Recommendations for the optimal use of mesalazine in the management of patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.

The 2021 National report from IBD UK included responses from over 10 000 patients with inflammatory bowel disease, over 70% of whom reported having at least one flare in the last 12 months. As the first-line treatment for patients with mild and moderate ulcerative colitis, the action and delivery mechanisms of mesalazine are crucial for successful management of the disease. The choice of the most appropriate formulation of mesalazine and securing patient concordance and adherence to treatment remains a challenge for healthcare professionals.

MicroRNA-31 Targets Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin in Mucosal Infiltrated CD4+ T Cells: A Role in Achieving Mucosal Healing in Ulcerative Colitis?

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by disruption of the mucosal intestinal barrier. MicroRNAs, single-stranded noncoding RNAs of approximately 22nt, are dysregulated in UC. MicroRNAs targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a cytokine involved in T-cell maturation and polarization, may be involved in regulating UC inflammation and mucosal healing.

MicroRNA-31 and MicroRNA-155 Are Overexpressed in Ulcerative Colitis and Regulate IL-13 Signaling by Targeting Interleukin 13 Receptor α-1.

Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is an important Type 2 T helper (Th2) cytokine, controlling biological functions in epithelium and has been linked to asthma, atopic dermatitis and ulcerative colitis (UC). Interleukin-13 signals through IL-13 receptor α-1 ( (gene) and IL13Rα1 (protein)), a receptor that can be regulated by microRNAs (miRs). MicroRNAs are small non-coding single-stranded RNAs with a role in several pathologies.

Biosimilar Infliximab in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Outcomes of a Managed Switching Programme.

Background And Aims: Biosimilar infliximab CT-P13 offers the potential for large drug acquisition cost savings. However, there are limited published data regarding its efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], particularly in switching IBD patients from originator to biosimilar infliximab. We present the outcomes of a service evaluation of switching IBD patients established on originator infliximab to biosimilar, using a managed switching programme funded via a gain share agreement in a UK teaching hospital.

MicroRNAs in inflammatory bowel diseases: paradoxes and possibilities.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded RNA molecules, which influence the translation of messenger RNA and hence protein synthesis. The altered expression of miRNAs in disease states in cancer and autoimmune diseases including inflammatory bowel disease is providing new insights into disease pathogenesis. This understanding is leading to consideration of the utility of miRNAs in diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics in inflammatory bowel disease.

Perforated colonic diverticulum in old age: surgical or medical management?

Perforation of a colonic diverticulum is a common surgical emergency particularly in older people. Surgical treatments result in the best outcomes for patients with good functional and physiological status, but for frailer patients there are minimally invasive and medical alternatives. This article considers the evidence for the different options.