Perturbed Mitochondrial Dynamics Is a Novel Feature of Colitis That Can Be Targeted to Lessen Disease.

Background & Aims: Mitochondria exist in a constantly remodelling network, and excessive fragmentation can be pathophysiological. Mitochondrial dysfunction can accompany enteric inflammation, but any contribution of altered mitochondrial dynamics (ie, fission/fusion) to gut inflammation is unknown. We hypothesized that perturbed mitochondrial dynamics would contribute to colitis.

Colitis-Induced Microbial Perturbation Promotes Postinflammatory Visceral Hypersensitivity.

Background & Aims: Despite achieving endoscopic remission, more than 20% of inflammatory bowel disease patients experience chronic abdominal pain. These patients have increased rectal transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 receptor (TRPV1) expression, a key transducer of inflammatory pain. Because inflammatory bowel disease patients in remission exhibit dysbiosis and microbial manipulation alters TRPV1 function, our goal was to examine whether microbial perturbation modulated transient receptor potential function in a mouse model.

Aluminum Ingestion Promotes Colorectal Hypersensitivity in Rodents.

Background & Aims: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a multifactorial disease arising from a complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental influences. To date, environmental triggers are not well known. Aluminum is commonly present in food, notably by its use as food additive.