cells completely coincided with some of the CD4-positive T cells. In conclusion, FoxP3-immunopositive Tregs were expanded in the inflamed mucosa of IBD patients. This suggests that these cells have impaired regulatory functions in the IBD mucosa.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection combined with the placement of biodegradable stents for recurrent esophageal cancer after chemoradiotherapy

We report a case of a patient with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who presented with obstruction of the esophagus. On endoscopy, a central ulcerating lesion was found spreading to the anterior wall of the middle esophagus. Four courses of chemoradiation therapy successfully produced a complete response for 3 years. A recurrence occurred which consisted of a morphologically flat lesion that occupied the entire circumference of the esophagus. Endoscopic submucosal dissection removed all lesions en bloc. To prevent a post-procedure mucosal defect of the circumference of the esophagus, biodegradable poly-l-lactic acid monofilaments esophageal stents were placed on the same day. One month later, the patient reported a feeling of obstruction. An endoscopic examination revealed food stuck in the stents, this was removed, and balloon dilatation provided good passage which has been maintained for 7 months.

Dextran sulfate sodium administered orally is depolymerized in the stomach and induces cell cycle arrest plus apoptosis in the colon in early mouse colitis

The mechanisms responsible for human inflammatory bowel disease remain poorly understood. The pathogenic factors for dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, one of the experimental animal colitis models, also remain unknown. Furthermore, detailed studies on DSS metabolism in the gut lumen have not been reported. Therefore, we investigated DSS metabolism in the mouse gut lumen and report the mechanisms which induce colitis. DSS was labeled with 2-aminopyridine (pyridylamino-DSS, PA-DSS). PA-DSS was administered orally to male BALB/cA Jcl mice. The metabolites and histological findings were observed using HPLC and light or fluorescence microscopy. PA-DSS with Mr 5000 was depolymerized rapidly in the gastric lumen, and the depolymerized PA-DSS was absorbed in the small intestine. Therefore, the majority of the PA-DSS in the cecal contents returned to Mr 5000 PA-DSS, escaping absorption in the small intestine. Mr 5000 DSS induced severe colitis, and immunostaining using an anti-mouse Ki-67 antibody and the TUNEL assay showed that DSS arrested the cell cycle at the G0 phase and induced apoptosis of the colonic epithelium. Mr 2500 PA-DSS, however, induced these same effects weakly. During these processes, we observed that the epithelial cells can depolymerize DSS themselves. An in vitro study using Caco-2 cells also showed similar effects. Mr 5000 DSS was depolymerized in the gut lumen and epithelial cells. Therefore, the molecular mass distribution of the DSS differed between each part in the lumen. As an early stage event, DSS induced colitis through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis according to its molecular mass.

Tacrolimus (FK506) suppresses TNF-α-induced CCL2 (MCP-1) and CXCL10 (IP-10) expression via the inhibition of p38 MAP kinase activation in human colonic myofibroblasts

In order to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the immunosuppressive effects of tacrolimus (FK506) on intestinal inflammation, we examined whether FK506 effects cytokine/chemokine secretion in human colonic myofibroblasts. Human colonic myofibroblasts were isolated from normal human colonic tissue. The mRNA and protein expression for human CCL2 and CXCL10 were analyzed by real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. p38 MAP kinase activation was evaluated by western blotting. Tacrolimus (1 µM) suppressed tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced CCL2 and CXCL10 mRNA expression, but did not modulate TNF-α-induced interleukin (IL)-6 or CXCL8 mRNA expression. Dose-dependent, inhibitory effects of tacrolimus on CCL2 and CXCL10 expression were observed at the mRNA and protein levels. Significant inhibitory effects of tacrolimus were observed at concentrations as low as 0.5 µM for CCL2 and 0.1 µM for CXCL10, respectively. TNF-α-induced CCL2 and CXCL10 expression depended on p38 MAP kinase activation, and tacrolimus strongly inhibited the TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase. Tacrolimus did not affect interferon (IFN)-γ-induced signaling transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1 phosphorylation, nor did it modulate CXCL10 mRNA and protein expression. In conclusion, tacrolimus suppressed CCL2 and CXCL10 expression in human colonic myofibroblasts. These inhibitory effects of tacrolimus may play key roles in the therapeutic effects of colonic inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

Prognostic factors for colectomy in refractory ulcerative colitis treated with calcineurin inhibitors

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) such as cyclosporin A (CSA) and tacrolimus (FK506) are efficacious in patients with steroid-refractory or steroid-dependent ulcerative colitis (UC). We retrospectively investigated patients with refractory UC treated with CNIs to elucidate the prognostic factors for a colectomy. Data from 59 patients (35 men and 24 women) were analyzed. CSA and FK506 were administered by intravenous infusion and peroral administration, respectively. The efficacy of the CNIs was assessed using Seo's complex integrated disease activity index. Categorical data analyses were also conducted. The results revealed that the response rates for CSA and FK506 were similar (CSA, 66.6%; FK506, 63.6%). However, oral FK506 had a slower onset of action than intravenous CSA. The risk factors for CNI non-responsiveness were: i) more than 10,000 mg of prednisolone used prior to CNI treatment; and ii) positivity for cytomegalovirus antigenemia (C7-HRP). The factors affecting the rate of colectomy were: i) CNI non-responsiveness; ii) more than 10,000 mg of prednisolone used prior to the initiation of CNI treatment; and iii) positivity for C7-HRP. The addition of azathioprine (AZA) following CNI treatment significantly reduced the incidence of colectomy. Our results revealed the prognostic factors affecting the efficacy of CNI therapy and the need for colectomy in patients with refractory UC. Importantly, some of these factors may be obtained prior to or shortly following the start of CNI treatment. Furthermore, AZA is an important agent for averting colectomy once a patient responds to CNIs.

A new therapeutic approach using a schizophyllan-based drug delivery system for inflammatory bowel disease

Antisense technologies for the targeted inhibition of gene expression could provide an effective strategy for the suppression of inflammation. However, the effective use of antisense oligonucleotides (ODN) has been limited because of several problems. Therefore, a delivery system for antisense ODNs that enhances antisense stability, while maintaining the specificity of antisense for its target RNA or DNA is needed. We have developed a delivery system for antisense ODN using schizophyllan (SPG), a polysaccharide that belongs to the β-(1-3) glucan family. This system has several advantages enabling the effective suppression of targeted RNA or DNA: the SPG complex is stable in vivo and does not dissolve in the presence of deoxyribonuclease, and the SPG complex is effectively taken up into macrophages by phagocytosis through Dectin-1. Macrophage-migration inhibitory factor (MIF), which is mainly produced by macrophages has been shown to have a pathogenetic role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We developed a technique to create an SPG complex that highly conformed to the antisense MIF. The administration of antisense MIF/SPG complex effectively suppressed MIF production and significantly ameliorated intestinal inflammation. Our result demonstrated a possible new therapeutic approach, i.e., the administration of antisense MIF/SPG complex, for the treatment of IBD.

The herbal medicine rikkunshito exhibits strong and differential adsorption properties for bile salts

Anti-secretory drugs, particularly proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), are the preferred treatment agents for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, refractory GERD, which may manifest as an incomplete or lack of response to PPI therapy, is common. Despite the administration of PPIs for symptomatic control, duodenogastroesophageal reflux (DGER) containing bile is successfully controlled in only one-third of patients. It has previously been reported that the traditional Japanese herbal medicine rikkunshito, which has a prokinetic action on gastric emptying, exhibits clinically therapeutic effects against GERD and DGER that does not respond to PPIs. However, the precise mechanisms responsible for the effects of rikkunshito are still unknown. It has been suggested that the cytotoxicity of the bile salts in the gut lumen is important in GERD and DGER. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether rikkunshito is able to adsorb bile salts through the mechanism by which it ameliorates the symptoms of GERD and DGER. The binding capacities of rikkunshito for bile salts were measured using Langmuir's method. The morphology of rikkunshito was also observed by light microscopy. Rikkunshito strongly adsorbed bile salts. The binding capabilities of rikkunshito were far beyond those of a typical dietary fiber, α-cellulose, or an oral adsorbent. In addition, rikkunshito had higher binding capacities for hydrophobic bile salts as compared with hydrophilic bile salts. In conclusion, rikkunshito has a great capacity to adsorb bile salts. This may be part of the mechanism(s) responsible for the therapeutic effects of rikkunshito in patients with GERD and DGER.

Interleukin-28B genotypes determine response to pegylated-interferon plus ribavirin therapy in patients with hepatitis C virus infection

We recently reported that the interleukin (IL)-28B major genotype is a predictor of early suppression of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) at 12 weeks in response to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) therapy. The present study investigated the relationship between IL-28 genotypes and the virological response to PEG-IFN/RBV therapy at 24 and 48 weeks. Genotypes of the IL-28B rs8099917 T>G single nucleotide polymorphism were determined in 177 patients with HCV infection. Among them, 56 patients with HCV1 infection were treated with PEG-IFN/RBV. The frequency of the IL-28B major allele (TT) was 73.8% in patients with HCV serotype 1 and 86.3% in patients with HCV serotype 2. The rate of HCV-RNA positivity was significantly lower at 48 weeks in patients with the IL-28B major allele compared to patients with the IL-28B minor allele (TG or GG). The rate of HCV-RNA positivity at 24 weeks tended to be lower in patients with the IL-28B major allele, but there was no statistical significance (P=0.059). The sustained virological response (SVR) rate was 45.9% in patients with the IL-28B major allele, but 13.3% in patients with the IL-28B minor allele. The SVR correlated with the IL-28B major allele (OR=7.13, P=0.010), early virological response (OR=33.3, P=0.008), HCV-RNA ≤ 6.3 log IU/ml (OR=81.2, P=0.009) and γ-GTP ≤ 47 IU/l (OR=49.4, P=0.027). The IL-28B genotype is a significant pre-treatment predictor of the response to PEG-IFN/RBV therapy at 48 weeks in patients with HCV infection.

Development of a new immunoassay for the accurate determination of anti-infliximab antibodies in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

The formation of antibodies to infliximab (ATIs) is closely associated with the loss of response to infliximab in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We evaluated the clinical utility of a novel method to measure serum ATI levels in the presence of infliximab.

METHODS

ATI levels were measured using a novel immunoassay and the conventional method in 58 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) under infliximab maintenance therapy. The serum infliximab trough levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

ATIs were detected in 16 out of 58 patients (27.6%) by the new method, but the conventional method detected only 2 patients (3.4%) who had the two highest ATI titers assayed by the new method. The presence of ATIs in the samples positive by the new method but negative by the conventional method was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Western blotting analysis also indicated that the new method could restore the binding capacities of the ATIs whose recognition sites were occupied by free infliximab. In the new method, the addition of infliximab to the samples dose-dependently blocked the detection of ATIs. Patients positive for ATIs had significantly lower serum trough levels of infliximab (P < 0.01) and significantly higher clinical activity scores (P < 0.001) as compared with patients negative for ATI.

CONCLUSIONS

The new method makes it possible to measure serum ATI levels in the presence of infliximab. This method is useful for deciding the optimal management strategies for IBD patients with loss of response to infliximab.

Polymorphism of the inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase gene predicts ribavirin-induced anemia in chronic hepatitis C patients

Ribavirin (RBV)-induced anemia is a serious side effect of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus RBV therapy which is the standard care most effective for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In the present study, we investigated the association of inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPA) genotypes with RBV-induced hemoglobin (Hb) reduction in HCV patients treated with PEG-IFN/RBV therapy. The genotypes of the ITPA rs1127354 single nucleotide polymorphism were determined in 179 patients with HCV infection. Among them, 52 patients were treated with PEG-IFN/RBV. The frequency of the ITPA major allele (CC) was 76.3% and that of the minor allele (CA and AA) was 23.7%. A rapid decrease in Hb levels during the initial 4 weeks was observed in patients with the ITPA major allele (CC), but not in patients with the ITPA minor allele (C/A and AA). Hb levels at 4 weeks were significantly lower in patients with the ITPA major allele than the levels in patients with the minor allele. Out of the 41 patients, 6 (14.6%) with ITPA major allele had Hb levels <10 g/dl and 11 patients (26.8%) had a decline in Hb of >3 g/dl. None of the patients with the ITPA minor allele had such data. There were no significant differences in virological responses of HCV-RNA between patients with the ITPA major allele and those with the minor allele. In conclusion, the ITPA genotypes may be a useful marker for prediction of RBV-induced anemia.

Faecal chitinase 3-like-1: a novel biomarker of disease activity in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) is up-regulated in the inflamed mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

AIM

To evaluate the usefulness of a faecal CHI3L1 assay, as a reliable marker for predicting the severity of paediatric IBD.

METHODS

Faecal samples were obtained from ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 94), Crohn's disease (CD, n = 87), and healthy individuals (n = 56). The faecal CHI3L1 and calprotectin levels were determined by ELISA. For endoscopic evaluation, the sum of the Matts' score for UC and the simple endoscopic score for CD (SES-CD) were used. Ileal lesions were evaluated by ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Faecal CHI3L1 levels were significantly elevated in active UC (median 366.6 ng/g, n = 44) and active CD (median 632.7 ng/g, n = 48) patients, as compared with healthy individuals (median 2.2 ng/g, n = 56). In UC patients, the faecal CHI3L1 levels were positively correlated with the sum of the Matts' score (r = 0.73, P < 0.01, n = 42). In CD patients, there was a significant correlation between faecal CHI3L1 levels and endoscopic activity as determined by the SES-CD scoring system (r = 0.61, P < 0.01, n = 25). The faecal CHI3L1 levels of patients with wall thickening of their small intestine were significantly higher than those of healthy controls or patients without wall thickening. The cutoff value of 13.7 ng/g for fecal CHI3L1(the 95th percentile of the control value) predicted active lesions in IBD patients with a sensitivity of 84.7% and a specificity of 88.9%.

CONCLUSION

Faecal CHI3L1 assays may be useful for predicting the severity and activity of mucosal inflammation in IBD.

Expression of interleukin-24 and its receptor in human pancreatic myofibroblasts

Interleukin (IL)-24 is a member of the IL-10 family of cytokines. In this study, we investigated IL-24 expression in chronic pancreatitis tissue and characterized the molecular mechanisms responsible for IL-24 expression in human pancreatic myofibroblasts. IL-24 expression in the tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemical methods. IL-24 mRNA and protein expression in the pancreatic myofibroblasts was determined by real-time-PCR and ELISA, respectively. IL-24 was expressed by α-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts in the chronic pancreatitis tissues. In isolated human pancreatic myofibroblasts, IL-1β significantly enhanced IL-24 mRNA and protein expression. The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 significantly reduced the IL-β-induced IL-24 mRNA expression. An adenovirus containing a dominant-negative mutant of c-Jun significantly inhibited the effects of IL-1β on IL-24 mRNA expression, indicating that the IL-1β-induced IL-24 mRNA expression was mediated by the activation of transcription factor AP-1. Pancreatic myofibroblasts expressed IL-22R1, IL-20R1 and IL-20R2, and recombinant IL-24 induced the phosphorylation of p42/44, p38, JNK and STAT1/3. IL-24 is expressed in chronic pancreatitis tissue, and may play a role in the pathophysiology of chronic pancreatitis via autocrine pathways.

Accuracy of genotyping using the TaqMan PCR assay for single nucleotide polymorphisms responsible for thiopurine sensitivity in Japanese patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Thiopurine drugs are the most common drugs used to maintain clinical remission in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), TPMT A719G (rs1142345), inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPase) C94A (rs1127354) and multidrug resistance protein 4 MRP4 G2269A (rs3765534), have been reported to account for heightened sensitivity to thiopurine drugs in the Japanese population. We investigated the usefulness of the TaqMan(®) PCR assay (Applied Biosystems) for the rapid detection of these SNPs to improve the safety of thiopurine therapy. We enrolled 44 healthy volunteers and 235 IBD patients. Genotyping of the SNPs was performed using Custom TaqMan SNP genotyping assays, direct sequencing and PCR-RFLP. Genotyping for MRP4 G2269A by the TaqMan PCR assay was successfully achieved in all samples. Comparison with our previous data using direct sequencing indicated one discordant result, and re-sequencing showed that the TaqMan PCR assay was correct. The overall accuracy of the TaqMan assay for MRP4 G2269A was 100%. The TaqMan PCR genotyping for TPMT A719G and ITPase C94A was successfully performed in all samples. The results of TPMT A719G by the TaqMan assay were identical with those of PCR-RFLP. In ITPase C94A, a comparison of the TaqMan assay and PCR-RFLP yielded 12 discordant results, and direct sequencing showed that the TaqMan PCR assay was correct. The allelic frequency determined by the TaqMan assay was 0.145 for MRP4 G2269A, 0.009 for TPMT A719G and 0.121 for ITPase C94A, respectively. In conclusion, the TaqMan(®) PCR assay is useful for genotyping of SNPs responsible for thiopurine sensitivity in Japanese IBD patients.

Non-Epstein-Barr virus associated lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the inferior common bile duct

A carcinoma displaying undifferentiated features with dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration is defined as a lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LEC), and some of LEC is associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). All of the 13 previously reported cases of LEC of the biliary system were intrahepatic in location. Herein, we describe the first case of LEC of the inferior common bile duct. A 68-year-old Japanese man, who had been previously treated for hepatocellular carcinoma using microwave coagulation therapy, was found to have tumors of the common bile duct and pancreas head. Histopathological study of the resected tumor showed solid or cohesive nests of large undifferentiated cells with irregular large vesicular nuclei and nucleoli. Around the tumor cell nests, dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration was observed. Focal glandular differentiation (approximately 5%) was also present. These histopathological features corresponded morphologically to LEC. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK 19 and CA19-9, but negative for CK 20 and Hep Par 1. In situ hybridization for Epstein Barr virus early small RNAs disclosed no nuclear signal in tumor cells. Therefore, a diagnosis of non-EBV-associated LEC of the inferior common bile duct was made. Although the prognosis of the biliary LEC is thought to be better than that of conventional cholangiocarcinoma, the differences in prognosis between EBV-positive and -negative cases have not yet been established. Therefore, additional case studies will be needed to clarify the clinicopathological features of LEC of the biliary tract.

Combination of endoscopic submucosal dissection and chemoradiation therapy for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with submucosal invasion

The efficacy, safety and clinical outcomes of a combination of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with subsequent chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (superficial ESCC) remain unclear. We assessed the outcome of the combination of ESD plus CRT for superficial ESCC. Fourteen patients with superficial ESCC invading into the muscularis mucosa or submucosa were treated with ESD plus CRT from 2004 to 2010. En bloc resection of the lesion was successfully performed in all patients. The mean diameter of the lesions was 25 mm (range 10-55). The distribution of the depth of tumor invasion was to the muscularis mucosa in 8 patients, to the upper submucosal third (sm1) in 4 patients and to the middle submucosal third (sm2) in 2 patients. The laterally resected margins and vascular invasion were cancer-negative in all patients, but lymph node involvement was detected in 2 patients. The mean follow-up period after CRT was 45 months (range 19-70). No patients died of esophageal cancer. Recurrence or metastasis of the esophageal cancer was not observed in any of the patients. The combination of ESD plus CRT is effective for superficial ESCC.

Interleukin-33 suppresses Notch ligand expression and prevents goblet cell depletion in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

Interleukin (IL)-33 is a cytokine belonging to the IL-1 family. IL-33 plays an important role in Th2 immune responses, and induces goblet cell hyperplasia in the intestinal mucosa. In this study, to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying IL-33-induced goblet cell hyperplasia, we investigated how IL-33 modulates the Notch signaling pathway in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis. DSS colitis was induced in BALB/c mice with intraperitoneal administrations of IL-33 (1 µg/body) every 48 h. Tissue samples were evaluated by standard immunohistochemical procedures. The mucosal mRNA expression of the Notch ligands was analyzed by a real-time polymerase chain reaction. The mucosal mRNA expression of Notch ligands [Jagged1 (Jag1) and Delta-like (Dll) 1 and 4] was significantly increased in DSS-colitis mice. IL-33-induced goblet cell hyperplasia in the control mice. In the DSS-colitis mice, the goblet cells were depleted in the colon, but IL-33 completely prevented goblet cell depletion in the DSS-colitis mice. IL-33 induced a significant decrease in Jag1 and Dll4 mRNA expression in the mucosa of the control mice. Mucosal mRNA expression for Jag1, Dll1 and 4 was significantly elevated in the DSS-colitis mice, but this elevation was significantly blocked by the administration of IL-33. IL-33 dose-dependently decreased Jag1 mRNA expression in mouse colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts. In contrast to its preventive effects on goblet cell depletion, IL-33 aggravated DSS colitis. IL-33 prevented goblet cell depletion via its inhibitory actions against Notch ligand expression in DSS colitis, but exacerbated the disease activity. IL-33 plays two counter actions in mucosal inflammation; the first is a protective action via goblet cell induction, and the second is a pro-inflammatory action as a Th2 cytokine.