Contribution of CD3+CD8- and CD3+CD8+ T Cells to TNF-α Overexpression in Crohn Disease-Associated Perianal Fistulas and Induction of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in HT-29 Cells.

Background: Fistulas represent a frequent and severe complication in patients with Crohn disease (CD). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-beta, and interleukin (IL)-13 are known to trigger epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), promoting fistula formation. Here, we investigated the role of T-lymphocytes (T cells) in fistula pathogenesis.

Hallmarks of epithelial to mesenchymal transition are detectable in Crohn's disease associated intestinal fibrosis.

Background: Intestinal fibrosis and subsequent stricture formation represent frequent complications of Crohn's disease (CD). In many organs, fibrosis develops as a result of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Recent studies suggested that EMT could be involved in intestinal fibrosis as a result of chronic inflammation.

Quality of life after proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Purpose: While ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is performed in many patients with ulcerative colitis, conflicting data exist about its effects on quality of life. We aimed to determine quality of life and to identify risk factors for impaired quality of life in these patients.

Methods: Forty-eight of 82 patients (59%; median follow-up 57 months [range 21-93 months]) after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis were compared to 48 matched healthy controls.

The role for dickkopf-homolog-1 in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease-associated fistulae.

Background: One of the most challenging conditions in Crohn's disease (CD) patients is the treatment of perianal fistulae. We have recently shown that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role during CD-fistulae development. Dickkopf-homolog 1 (DKK-1) is known to play a key role during EMT.

A role for tumor necrosis factor and bacterial antigens in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease-associated fistulae.

Background: Intestinal fistulae represent a severe complication of Crohn's disease (CD). The authors have demonstrated that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition plays a pivotal role in their pathogenesis. High levels of interleukin-13 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are detected in myofibroblast-like transitional cells covering the fistula tracts.

Interleukin-13 and transforming growth factor β synergise in the pathogenesis of human intestinal fistulae.

Objective: Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) seems to play an important role in the pathogenesis of fistulae, a common clinical complication of Crohn's disease (CD). TGFβ and interleukin-13 (IL-13) have been correlated with the onset of EMT-associated organ fibrosis and high levels of TGFβ have been shown in transitional cells (TCs) lining CD fistula tracts. This study investigated whether IL-13 could be involved in the pathogenesis of CD-associated fistulae.

Potential role for SNAIL family transcription factors in the etiology of Crohn's disease-associated fistulae.

Background: Fistulae represent an important clinical complication of Crohn's disease (CD). The fistula tracts are covered by flat, myofibroblast-like cells with an epithelial origin (transitional cells, TC). We recently demonstrated a role of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the pathogenesis of CD-associated fistulae.

Asymmetric sphincter innervation is associated with fecal incontinence after anal sphincter trauma during childbirth.

Aims: Functional asymmetry of pelvic floor innervation has been shown to exist in healthy subjects, and has been proposed to be a predictor of increased risk for fecal incontinence in case of trauma. However, this remains to be shown for different clinical conditions such as traumatic childbirth.

Methods: A conventional surface EMG system was used to assess the innervation of the external anal sphincter.

Percutaneous MR-guided radiofrequency ablation of recurrent sacrococcygeal chordomas.

Objective: Radiofrequency ablation is emerging as a therapeutic technique for the treatment of an increasing variety of tumors. Exact visual guidance to the tumor and controlled delivery of energy is pivotal for ablation success.

Conclusion: Introducing MRI as a guidance technique ideally uses tumor-specific tissue characteristics, allows direct multiplanar reconstruction for precise needle positioning, and permits real-time monitoring and assessment of treatment-induced tissue signal changes to increase the safety of the procedure.

Serotonin receptor blockade increases food intake and body weight after total gastrectomy in rats.

Background: Total gastrectomy often results in early satiety and loss of body weight. Serotonin inhibits food intake, and postprandial serotonin release is increased after total gastrectomy. Serotonin might contribute to early satiety and loss of body weight after total gastrectomy.

Total gastrectomy severely alters the central regulation of food intake in rats.

Objective: To investigate the central regulation of food intake by quantifying neuron activation of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) after injection of cholecystokinin (CCK) or food intake in gastrectomized rats.

Summary Background Data: Total gastrectomy is followed by early satiety, low calorie intake, and weight loss in the majority of patients. The etiology of these effects is unknown.