Inflammatory bowel diseases at the University of Chicago--early experiences: a personal historical account

Effects of Mesobiliverdin IXα-Enriched Microalgae Feed on Gut Health and Microbiota of Broilers

Gut inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) links to animal medicinal feed and antibiotic-resistance are fueling major economic impacts in the agricultural livestock industry. New animal feeds that promote livestock gut health and control of IBDs without antibiotics are needed. This study investigates the effects of mesobiliverdin IXα (MBV)-enriched microalgae spirulina extracts on the growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphology, and gut microbiota of broilers. A total of 288 1-day-old broiler chicks (Arbor Acres) were randomly allotted to six dietary treatments (4 pens/treatment and 12 birds/pen). The dietary treatments comprised a basal diet as control (CON), basal diet plus 0.05 and 0.1% microalgae extract as low and high dose, respectively (SP1 and SP2), basal diet plus 0.05 and 0.1% MBV-enriched microalgae extract as low and high dose, respectively (MBV-SP1 and MBV-SP2), and basal diet plus 0.1% amoxicillin (AMX). All treated animals showed no significant differences in live weight, average daily gain, and feed efficiency compared to control animals. Histological examination showed that AMX treatment decreased the villi lengths of the duodenum and ileum below control villi length (P < 0.05) while MBV-SP1 and particularly MBV-SP2 increased villi lengths in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum above AMX -treatment lengths (P < 0.05). The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio increased in the cecum of broilers fed AMX (P < 0.05) while SP2, MBV-SP1, and MBV-SP2-fed animals showed (in order) increasing ratios up to the AMX level. The abundance of bacterial species of the genus Lactobacillus increased in MBV-SP1 and MBV-SP2-fed groups including a striking increase in Lactobacillus salivarius abundance with MBV-SP2 (P < 0.05). Feeding MBV-SP1 and MBV-SP2 decreased the level of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in plasma of broilers to a greater extent than SP1 and SP2. These results reveal that MBV-enriched microalgae extracts improve the intestinal health and beneficial microflora composition of broilers.

Clinical analysis and colonoscopic manifestations in 120 patients with ulcerative colitis

AIM: To evaluate clinical features, colonoscopic manifestations, PLT levels, ESR levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) of ulcerative colitis.

METHODS: The clinical data obtained from 120 patients with ulcerative colitis admitted to our hospital from Jan. 2003 to Dec. 2006 were retrospectively analyzed concerning its colonoscopic manifestations, PLT levels, ESR levels and CRP concentrations.

RESULTS: Of 120 cases, the onset age of UC mainly fell within the range of 31-40. Mucopurulent Bloody stool and abdominal pain were major clinical manifestations present in 72.3% and 60.8% of the patients, respectively. Congested and swollen mucosa (91.7%), obscure vascular net (84.2%) and superficial ulcers (68.3%) were commonly seen under colonoscopy. Proctosigmoiditis and left-sided colitis were found in 62 patients (51.7%). Chronic mucosal inflammation (97.7%), inflammatory cells infiltration (50.0%)and crypt abscess (41.7%) were found upon pathological examination. The levels of PLT, ESR and CRP were significantly higher than that in healthy controls.

CONCLUSION: The lesions of UC are commonly confined to the left sided colon. Colonoscopy plays an important role in UC diagnosis. The levels of PLT, ESR and CRP can be used as indicators for severity degree of UC.

What is the origin of ulcerative colitis? Still more questions than answers

Despite more than a century of existence as a clinical entity, the true origin of ulcerative colitis still remains elusive. Several factors probably contribute to the development of this condition. Recently discovered technologies have clarified the role of bacterial species, which may account for intestinal dysbiosis, as a factor triggering ulcerative colitis. Genetic susceptibility together with abnormal innate immunoreactivity probably comprise the essential prerequisites for the initiation and perpetuation of ulcerative colitis. Although the genetic background has been more clearly recognised in patients with Crohn's disease than in those with ulcerative colitis, some candidate loci associated with ulcerative colitis have also been intensively studied. Additionally, environmental factors may interfere with inherent predispositions to ulcerative colitis, and either suppress or reinforce them. Whatever the origin, the search for the aetiology of ulcerative colitis must have the same goal: the improvement of treatment and the quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis.