Transdermal nicotine as maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis

Filgotinib induction-study baseline characteristics of patients with ulcerative colitis who achieve sustained corticosteroid-free remission: post hoc analysis of the phase 2b/3 SELECTION study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Obtaining and maintaining corticosteroid-free remission are important goals of treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC). Characteristics associated with achieving corticosteroid-free remission were assessed in filgotinib-treated patients in SELECTION, a 58-week, phase 2b/3 trial in moderately to severely active UC.

METHODS

This post hoc analysis used data from filgotinib-treated patients receiving corticosteroids at maintenance baseline in SELECTION. Univariate logistic regression was performed to assess induction baseline characteristics associated with 6 months of corticosteroid-free remission at week 58, defined as clinical remission without using corticosteroids for at least 6 months.

RESULTS

At maintenance baseline, 92 and 81 patients were receiving corticosteroids in the filgotinib 200 mg and filgotinib 100 mg groups, respectively. Age, body mass index, history of pancolitis, disease duration, fecal calprotectin levels, C-reactive protein levels, Mayo Clinic Score, concomitant corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and aminosalicylates had no statistically significant effect on the likelihood of achieving corticosteroid-free remission. Baseline characteristics associated with increased odds of corticosteroid-free remission were Mayo Clinic Endoscopic Subscore of 2 (vs. 3) in the filgotinib 200 mg and filgotinib 100 mg groups, and female (vs. male) sex, current (vs. former or never) smoking, and being biologic‑naive (vs. experienced) in the filgotinib 200 mg group.

CONCLUSIONS

Steroid tapering can be achieved in patients with UC receiving filgotinib 200 mg independently of baseline characteristics such as clinical activity and duration of illness. However, the likelihood of achieving corticosteroid-free remission was higher among patients who were biologic-naive, current smokers, had low endoscopic inflammatory burden and who were female.

Personalized (N-of-1) Clinical Trials for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Opportunities and Challenges

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Heterogeneity of treatment effects in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) means that many individuals or patient subgroups depart from the average for whom the outcomes from traditional randomized trials may not be applicable. The N-of-1 trial is a design in which a single patient is followed over time with the treatments being randomized from period to period with the intention of finding the most effective treatment for that patient. The aim was to investigate the utility of N-of-1 trials in IBD.

METHODS

To identify relevant articles for this scoping review, a MEDLINE literature search was conducted through the PubMed platform for articles published in the English language using the search terms "inflammatory bowel disease," "Crohn's disease," "ulcerative colitis," "N-of-1 trials," "single case designs," and "personalized trials."

RESULTS

N-of-1 trials have seen a resurgence across several medical disciplines, driven by a need for more personalized medicine and patient-centered health care; their use in IBD is scarce with only 3 trials identified. Studies involving multiple N-of-1 trials can generate robust evidence for each participant and average effect estimates. The N-of-1 trial may hold potential for studying patients with IBD that are excluded from or underrepresented by randomized trials, such as those with extraintestinal manifestations, pouchitis, and proctitis. Although methodologically sound and akin to the rigor of a randomized controlled trial, the crossover periods inherent to the study design can be perceived as burdensome by patients and researchers.

CONCLUSIONS

The N-of-1 trial design provides a patient-centered means of objectively determining individual response to therapy.

Study title: A systematic review of RCTs to examine the risk of adverse cardiovascular events with nicotine use

Associations between cigarette smoking and increased risk of cardiovascular disease are well established. However, it is unclear whether the association is mediated by exposure to nicotine and/or to other constituents in cigarette smoke. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) was to identify any potential associations between exposure to nicotine and the risk of clinically diagnosed adverse cardiovascular events in adult current users and nonusers of tobacco products. Among 1,996 results, 42 studies, comparing nicotine and non-nicotine groups, were included and were both qualitatively and quantitatively synthesized across the outcomes of arrhythmia, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and cardiovascular death. The majority of studies evaluating nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and cardiovascular death reported no events that occurred in either the nicotine or non-nicotine control groups. Among the studies that reported events, rates of adverse events were similarly low between both groups. Consistent with findings from previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses, pooled data showed that rates for arrhythmia, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and cardiovascular death were not significantly different between nicotine and non-nicotine groups. The overall quality of the body of evidence for each of the four outcomes of interest was graded as "moderate," limited only by the imprecision of results. The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that, with moderate certainty, there are no significant associations between the use of nicotine and the risk of clinically diagnosed adverse cardiovascular events-specifically, arrhythmia, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and cardiovascular death.

Smoking Behaviour Changes After Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Risk of All-cause Mortality

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We examined smoking behaviour changes after diagnoses of Crohn's disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC] and evaluated their impact on mortality.

METHODS

Study population included incident CD or UC cases from three cohorts of the Nurses' Health Study [NHS], NHSII, and Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Smoking and other risk factors were prospectively assessed. Smoking behaviour changes were categorised as never, former [i.e., quit smoking before diagnosis], quitters [i.e., quit smoking after diagnosis], and current [i.e., continue smoking after diagnosis]. Follow-up for date and cause of death was completed through linkage to the National Death Index. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate hazard ratios [HRs] and 95% confidence intervals [CIs].

RESULTS

Among 909 eligible CD and UC cases, 45% were never smokers, 38% were past smokers, and 16% were active smokers at the time of diagnosis. Among active smokers, 70% of patients with CD and 44% of patients with UC continued to smoke after diagnosis. In patients with CD, compared with current smokers, the multivariable-adjusted HRs [95% CI] of death were 0.19 [0.10 to 0.38] for never smokers, 0.31 [0.16 to 0.57] for former smokers, and 0.41 [0.18 to 0.93] for quitters. Similarly for UC, compared with current smokers, we observed a reduced risk of mortality for never smokers [HR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.51], former smokers [HR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.48], and quitters [HR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.72].

CONCLUSIONS

In three cohorts of health professionals, a substantial proportion of patients with new diagnosis of CD and UC and history of smoking continued to smoke after diagnosis. Smoking cessation around the time of diagnosis was associated with a significant reduction in mortality.

Transdermal nicotine in non-smokers: A systematic review to design COVID-19 clinical trials

Recent data show an interaction between COVID-19 and nicotine and indicate the need for an assessment of transdermal nicotine use in non-smokers. Assessments have been conducted into the short-term cognitive effects of nicotine and into diseases such as Parkinson's, Tourette syndrome, ADHD or ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

Analyses of nicotine administration protocols and safety were conducted after reviewing Medline and Science Direct databases performing a search using the words [transdermal nicotine] AND [non-smoker] AND selected diseases.

RESULTS

Among 298 articles identified, there were 35 reviewed publications reporting on 33 studies of non-smokers receiving transdermal nicotine for >48hours. In the 16 randomized trials, 7 crossover, 1 case/control and 9 open studies patients received an initial nicotine dose of between 2.5mg and 15mg/day. In 22 studies, daily doses increased by 2 to 7 steps in 3 to 96 days until the dose was between 5mg and 105mg/day. The target nicotine dose was 19.06±20.89mg/day. The 987 non-smokers (534 never-smokers, 326 ex-smokers and 127 classified as "non-smokers") received or did not receive nicotine. The most common side-effects were nausea and skin itching. Forty-three (7.1%) non-smokers stopped treatment because of an adverse event of nicotine. No hospitalization related to nicotine side-effects were reported.

CONCLUSION

Despite a relatively safe tolerance profile, transdermal nicotine therapy in non-smokers can only be used in clinical trials. There is a lack of formal assessment of the potential risk of developing a tobacco addiction. This review offers baseline data to set a transdermal nicotine protocol for non-smokers with a new purpose.

Transdermal Nicotine as a Treatment Option for Ulcerative Colitis: A Review

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is primarily a disease of non-smokers or ex-smokers. Since there have been previous claims of the beneficial effects of transdermal nicotine, researchers studied its efficacy to include it in the treatment regimen: to prevent remissions and as maintenance therapy. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of transdermal nicotine as a treatment option for mild to moderately active ulcerative colitis. We shortlisted 22 articles after a careful analysis and elimination process. These articles were reviewed and analyzed, and it was found that transdermal nicotine in combination with conventional therapy was more beneficial than individual treatment with either. Further controlled studies evaluating the appropriate dosage for remission and maintenance treatment needs to be done.

Anatabine ameliorates intestinal inflammation and reduces the production of pro-inflammatory factors in a dextran sulfate sodium mouse model of colitis

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the collective term for chronic immune-mediated diseases of unknown, multifactorial etiology, arising from the interplay between genetic and environmental factors and including two main disease manifestations: ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease. In the last few decades, naturally occurring alkaloids have gained interest because of their substantial anti-inflammatory effects in several animal models of disease. Studies on mouse models of IBD have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory action of the main tobacco alkaloid, nicotine. In addition, anatabine, a minor tobacco alkaloid also present in peppers, tomato, and eggplant presents anti-inflammatory properties in vivo and in vitro. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of nicotine and anatabine in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) mouse model of UC.

Results

Oral administration of anatabine, but not nicotine, reduced the clinical symptoms of DSS-induced colitis. The result of gene expression analysis suggested that anatabine had a restorative effect on global DSS-induced gene expression profiles, while nicotine only had limited effects. Accordingly, MAP findings revealed that anatabine reduced the colonic abundance of DSS-associated cytokines and increased IL-10 abundance.

Conclusions

Our results support the amelioration of inflammatory effects by anatabine in the DSS mouse model of UC, and suggest that anatabine constitutes a promising therapeutic agent for IBD treatment.

Effect of Lifestyle Factors on Outcomes in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Various lifestyle factors including physical activity and obesity, stress, sleep, and smoking may modify the risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). In patients with established IBD, these lifestyle factors may significantly impact the natural history and clinical outcomes. Recreational exercise decreases the risk of flare and fatigue in patients with IBD. In contrast, obesity increases the risk of relapse and is associated with higher anxiety, depression, fatigue, and pain and higher health care utilization. Obesity also modifies pharmacokinetics of biologic agents unfavorably and is associated with a higher risk of treatment failure. Sleep disturbance is highly prevalent in patients with IBD, independent of disease activity, and increases the risk of relapse and chronic fatigue. Similarly, stress, particularly perceived stress rather than major life events, may trigger symptomatic flare in patients with IBD, although its impact on inflammation is unclear. Cigarette smoking is associated with unfavorable outcomes including the risk of corticosteroid dependence, surgery, and disease progression in patients with Crohn's disease; in contrast, smoking does not significantly impact outcomes in patients with ulcerative colitis, although some studies suggest that it may be associated with a lower risk of flare. The effect of alcohol and cannabis use in patients with IBD is inconsistent, with some studies suggesting that cannabis may decrease chronic pain in patients with IBD, without a significant effect of biological remission. Although these lifestyle factors are potentially modifiable, only a few interventional studies have been conducted. Trials of structured exercise and psychological therapy including mindfulness-based therapies such as meditation and yoga and gut-directed hypnotherapy have not consistently demonstrated benefit in clinical and/or endoscopic disease activity in IBD, although may improve overall quality of life.

Exploring the Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Using Mendelian Randomization

BACKGROUND

Previous observational evidence has suggested an association between smoking and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

We used observational techniques followed by Mendelian randomization to explore whether smoking is a causal factor in the development of IBD and its subtypes.

RESULTS

In those who have ever smoked, we observed increased risk of IBD and, in current smokers, we observed increased risk of Crohn disease and decreased risk of ulcerative colitis. However, our Mendelian randomization analyses found little evidence that smoking affects the development of IBD.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our results suggest that smoking does not causally influence the risk of IBD.

British Society of Gastroenterology consensus guidelines on the management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the principal forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Both represent chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which displays heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management relies on understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This guideline for management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults over 16 years of age was developed by Stakeholders representing UK physicians (British Society of Gastroenterology), surgeons (Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland), specialist nurses (Royal College of Nursing), paediatricians (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), dietitians (British Dietetic Association), radiologists (British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology), general practitioners (Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology) and patients (Crohn's and Colitis UK). A systematic review of 88 247 publications and a Delphi consensus process involving 81 multidisciplinary clinicians and patients was undertaken to develop 168 evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations for pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical interventions, as well as optimal service delivery in the management of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding indications for, initiation and monitoring of immunosuppressive therapies, nutrition interventions, pre-, peri- and postoperative management, as well as structure and function of the multidisciplinary team and integration between primary and secondary care. Twenty research priorities to inform future clinical management are presented, alongside objective measurement of priority importance, determined by 2379 electronic survey responses from individuals living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, including patients, their families and friends.

British Society of Gastroenterology consensus guidelines on the management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the principal forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Both represent chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which displays heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management relies on understanding and tailoring evidence-based interventions by clinicians in partnership with patients. This guideline for management of inflammatory bowel disease in adults over 16 years of age was developed by Stakeholders representing UK physicians (British Society of Gastroenterology), surgeons (Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland), specialist nurses (Royal College of Nursing), paediatricians (British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition), dietitians (British Dietetic Association), radiologists (British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology), general practitioners (Primary Care Society for Gastroenterology) and patients (Crohn's and Colitis UK). A systematic review of 88 247 publications and a Delphi consensus process involving 81 multidisciplinary clinicians and patients was undertaken to develop 168 evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations for pharmacological, non-pharmacological and surgical interventions, as well as optimal service delivery in the management of both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding indications for, initiation and monitoring of immunosuppressive therapies, nutrition interventions, pre-, peri- and postoperative management, as well as structure and function of the multidisciplinary team and integration between primary and secondary care. Twenty research priorities to inform future clinical management are presented, alongside objective measurement of priority importance, determined by 2379 electronic survey responses from individuals living with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, including patients, their families and friends.

Review article: the role of the autonomic nervous system in the pathogenesis and therapy of IBD

BACKGROUND

There is a growing body of evidence implicating a role for the brain-gut axis in the pathogenesis of inflammation in patients with IBD.

AIMS

To perform a narrative review of published literature regarding the association of the autonomic nervous system and intestinal inflammation and to describe the rationale for and emerging use of autonomic manipulation as a therapeutic agent METHODS: Current relevant literature was summarised and critically examined.

RESULTS

There is substantial pre-clinical and clinical evidence for a multifaceted anti-inflammatory effect of the vagus at both systemic and local intestinal levels. It acts via acetylcholine-mediated activation of α-7-acetylcholine receptors involving multiple cell types in innate and adaptive immunity and the enteric nervous system with subsequent protective influences on the intestinal barrier, inflammatory mechanisms and the microbiome. In patients with IBD, there is evidence for a sympatho-vagal imbalance, functional enteric neuronal depletion and hyporeactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Direct or transcutaneous vagal neuromodulation up-regulates the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in pre-clinical and clinical models with down-regulation of systemic and local intestinal inflammation. This is supported by two small studies in Crohn's disease although remains to be investigated in ulcerative colitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Modulating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway influences inflammation both systemically and at a local intestinal level. It represents a potentially underutilised anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategy. Given the likely pathogenic role of the autonomic nervous system in patients with IBD, vagal neuromodulation, an apparently safe and successful means of increasing vagal tone, warrants further clinical exploration.

Smoking and the Risk of Pouchitis in Ulcerative Colitis Patients With Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients who undergo proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) may develop pouchitis, a poorly understood inflammatory condition. There is controversy over whether tobacco use can protect against pouchitis. We undertook this investigation to further evaluate whether smoking reduces the risk of developing pouchitis and to determine whether other previously associated clinical factors change the risk for pouchitis.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis using a consented inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) natural history registry between the years 1995-2015 from a single tertiary care referral center. Demographic data, medical history, surgical information, medication use, laboratory data, and smoking history were abstracted. Former smokers had quit for at least 1 year. The primary end point was development of pouchitis.

RESULTS

Of the 353 UC patients with IPAA in this study, 126 (35.6%) developed pouchitis. Prior tobacco use (P < 0.0001) was more common in patients who developed pouchitis. Former and active smokers were more likely to develop pouchitis compared with those without a history of tobacco use (63.4% vs 27.3% respectively, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in active smoking rate between those without pouchitis and the group that did develop pouchitis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the only independent risk factor associated with pouchitis was a history of tobacco use.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that smoking cessation may increase the likelihood of developing pouchitis in tobacco users with UC and IPAA, but active smoking does not seem to be more effective in preventing this condition.

Nicotine and autoimmunity: The lotus' flower in tobacco

Nicotine, the major component of cigarettes, has demonstrated conflicting impact on the immune system: some authors suggest that increases pro-inflammatory cytokines and provokes cellular apoptosis of neutrophils, releasing intracellular components that act as auto-antigens; others claimed that nicotine has a protective and anti-inflammatory effects, especially by binding to α7 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The cholinergic pathway contributes to an anti-inflammatory environment characterized by increasing T regulatory cells response, down-regulating of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a pro-inflammatory cells apoptosis. The effects of nicotine were studied in different autoimmune disease, as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, Behçet's disease and inflammatory bowel diseases. The major problems about nicotine are the addiction and the adverse effects of related to each commercialized formulation. We sought in this review to summarize the knowledge accumulated to date concerning the relationship between nicotine and autoimmunity.

Nerve Stimulation: Immunomodulation and Control of Inflammation

Neuronal stimulation is an emerging field in modern medicine to control organ function and re-establish physiological homeostasis during illness. Transdermal nerve stimulation with electroacupuncture is currently endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and is used by millions of people to control pain and inflammation. Recent advances in electroacupuncture may permit activation of specific neuronal networks to prevent organ damage in inflammatory and infectious disorders. Experimental studies of nerve stimulation are also providing new information on the functional organization of the nervous system to control inflammation and its clinical implications in infectious and inflammatory disorders. These studies may allow the design of novel non-invasive techniques for nerve stimulation to help to control immune and organ functions.

Nicotine chewing gum for the prevention of postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery: a multicenter, double-blind, randomised, controlled pilot study

PURPOSE

When postoperative ileus is not resolved after 5 days or recurs after resolution, prolonged POI (PPOI) is diagnosed. PPOI increases discomfort, morbidity and hospitalisation length, and is mainly caused by an inflammatory response following intestinal manipulation. This response can be weakened by targeting the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, with nicotine as essential regulator. Chewing gum, already known to stimulate gastrointestinal motility itself, combined with nicotine is hypothesised to improve gastrointestinal recovery and prevent PPOI. This pilot study is the first to assess efficacy and safety of nicotine gum in colorectal surgery.

METHODS

Patients undergoing elective oncological colorectal surgery were enrolled in this double-blind, parallel-group, controlled trial and randomly assigned to a treatment protocol with normal or nicotine gum (2 mg). Patient reported outcomes (PROMS), clinical characteristics and blood samples were collected. Primary endpoint was defined as time to first passage of faeces and toleration of solid food for at least 24 h.

RESULTS

In total, 40 patients were enrolled (20 vs. 20). In both groups, six patients developed PPOI. Time to primary endpoint (4.50 [3.00-7.25] vs. 3.50 days [3.00-4.25], p = 0.398) and length of stay (5.50 [4.00-8.50] vs. 4.50 days [4.00-6.00], p = 0.738) did not differ significantly between normal and nicotine gum. There were no differences in PROMS, inflammatory parameters and postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

We proved nicotine gum to be safe but ineffective in improving gastrointestinal recovery and prevention of PPOI after colorectal surgery. Other dosages and administration routes of nicotine should be tested in future research.

Nicotine protects against DSS colitis through regulating microRNA-124 and STAT3

Although it is generally believed that nicotine accounts for the beneficial effect of smoking on ulcerative colitis, the underlying mechanisms remain not well understood. Our previous finding that nicotine inhibits inflammatory responses through inducing miR-124 prompted us to ask whether the miRNA is involved in the protective action of nicotine against UC. Our present study found that miR-124 expression is upregulated in colon tissues from UC patients and DSS colitis mice. Nicotine treatment further augmented miR-124 expression in lymphocytes isolated from human ulcerative colonic mucosa and ulcerative colon tissues from DSS mice, both in infiltrated lymphocytes and epithelial cells. Moreover, knockdown of miR-124 significantly diminished the beneficial effect of nicotine on murine colitis and IL-6-treated Caco-2 colon epithelial cells. Further analysis indicated that nicotine inhibited STAT3 activation in vivo and in IL-6 treated Caco-2 cells and Jurkat human T lymphocytes, in which miR-124 knockdown led to increased activation of STAT3. Blocking STAT3 activity alone is beneficial for DSS colitis and also abolished nicotine's protective effect in this model. These data indicate that nicotine exerts its protective action in UC through inducing miR-124 and inhibiting STAT3, and suggest that the miR-124/STAT3 system is a potential target for the therapeutic intervention of UC.

KEY MESSAGE

Nicotine upregulates miR-124 expression in ulcerative colon tissues and cells. MiR-124 is required for the protective role of nicotine in DSS colitis mice and epithelial cells. The protective effect of nicotine in murine DSS colitis depends on blocking STAT3 activation. MiR-124 mediates the inhibitory role of nicotine on STAT3/p-STAT3. Targeting miR-124 and STAT3 represents a novel approach for treating ulcerative colitis.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: the effect of tobacco smoking on the natural history of ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Tobacco smoking is associated with a reduced risk of developing ulcerative colitis (UC). A high proportion of UC patients perceive a benefit in disease outcomes secondary to smoking. However, the effects of smoking on the natural history of UC are uncertain.

AIM

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of tobacco smoking on the natural history of UC.

METHODS

A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and EMBASE classic was carried out (up to December 2015) to identify observational studies reporting data on smoking and rates of colectomy, flare of disease activity, proximal disease extension, and development of pouchitis following panproctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with UC. Dichotomous data were pooled to obtain odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The search identified 16 eligible studies: five (2615 patients) studying colectomy; four (620 patients) reporting on flare of disease activity; four (687 patients) examining proximal disease extension and three (355 patients) assessing development of pouchitis. Compared with nonsmokers, the odds of colectomy (OR = 0.89; 95% CI 0.62-1.26), flare of disease activity (OR = 1.26; 95% CI 0.65-2.44), proximal extension of disease (OR = 0.57; 95% CI 0.20-1.66) or the development of pouchitis (OR = 0.57; 95% CI 0.21-1.53) were not significantly lower in smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking may not improve the natural history of ulcerative colitis. Given the health benefits of smoking cessation and the lack of clear benefit in ulcerative colitis, smoking cessation advice should be incorporated into guidance on the management of ulcerative colitis.

Nicotine gum chewing: a novel strategy to shorten duration of postoperative ileus via vagus nerve activation

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a transit cessation of bowel motility after surgery. Substantial evidences suggest that gum chewing accelerate the recovery of bowel motility after surgery. Perioperative nicotine administration reduces postoperative opioid use and prevents postoperative nausea and vomiting. Nicotine gum chewing combines stimulation of the cephalic-vagal reflex by gum chewing, and activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway by nicotine administration. We therefore hypothesized that nicotine gum chewing reduces POI and improves patient outcomes such as shortening the length of hospitalization as well as saving medical costs. As nicotine gum is commercially available, inexpensive, and has been in use for many years without any severe side effects, it may have a wide clinical application in POI prevention.

Novel insights on the effect of nicotine in a murine colitis model

Studies showed that nicotine has a positive influence on symptoms of ulcerative colitis. In the present study, we explored the effect of nicotine treatment using different routes of administration in the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis mouse model. We also investigated the effects of cotinine, a major metabolite of nicotine, in the model. C57BL6 adult male mice were given DSS solution freely in the drinking water for seven consecutive days, and tap water was given thereafter. Disease severity, length of the colon, colon tissue histology, and inflammatory markers, including colonic myeloperoxidase activity and colonic tumor necrosis factor-α levels, were evaluated. The effect of nicotine and cotinine treatments via various different routes of administration were examined the DSS model. In addition, we measured the plasma levels of nicotine and cotinine in our treatment protocols. Administration of low, but not high, doses of oral nicotine in DSS-treated mice resulted in a significant decrease in disease severity, histologic damage scores, as well as colonic level of tumor necrosis factor-α. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of nicotine was not seen after chronic s.c. or minipump infusion of the drug. Differences in plasma levels of nicotine and cotinine do not seem to account for this lack of effect. Finally, oral cotinine alone failed to show a significant effect in the DSS model of colitis. These results highlight that dose and route of administration play a critical role in the protective effect of nicotine in the DSS mouse colitis model.

Review article: Ulcerative colitis, smoking and nicotine therapy

BACKGROUND

Smoking is the best-characterised environmental association of ulcerative colitis (UC). Smoking has been observed to exert protective effects on both the development and progression of UC.

AIMS

To examine the association between UC and smoking, possible pathogenic mechanisms and the potential of nicotine as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of UC.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted through MEDLINE, using the MeSH search terms 'ulcerative colitis' and 'smoking' or 'nicotine'. Relevant articles were identified through manual review. The reference lists of these articles were reviewed to include further appropriate articles.

RESULTS

Ulcerative colitis is less prevalent in smokers. Current smokers with a prior diagnosis of UC are more likely to exhibit milder disease than ex-smokers and nonsmokers. There is conflicting evidence for smokers having reduced rates of hospitalisation, colectomy and need for oral corticosteroids and immunosuppressants to manage their disease. Multiple potential active mediators in smoke may be responsible for these clinical effects, including nicotine and carbon monoxide, but the precise mechanism remains unknown. Nicotine has demonstrated variable efficacy in the induction of remission in UC when compared to placebo and conventional medicines. Despite this, the high frequency of adverse events limits its clinical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Nicotine's application as a therapeutic treatment in ulcerative colitis is limited. Presently, it may be an option considered only in selected cases of acute ulcerative colitis refractory to conventional treatment options. This review also questions whether nicotine is the active component of smoking that modifies risk and inflammation in ulcerative colitis.

Cytokines in inflammatory bowel disease

Over the past decade, much has been learned regarding the role of various cytokines in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Several cytokine ‘knockout’ models in mice have been shown to develop colitis, while alterations in the production of various cytokines has been documented in human Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. In recent years, attempts have been made to treat these diseases through modulation of cytokine production or action. This review focuses on the cytokines that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. The evidence for and against a role for particular cytokines in intestinal inflammation is reviewed, as is the experimental and clinical data suggesting that cytokines are rational targets for the development of new therapies.

Low-dose smoking resumption in ex-smokers with refractory ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is primarily a disease of non-smokers. Ex-smokers may have a more refractory disease course and anecdotal evidence in non-controlled clinical trials have suggested that smoking resumption, or the administration of nicotine, may ameliorate signs and symptoms of UC in ex-smokers. We report outcomes of ex-smokers with refractory UC who resumed low-dose cigarette smoking.

METHODS

17 ex-smokers with refractory UC were identified. Clinical remission was defined as a disease activity index score of 0.

RESULTS

Two out of 17 patients refused the recommendation to resume smoking. Of the 15 patients who resumed smoking, the mean daily number of cigarettes was 8.6. Fourteen out of those 15 patients who resumed smoking were able to maintain prolonged clinical remission off steroids. One out of the 15 patients failed to improve and required oral steroids. Another patient was compelled to quit smoking since he became addicted. His disease flared after maintaining a prolonged remission of 3 years and he eventually underwent surgery. Three out of these 15 patients switched from cigarettes smoking to nicotine compounds and continued to maintain remission.

CONCLUSION

Resumption of low dose smoking in a selected group of ex-smokers with refractory UC may ameliorate signs and symptoms. Quality of life, medication side effects, and smoking risk factors should all be considered and discussed with patients. Smokers should be meticulously followed for compliance with "low-dose" regimen and all associated smoking risks.

Ulcerative colitis: current treatment strategies and future prospects

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by inflammation of the mucosa and occasionally the submucosa of the colon. Conventional drug therapy for UC involves use of aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine, cyclosporine and anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. Alternative therapies include probiotics, nicotine and fish oil. Drugs like tacrolimus, rosiglitazone and Trichuris suis ova are being evaluated for use in UC patients. With the new biologic agents, new treatment options for UC continue to evolve. In this article we will discuss the conventional drugs, the alternative therapies and the management strategies according to the severity and extent of UC.

Ulcerative colitis in smokers, non-smokers and ex-smokers

Smoking is a major environmental factor that interferes in the establishment and clinical course of ulcerative colitis (UC). Firstly, the risk of smoking status impact in the development of UC is reviewed, showing that current smoking has a protective association with UC. Similarly, being a former smoker is associated with an increased risk of UC. The concept that smoking could have a role in determining the inflammatory bowel disease phenotype is also discussed. Gender may also be considered, as current smoking delays disease onset in men but not in women. No clear conclusions can be driven from the studies trying to clarify whether childhood passive smoking or prenatal smoke exposure have an influence on the development of UC, mainly due to methodology flaws. The influence of smoking on disease course is the second aspect analysed. Some studies show a disease course more benign in smokers that in non-smokers, with lower hospitalizations rates, less flare-ups, lower use of oral steroids and even less risk of proximal extension. This is not verified by some other studies. Similarly, the rate of colectomy does not seem to be determined by the smoking status of the patient. The third issue reviewed is the use of nicotine as a therapeutic agent. The place of nicotine in the treatment of UC is unclear, although it could be useful in selected cases, particularly in recent ex-smokers with moderate but refractory attacks of UC. Finally, the effect of smoking cessation in UC patients is summarised. Given that smoking represents a major worldwide cause of death, for inpatients with UC the risks of smoking far outweigh any possible benefit. Thus, physicians should advise, encourage and assist UC patients who smoke to quit.

Unphosphorylated STAT3 modulates alpha 7 nicotinic receptor signaling and cytokine production in sepsis

The role of STAT3 in infectious diseases remains undetermined, in part because unphosphorylated STAT3 has been considered an inactive protein. Here, we report that unphosphorylated STAT3 contributes to cholinergic anti-inflammation, prevents systemic inflammation, and improves survival in sepsis. Bacterial endotoxin induced STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation in macrophages. Both alpha 7 nicotinic receptor (alpha 7nAChR) activation and inhibition of JAK2 blunt STAT3 phosphorylation. Inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation mimicked the alpha 7nAChR signaling, inhibiting NF-kappaB and cytokine production in macrophages. Transfection of macrophages with the dominant-negative mutant STAT3F, to prevent its tyrosine phosphorylation, reduced TNF production but did not prevent the alpha 7nAChR signaling. However, inhibition of STAT3 protein expression enhanced cytokine production and abrogated alpha 7nAChR signaling. Alpha 7nAChR controls TNF production in macrophages through a mechanism that requires STAT3 protein expression, but not its tyrosine phosphorylation. In vivo, inhibition of STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation by stattic prevented systemic inflammation and improved survival in experimental sepsis. Stattic also prevented the production of late mediators of sepsis and improved survival in established sepsis. These results reveal the immunological implications of tyrosine-unphosphorylated STAT3 in infectious diseases.

The impact of smoking in Crohn's disease: no smoke without fire

Smoking habit is the most widely accepted environmental factor affecting the incidence and disease progression in the inflammatory bowel diseases. The contrasting effects in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis are unexplained. The purpose of this review is to summarise the existing data on the effects of smoking in CD on disease history, recurrence after surgery, effects on drug responses and to review available evidence that carriage of some of the known susceptibility genes may be disproportionate in smokers with CD. The review also highlights potential mechanisms involved and factors that might affect patients' smoking habits. The clinical and scientific implications of the data are discussed.

Selective alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists worsen disease in experimental colitis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In various models vagus nerve activation has been shown to ameliorate intestinal inflammation, via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) expressed on immune cells. As the alpha7 nAChR has been put forward to mediate this effect, we studied the effect of nicotine and two selective alpha7 nAChR agonists (AR-R17779, (-)-spiro[1-azabicyclo[2.2.2] octane-3,5'-oxazolidin-2'-one and GSK1345038A) on disease severity in two mouse models of experimental colitis.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Colitis was induced by administration of 1.5% dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) in drinking water or 2 mg 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) intrarectally. Nicotine (0.25 and 2.50 micromol.kg(-1)), AR-R17779 (0.6-30 micromol.kg(-1)) or GSK1345038A (6-120 micromol.kg(-1)) was administered daily by i.p. injection. After 7 (DSS) or 5 (TNBS) days clinical parameters and colonic inflammation were scored.

KEY RESULTS

Nicotine and both alpha7 nAChR agonists reduced the activation of NF-kappaB and pro-inflammatory cytokines in whole blood and macrophage cultures. In DSS colitis, nicotine treatment reduced colonic cytokine production, but failed to reduce disease parameters. Reciprocally, treatment with AR-R17779 or GSK1345038A worsened disease and led to increased colonic pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in DSS colitis. The highest doses of GSK1345038A (120 micromol.kg(-1)) and AR-R17779 (30 micromol.kg(-1)) ameliorated clinical parameters, without affecting colonic inflammation. Neither agonist ameliorated TNBS-induced colitis.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Although nicotine reduced cytokine responses in vitro, both selective alpha7 nAChR agonists worsened the effects of DSS-induced colitis or were ineffective in those of TNBS-induced colitis. Our data indicate the need for caution in evaluating alpha7 nAChR as a drug target in colitis.

Does nicotine influence cytokine profile and subsequent cell cycling/apoptotic responses in inflammatory bowel disease?

BACKGROUND

Smoking differentially influences susceptibility to the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). We investigated the effects of nicotine on cytokine, cell cycle, and apoptotic responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from IBD patients and healthy controls (HCs).

METHODS

PBMCs from IBD patients and HC were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 microg/mL) or phytohemagglutinin (PHA, 5 or 0.5 microg/mL), +/- nicotine (1, 10, 100 microg/mL). Cytokines (IL1beta, IL2, IL10, IL12/IL23p40, TGFbeta, TNFalpha) were measured in supernatants at 24 hours. After 72 hours cells were analyzed by flow cytometry for cell cycle and apoptosis. Statistical modeling was used to identify interactions between cytokines and cell cycle / apoptosis and minimize confounding effects.

RESULTS

Stimulation by LPS and PHA (5 microg/mL) increased IL12/IL23p40 production from CD and UC versus HC (P < 0.05); PHA (0.5 microg/mL) increased IL1beta in UC and decreased TGFbeta from CD and UC (P < 0.01). In all groups, nicotine reduced LPS- and PHA (0.5 microg/mL)-stimulated production of IL1beta, IL10, TGFbeta, and TNFalpha (P < 0.001). Cell cycle analysis showed that PHA, but not LPS, induced proliferation and decreased G(0)/G(1) resting cells in CD and UC versus HC (P < 0.001). Nicotine decreased PHA-stimulated S-phase proliferation and increased G(0)/G(1) resting cells (P < 0.01). Modeling showed independent associations between IL12/IL23p40 and apoptosis (P = 0.01), IL1beta and resting cells (P = 0.006), TNFalpha and proliferating cells (P < 0.001). Disease activity and smoking habit had no effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Dysregulated cytokine profiles in UC and CD are associated with specific alterations in cell cycle responses; these effects may be modified by nicotine, and potentially by anticytokine therapies.

Meta-analysis of the placebo response in ulcerative colitis

PURPOSE

The placebo response rate in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in ulcerative colitis (UC) varies from 0 to 76%. The aims of this study were to quantify the pooled placebo response rate and identify the factors affecting it.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of 110 RCTs carried out between 1955 and 2005 and published in English. Regression analysis was used to identify factors significantly modifying placebo response.

RESULTS

The pooled placebo remission rate was 23% (95%CI: 18.4-28%) and the pooled placebo improvement rate was 32.1% (95%CI: 28.1-36.3%). Multivariate analysis showed that the country where the study was performed (P = 0.025 for placebo remission and P = 0.0083 for placebo response rates) significantly influenced the placebo remission and response rates.

CONCLUSION

Placebo remission and response rates in RCTs of UC are highly variable and are significantly influenced by the country in which the RCT is performed.

Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: a review of medical therapy

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. While a cure remains elusive, both can be treated with medications that induce and maintain remission. With the recent advent of therapies that inhibit tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha the overlap in medical therapies for UC and CD has become greater. Although 5-ASA agents have been a mainstay in the treatment of both CD and UC, the data for their efficacy in patients with CD, particularly as maintenance therapy, are equivocal. Antibiotics may have a limited role in the treatment of colonic CD. Steroids continue to be the first choice to treat active disease not responsive to other more conservative therapy; non-systemic steroids such as oral and rectal budesonide for ileal and right-sided CD and distal UC respectively are also effective in mild-moderate disease. 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and its prodrug azathioprine are steroid-sparing immunomodulators effective in the maintenance of remission of both CD and UC, while methotrexate may be used in both induction and maintenance of CD. Infliximab and adalimumab are anti-TNF agents approved in the US and Europe for the treatment of Crohn's disease, and infliximab is also approved for the treatment of UC.

Activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway ameliorates postoperative ileus in mice

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We previously showed that intestinal inflammation is reduced by electrical stimulation of the efferent vagus nerve, which prevents postoperative ileus in mice. We propose that this cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is mediated via alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed on macrophages. The aim of this study was to evaluate pharmacologic activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in a mouse model for postoperative ileus using the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-agonist AR-R17779.

METHODS

Mice were pretreated with vehicle, nicotine, or AR-R17779 20 minutes before a laparotomy (L) or intestinal manipulation (IM). Twenty-four hours thereafter gastric emptying was determined using scintigraphy and intestinal muscle inflammation was quantified. Nuclear factor-kappaB transcriptional activity and cytokine production was assayed in peritoneal macrophages.

RESULTS

Twenty-four hours after surgery IM led to a delayed gastric emptying compared with L (gastric retention: L(saline) 14% +/- 4% vs IM(saline) 38% +/- 10%, P = .04). Pretreatment with AR-R17779 prevented delayed gastric emptying (IM(AR-R17779) 15% +/- 4%, P = .03). IM elicited inflammatory cell recruitment (L(saline) 50 +/- 8 vs IM(saline) 434 +/- 71 cells/mm(2), P = .001) which was reduced by AR-R17779 pretreatment (IM(AR-R17779) 231 +/- 32 cells/mm(2), P = .04). An equimolar dose of nicotine was not tolerated. Subdiaphragmal vagotomy did not affect the anti-inflammatory properties of AR-R17779. In peritoneal macrophages, both nicotinic agonists reduced nuclear factor kappaB transcriptional activity and proinflammatory cytokine production, with nicotine being more effective than AR-R17779.

CONCLUSIONS

AR-R17779 treatment potently prevents postoperative ileus, whereas toxicity limits nicotine administration to ineffective doses. Our data further imply that nicotinic inhibition of macrophage activation may involve other receptors in addition to alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

Hypothesis about mechanisms through which nicotine might exert its effect on the interdependence of inflammation and gut barrier function in ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by impairment of the epithelial barrier and the formation of ulcer-type lesions, which result in local leaks and generalized alterations of mucosal tight junctions. Ultimately, this results in increased basal permeability. Although disruption of the epithelial barrier in the gut is a hallmark of inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal infections, it remains unclear whether barrier breakdown is an initiating event of UC or rather a consequence of an underlying inflammation, evidenced by increased production of proinflammatory cytokines. UC is less common in smokers, suggesting that the nicotine in cigarettes may ameliorate disease severity. The mechanism behind this therapeutic effect is still not fully understood, and indeed it remains unclear if nicotine is the true protective agent in cigarettes. Nicotine is metabolized in the body into a variety of metabolites and can also be degraded to form various breakdown products. It is possible these metabolites or degradation products may be the true protective or curative agents. A greater understanding of the pharmacodynamics and kinetics of nicotine in relation to the immune system and enhanced knowledge of gut permeability defects in UC are required to establish the exact protective nature of nicotine and its metabolites in UC. This review suggests possible hypotheses for the protective mechanism of nicotine in UC, highlighting the relationship between gut permeability and inflammation, and indicates where in the pathogenesis of the disease nicotine may mediate its effect.

Nicotine and biochanin A, but not cigarette smoke, induce anti-inflammatory effects on keratinocytes and endothelial cells in patients with Behçet's disease

During periods of smoking, patients with Behçet's disease have less oral aphthae than in abstinence. To elucidate this observation, human keratinocytes and dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were incubated with serum of 20 patients with Behçet's disease and 20 healthy controls for 4 hours. Maximum non-toxic concentrations were determined and the cells were further treated with 6 microM nicotine, 3.3% cigarette smoke extract (CES), 100 microM biochanin A, and 6.25/12.5 microM pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate alone and in combinations for 24 hours. Serum IL-8 levels of patients were significantly lower than those of controls. However, after 4 hours incubation with patients' sera, IL-8 release by both cell types was markedly increased when compared with the corresponding serum levels. The levels of IL-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release were after 4 hours similar with the corresponding levels in serum. IL-1 was not detected. Nicotine significantly decreased IL-8 and -6 release by HMEC-1 maintained in both patients' and controls' sera, but only IL-6 release by keratinocytes maintained in patients' sera. VEGF release by both cells was markedly increased after nicotine treatment in either serum. CES significantly decreased IL-8 release and increased production of VEGF in keratinocytes maintained in patients' serum. The phytoestrogen biochanin A alone and in combination with nicotine further decreased the secretion of IL-8, -6, and VEGF in all experimental settings. Our data support a specific anti-inflammatory effect of nicotine on keratinocytes and endothelial cells maintained in the serum of patients with Behçet's disease. Moreover, biochanin A is likely to exhibit similar and even more profound results than nicotine.

Medical management of left-sided ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis: critical evaluation of therapeutic trials

BACKGROUND

The goal of this work was to critically evaluate the published studies on the treatment of ulcerative proctitis (UP) and left-sided ulcerative colitis (L-UC). The results of this review provided the content for the accompanying treatment guidelines, Clinical Guidelines for the Medical Management of Left-sided Ulcerative Colitis and Ulcerative Proctitis: Summary Statement.

METHODS

All English language articles published between 1995 and September 2005 were identified through a comprehensive literature search using OVID and PubMed. The quality of the data supporting or rejecting the use of specific therapies was categorized by a data quality grading scale. An "A+" grade was assigned to treatment supported by multiple high-quality randomized controlled trials with consistent results, whereas a "D" grade was given to therapy supported only by expert opinion. The therapeutic efficacy of a treatment was defined by its success in treating UP and L-UC compared with placebo. A medication was ranked as "excellent" if it was specifically studied for UP and L-UC and had consistently positive results compared with placebo or another agent. Quality and efficacy scores were agreed on by author consensus.

RESULTS

For the acute treatment of UP or L-UC, the rectally administered corticosteroids and mesalazine (5-ASA), either alone or in combination with oral 5-ASAs, are the most effective therapy: evidence quality, A+; efficacy, excellent. Only rectally administered 5-ASA received an A+/excellent rating for maintenance of remission. Infliximab received an A+ grade for induction and maintenance of remission but only a "good" rating because the studies were performed in all UC, not specifically UP or L-UC.

CONCLUSIONS

This critical evaluation of treatment provides a "report card" on medications available for the management of patients with UP and L-UC. The guidelines should provide a useful reference and supplement for physicians treating UC patients.

Mechanisms of Disease: nicotine—a review of its actions in the context of gastrointestinal disease

Smoking tobacco is associated with a number of gastrointestinal disorders. In some, such as Crohn's disease and peptic ulcer disease, it increases the risk of disease and has a detrimental effect on their course. In others, such as ulcerative colitis, it decreases the risk of disease and can have a favorable effect on disease course and severity. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, nicotine was used as a 'panacea' for various ailments, including abdominal symptoms--it is now under investigation to elucidate its role in gastrointestinal diseases that are associated with smoking. The actions of nicotine are complex; it is likely that its effects on the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and immune system interact with other risk factors, such as genetic susceptibility, to influence disease outcomes. This review focuses on the mechanisms of action of nicotine that might be relevant in gastrointestinal disease.

A randomized trial of nicotine enemas for active ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is largely a disease of nonsmokers in which transdermal nicotine improves the symptoms but often causes adverse events (AEs). Nicotine enemas cause fewer AEs and were used as supplemental treatment for active UC.

METHODS

We treated 104 patients with active UC with either 6-mg nicotine enemas or placebo enemas for 6 weeks in a randomized double-blind study. Patients continued their oral therapy, if any, for UC: 68 patients were taking mesalamine, 15 patients were taking prednisolone, and 12 patients were taking thiopurines during the study. Clinical, sigmoidoscopic, and histologic assessments were made at baseline and at the end of the study and symptoms were recorded daily on a diary card. The primary end point was induction of clinical remission and clinical improvement also was measured by the UC disease activity index. After the study, patients then used nicotine enemas daily for 4 weeks and sigmoidoscopy with a biopsy examination was repeated. AEs and salivary cotinine levels were monitored throughout the study.

RESULTS

Clinical remission was achieved in 14 of 52 (27%) patients on active treatment and 14 of 43 (33%) patients on placebo (P = .55). The UC disease activity index improved by 1.45 points in the active group and by 1.65 points for those on placebo (P = .88). Only 1 patient discontinued treatment because of an AE (abdominal pain). In the 47 patients taking mesalamine only, active treatment conferred benefit that was not statistically significant; disease remission occurred in 9 of 25 patients on active therapy and 4 of 21 patients on placebo (P = .20).

CONCLUSIONS

Six-milligram nicotine enemas were well tolerated but were not found to be efficacious for active UC.

The vagus nerve and the nicotinic anti-inflammatory pathway

Physiological anti-inflammatory mechanisms are selected by evolution to effectively control the immune system and can be exploited for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Recent studies indicate that the vagus nerve (which is the longest of the cranial nerves and innervates most of the peripheral organs) can modulate the immune response and control inflammation through a 'nicotinic anti-inflammatory pathway' dependent on the alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7nAChR). Nicotine has been used in clinical trials for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, but its clinical applications are limited by its unspecific effects and subsequent toxicity. This article reviews recent advances supporting the therapeutic potential of selective nicotinic agonists in several diseases. Similar to the development of alpha- and beta-agonists for adrenoceptors, selective agonists for alpha7nAChR could represent a promising pharmacological strategy against infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Novel approaches to inflammatory bowel disease

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are chronic, spontaneously relapsing disorders of unknown cause. These diseases appear to be immunologically mediated and have genetic and environmental influences. Although the cause of these diseases remains obscure, the pathogenesis of chronic intestinal inflammation is becoming clearer, due to improved animal models of enterocolitis and important advances in immunological techniques. Traditional therapy for IBD, although helping to induce and maintain disease remission, does little to alter the underlying fundamental disease process. New IBD therapy has not developed significantly over the past twenty years and includes 5-aminosalicylic acid preparations, corticosteroids and immunomodulatory agents, such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate. There is, therefore, a need for new, specific disease-modifying therapy and the development of such therapy has been hastened by a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of IBD. This review examines the most recent novel therapies for IBD, with specific emphasis on immunomodulatory and novel anti-inflammatory therapies. Recent clinical trials are reviewed, and the potential advances and clinical impact that these novel agents may provide are discussed.