Brain effects of gestating germ-free persist in mouse neonates despite acquisition of a microbiota at birth.

At birth, mammals experience a massive colonization by microorganisms. We previously reported that newborn mice gestated and born germ-free (GF) have increased microglial labeling and alterations in developmental neuronal cell death in the hippocampus and hypothalamus, as well as greater forebrain volume and body weight when compared to conventionally colonized (CC) mice. To test whether these effects are solely due to differences in postnatal microbial exposure, or instead may be programmed , we cross-fostered GF newborns immediately after birth to CC dams (GF→CC) and compared them to offspring fostered within the same microbiota status (CC→CC, GF→GF).

Sexual differentiation of estrogen receptor alpha subpopulations in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus.

Estrogen receptor (ER) α-expressing neurons in the ventrolateral area of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl) are implicated in the control of many behaviors and physiological processes, some of which are sex-specific. Recently, three sex-differentiated ERα subpopulations have been discovered in the VMHvl marked by co-expression with tachikinin1 (Tac1), reprimo (Rprm), or prodynorphin (Pdyn), that may subserve specific functions. These markers show sex differences in adulthood: females have many more Tac1/Esr1 and Rprm/Esr1 co-expressing cells, while males have more Pdyn/Esr1 cells.

Birth triggers an inflammatory response in the neonatal periphery and brain.

Birth is preceded by inflammation at the fetal/maternal interface. Additionally, the newborn experiences stimuli that under any other circumstance could elicit an immune response. It is unknown, however, whether birth elicits an inflammatory response in the newborn that extends to the brain.

Clinical Activity and Quality of Life Indices Are Valid Across Ulcerative Colitis But Not Crohn's Disease Phenotypes.

Background: Clinical activity and quality of life (QOL) indices assess disease activity in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). However, a paucity of data exists on the validity of these indices according to disease characteristics.

Aims: To examine the correlation between QOL and clinical activity indices and endoscopic disease activity according to disease characteristics.

Body Mass Index, Genetic Susceptibility, and Risk of Complications Among Individuals with Crohn's Disease.

Background: Obesity is associated with systemic and intestine-specific inflammation and alterations in gut microbiota, which in turn impact mucosal immunity. Nonetheless, a specific role of obesity and its interaction with genetics in the progression of Crohn's disease (CD) is unclear.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with CD enrolled in Prospective Registry in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Study at Massachusetts General Hospital (PRISM).