Apoptosis in the colonic crypt, colorectal adenomata, and manipulation by chemoprevention.

This review discusses the biology and the methods of assessment of apoptosis, of which, the monoclonal antibody M30 would seem to be the most useful; the role of apoptosis in the etiology of colorectal cancer; and its use as a marker to monitor the beneficial effects of chemopreventative interventions to reduce the development of colorectal cancer within the context of clinical trials.

Effect of the CD14 promoter polymorphism on liver function tests and its association with alcohol and obesity.

Objective: To investigate the effect of the functional CD14 promoter polymorphism on serum liver function tests and abnormally elevated liver function tests in a general population sample.

Methods: We recruited 310 subjects at random from general practitioner lists in Surrey. A previously validated medical questionnaire was completed and a serum sample provided for estimation of liver function test and genotyping of CD14 promoter polymorphism.

A new, highly sensitive assay for C-reactive protein can aid the differentiation of inflammatory bowel disorders from constipation- and diarrhoea-predominant functional bowel disorders.

Background: Patients presenting to gastroenterology clinics with symptoms suggestive of lower-bowel disorders often require extensive investigation to differentiate functional from organic disease. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive marker of systemic inflammation. Levels of CRP are frequently raised in cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).