Clinical Utility of Disease Activity Indices in Predicting Short-Term Response to Biologics in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

: The Mayo Score [MS], endoscopic Mayo Score [eMS] and the Ulcerative Colitis Index of Severity [UCEIS] are employed in the assessment of ulcerative colitis [UC] severity. This study compared the aforementioned indices in terms of predictory value for response to remission induction treatment with anti-TNF and anti-integrin biologics. : A total of 38 patients were retrospectively evaluated in the study, 23 male and 15 female, aged 18-74 years old who had undergone a total of 53 biological therapy courses with either infliximab [IFX] or vedolizumab [VDZ] at the Department of Gastroenterology of the Medical University of Łódź.

Quality of Life in Patients over Age 65 after Intestinal Ostomy Creation as Treatment of Large Intestine Disease.

Introduction: For patients with severe intestinal diseases, ostomy surgery can be health-preserving and even lifesaving. Unfortunately, stoma creation also results in a morbidity that patients must manage. Utilization of the correct ostomy appliances is essential for the patient to regain full daily fitness.

Nutritional Status Indicators as a Predictor of Achieving Remission at Week 14 during Vedolizumab Therapy in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: A Pilot Study.

: The loss of response or failure to achieve remission to vedolizumab in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients is currently a major clinical problem. Recently, Nutritional Risk Index (NRI), Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT), and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) have been suggested as a new prognostic factor of UC activity. Here, we aimed at confirmation of hypotezis that NRI, CONUT and MUST may be used as inexpensive and efficient predictive biomarkers of response in UC patients treated with vedolizumab.

Karyotype Abnormalities in the X Chromosome Predict Response to the Growth Hormone Therapy in Turner Syndrome.

Short stature is characteristic for Turner syndrome (TS) patients, and particular karyotype abnormalities of the X chromosome may be associated with different responsiveness to recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of different types of TS karyotype abnormalities on the response to rhGH therapy. A total of 57 prepubertal patients with TS treated with rhGH with a 3 year follow-up were enrolled in the study and categorized according to their karyotype as X monosomy ( = 35), isochromosome ( = 11), marker chromosome ( = 5), or X-mosaicism ( = 6).

The association of the quality of sleep with proinflammatory cytokine profile in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Background: The role of circadian rhythm abnormalities in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains relatively unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the inflammatory cytokine profile in the IBD patients and its relationship with the quality of sleep.

Methods: Prospective, single-center observational cohort study was performed.

The 25(OH)D3, but Not 1,25(OH)2D3 Levels Are Elevated in IBD Patients Regardless of Vitamin D Supplementation and Do Not Associate with Pain Severity or Frequency.

Due to its immunomodulatory effect, vitamin D has been associated with clinical parameters and outcomes in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) which are chronic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Upon synthesis or digestion, vitamin D is metabolized in the liver to form 25(OH)D3, the major circulating metabolite. Further renal hydroxylation generates 1,25(OH)2D3, the most potent metabolite.

Current concepts in the pathogenesis of cryptoglandular perianal fistula.

Cryptoglandular perianal fistula is a common benign anorectal disorder that is managed mainly with surgery. A fistula is typically defined as a pathological communication between two epithelialized surfaces. More specifically, perianal fistula manifests as an abnormal tract between the anorectal canal and the perianal skin.

Circadian rhythm abnormalities in patients with inflammatory bowel disease - association with adipokine profile.

The role of sleep disturbances in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remained relatively unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the adipokine profile in the patients with IBD and its relationship with the circadian rhythm disorders. Prospective, observational cohort study was performed.

Sexual dysfunctions following low anterior resection of the rectum in rectal cancer patients.

Introduction: Low anterior resection of the rectum (LAR) is a treatment of choice in patients with diagnosed low rectal cancer. Rectal cancer surgery has a close relationship with the urinary-sexual organs and also with related nerves and nerve plexus. Thus, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves of the pelvic area may be damaged.

Presacral tumors: diagnosis and treatment - a challenge for a surgeon.

Introduction: Presacral tumors are a rare group of heterogeneous lesions located in a potential space referred to as the retrorectal or presacral space. Lack of characteristic symptomatology and difficult anatomical localization make the diagnosis and management challenging for a surgeon. The aim of this study was to analyze cases of presacral tumors that underwent surgical treatment with regard to diagnostics, methods and outcomes.

Preferences of patients with inflammatory bowel disease for receiving specialized health services using technology: the role of Internet and other sources of medical information.

Introduction: It is notable that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have insufficient knowledge about their disease and are willing to be more involved in their treatment. Nowadays medical information is easily available and health-related topics state the third most frequent reason for using the Internet. Therefore, patient's health-related self-awareness and willingness to take part in medical decisions have improved.

The role of adipose tissue in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic, immune system-mediated inflammatory disease affecting gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The pathogenesis of the intestinal lesions is not entirely explained and understood: excessive activation of the immune system may come as a result of the interaction of environmental, genetic and infectious factors and the mediation of abnormal intestinal flora. The main objective of the current study is to further identify the role of adipose tissue in the pathogenesis of CD.

Enkephalin degradation in serum of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of chronic and recurrent gastrointestinal disorders that are difficult to control. Recently, a new IBD therapy based on the targeting of the endogenous opioid system has been proposed. Consequently, due to the fact that endogenous enkephalins have an anti-inflammatory effect, we aimed at investigating the degradation of serum enkephalin (Met- and Leu-enkephalin) in patients with IBD.

Genetic Molecular Subtypes in Optimizing Personalized Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease entity in terms of both molecular carcinogenesis and morphologic carcinogenesis multistep pathways. Considerable heterogeneity exists within CRC due to the varied genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in different carcinogenesis pathways. A better understanding of pathophysiology of tumors is necessary to develop modern and successful means of treatment in metastatic CRC.

Treatment of the Fluoroquinolone-Associated Disability: The Pathobiochemical Implications.

Long-term fluoroquinolone-associated disability (FQAD) after fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotic therapy appears in recent years as a significant medical and social problem, because patients suffer for many years after prescribed antimicrobial FQ treatment from tiredness, concentration problems, neuropathies, tendinopathies, and other symptoms. The knowledge about the molecular activity of FQs in the cells remains unclear in many details. The effective treatment of this chronic state remains difficult and not effective.

The incidence rate of surgical interventions in patients with Crohn's disease treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor biologics.

Background: Anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha drugs (anti-TNF-α) effectively reduce the risk of surgery in Crohn's disease (CD). Unsatisfactory response to anti-TNF-α agents leads to the development of disease complications in a great percentage of patients. Simultaneously, possible predictive factors for ares during biological treatment remain uncertain.

Serum Cyclophilin A Correlates with Increased Tissue MMP-9 in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis, but Not with Crohn's Disease.

Background: Cyclophilin A (CyPA) is an immunomodulatory protein, high expression of which correlates with poor outcome of patients with inflammatory diseases. However, its role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been studied.

Aim: This study analyzes the correlation between cyclophilin A, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)/MMP-9 complexes in the inflamed and non-inflamed colon mucosa of UC and CD patients.

G Protein-Coupled Receptor 30 (GPR30) Expression Pattern in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Suggests its Key Role in the Inflammatory Process. A Preliminary Study.

Background And Aims: G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) is a recently de-orphanized estrogen receptor that mediates the effects of estrogens on different cells. It has been postulated that in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) activation of GPR30 blocks the pathways dependent on pro-inflammatory cytokines. The aim of our study was to investigate GPR30 expression in patients with IBD and its potential implication in future therapies.

G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) expresses differently in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Aim: To investigate the levels of G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) expression in colonic tissue of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and healthy controls, and its potential implication in IBD treatment.

Methods: Fifty patients were enrolled in our prospective study: n = 21 with Crohn's disease (CD) and n = 16 with ulcerative colitis (UC); 19 women and 18 men. Control consisted of 13 non-IBD patients.

Mean platelet volume as a possible biomarker of tumor progression in rectal cancer.

Background: Rectal cancer is a major cause of death and an early diagnosis is crucial in decreasing mortality. Previous studies found a relation between chronic inflammation and increased risk of rectal cancer. It was shown that mean platelet volume (MPV) level might be a marker of subclinical inflammatory process in gastrointestinal tract.

Alopecia areata in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: an overview.

Alopecia areata (AA) is one of the most common causes of non-scarring hair loss, which is associated with the premature induction of hair follicle regression. The pathogenesis of AA is unknown, although it is believed that a complicated autoimmune mechanism with Th1 lymphocytes and proinfammatory cytokines, such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-2, may be involved. AA may occur as a single disease entity or coexist with other autoimmunological disorders.

Elevated risk of venous thromboembolic events in patients with inflammatory myopathies.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a multifactorial disease manifesting as either deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Its prevalence makes VTE a significant issue for both the individual - as a negative factor influencing the quality of life and prognosis - and the society due to economic burden. VTE is the third most common vascular disorder in Western countries, after myocardial infarction and stroke, making it a major cause of in-hospital mortality, responsible for 5%-10% of hospital deaths.

Clinical potential of eluxadoline in the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) belongs to the group of functional gastrointestinal disorders and is characterized by abdominal pain in conjunction with diarrhea. The incidence of IBS-D is currently increasing, leading to a heavy economic burden for patients and health care systems worldwide. Recent studies suggest eluxadoline as an attractive new tool for the treatment of patients with IBS-D.

The influence of family pattern abnormalities in the early stages of life on the course of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) belong to the group of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), chronic immune mediated diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with significant negative impact on patients' quality of life. CD and UC are related with the development of chronic inflammatory lesions in the GI tract, causing digestive and absorption disorders. Typical symptoms of IBD are: abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss.