First international summit on fibrosis in intestinal inflammation: mechanisms and biological therapies

The first meeting dedicated to intestinal fibrosis, entitled The First International Summit on Fibrosis in Intestinal Inflammation: Mechanisms and Biological Therapies, was held in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, on 28-29 September 2010. Intestinal fibrosis is a complication of inflammatory conditions affecting the small and large bowel and often results in serious clinical consequences. Despite its clinical importance, the study of inflammation-driven intestinal fibrosis has received very limited attention. This explains why so little is known about its pathophysiology and the lack of significant therapeutic advances, in contrast with the recent success achieved in controlling gut inflammation with biological agents. The meeting covered most aspects directly relevant to intestinal fibrosis, including gut inflammation; cellular and molecular mechanisms of intestinal fibrogenesis; new clinical, diagnostic and prognostic tests and novel therapeutic approaches

Medical therapy of stricturing Crohn’s disease: what the gut can learn from other organs - a systematic review

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic remitting and relapsing disease. Fibrostenosing complications such as intestinal strictures, stenosis and ultimately obstruction are some of its most common long-term complications. Despite recent advances in the pathophysiological understanding of CD and a significant improvement of anti-inflammatory therapeutics, medical therapy for stricturing CD is still inadequate. No specific anti-fibrotic therapy exists and the incidence rate of strictures has essentially remained unchanged. Therefore, the current therapy of established fibrotic strictures comprises mainly endoscopic dilation as well as surgical approaches. However, these treatment options are associated with major complications as well as high recurrence rates. Thus, a specific anti-fibrotic therapy for CD is urgently needed. Importantly, there is now a growing body of evidence for prevention as well as effective medical treatment of fibrotic diseases of other organs such as the skin, lung, kidney and liver. In face of the similarity of molecular mechanisms of fibrogenesis across these organs, translation of therapeutic approaches from other fibrotic diseases to the intestine appears to be a promising treatment strategy. In particular transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) neutralization, selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors, blockade of components of the renin-angiotensin system, IL-13 inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors have emerged as potential drug candidates for anti-fibrotic therapy and may retard progression or even reverse established intestinal fibrosis. However, major challenges have to be overcome in the translation of novel anti-fibrotics into intestinal fibrosis therapy, such as the development of appropriate biomarkers that predict the development and accurately monitor therapeutic responses. Future clinical studies are a prerequisite to evaluate the optimal timing for anti-fibrotic treatment approaches, to elucidate the best routes of application, and to evaluate the potential of drug candidates to reach the ultimate goal: the prevention or reversal of established fibrosis and strictures in CD patients

Wirkung der spezifischen Phosphodiesterase-Inhibitoren Roflumilast und Pumafentrine im Mausmodell der Dextran-Sodium-Sulfat-induzierten Kolitis

Die Suppression von Tumor-Nekrose-Faktor-a durch die spezifische Hemmung der Phosphodiesterase konnte bisher sowohl in vitro als auch in verschiedenen Tiermodellen für chronisch entzündliche Erkrankungen gezeigt werden (Torphy 1998; Schudt et al. 1999; Bundschuh et. al. 2001; Hatzelmann und Schudt 2001). In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde die Wirkung des spezifischen Phosphodiesterase Typ 4-Inhibitors Roflumilast und des dualselektiven Phosphodiesterase Typ 3/4-Inhibitors Pumafentrine im Mausmodell der Dextran-Sodium-Sulfat induzierten Kolitis getestet. Hierbei handelt es sich nach unserer Kenntnis um die erste Prüfung dieser Substanzen in diesem Tiermodell und um die erste Untersuchung eines Phosphodiesterase Typ 3/4-Inhibitors in einem Kolitismodell überhaupt. Die Kolitis wurde durch orale Gabe von Dextran-Sodium-Sulfat im Trinkwasser über 11 Tage induziert. Die Entzündung des Kolons war mit geringer Variation gut reproduzierbar. Die Phosphodiesterase-Inhibitoren wurden mit Beginn der Dextran-Sodium-Sulfat-Gabe einmal täglich p. o. über den gesamten Versuchs-verlauf appliziert. 109 weibliche Balb/c Mäuse wurden in den Versuchsreihen eingesetzt. Roflumilast zeigte eine dosisabhängige Wirksamkeit. Die 5 mg/kg KG Dosis zeigte einen deutlichen therapeutischen Effekt auf den klinischen Verlauf, die Kolonlänge, die Produktion von Tumor-Nekrose-Faktor-a im Kolon sowie das Milzgewicht. Diese Verbesserung korrelierte mit einer geringeren Ausprägung der histopathologischen Veränderungen im Kolon. Bei der 1 mg/kg KG Dosis wurden nur der klinische Score, die Kolonlänge und das Milzgewicht signifikant verbessert. Pumafentrine bewirkte in der mittleren eingesetzten Dosierung (5 mg/kg KG) eine Besserung des klinischen Scores, der Kolonlänge und der Tumor-Nekrose-Faktor-a-Produktion im Kolongewebe. Es konnte keine Beeinflussung der systemischen Entzündungsreaktion anhand einer Verringerung des Milzgewichtes beobachtet werden, jedoch zeigte sich bei ex vivo stimulierten Splenozyten eine signifikant geringere Aktivierbarkeit und Zytokinsynthese. Die 20 mg/kg KG Dosis verbesserte als einzigen Endpunkt die Tumor-Nekrose-Faktor-a-Produktion im Kolon, während die 1,5 mg/kg KG Dosis in keinem der untersuchten Parameter zu einer signifikanten Wirksamkeit führte. Die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit zeigen, dass die Phosphodiesterase-Inhibitoren Roflumilast und Pumafentrine dosisabhängig zu einer Verbesserung der Dextran-Sodium-Sulfat-induzierten Kolitis - als einem Modell für chronisch entzündliche Darmerkrankungen - führen. Die spezifische Hemmung der Phosphodiesterase Typ 4 und die duale Hemmung der Phosphodiesterase Typ 3/4 stellen deshalb viel versprechende Ansätze in der Therapie chronisch entzündlicher Darmerkrankungen dar. Beide Substanzen befinden sich in fortgeschrittenen klinischen Studien für die chronisch obstruktive Lungenerkrankung und für Asthma bronchiale. Deshalb sollten diese Präparate in anderen Tiermodellen für chronisch entzündliche Darmerkrankungen oder klinischen Studien weiter untersucht werden

Ileal Crohn's Disease Exhibits Similar Transmural Fibrosis Irrespective of Phenotype

Transmural inflammation and submucosal fibrosis are important hallmarks of Crohn’s disease (CD) (1). Intestinal fibrosis concerns extracellular matrix accumulation and mesenchymal cell expansion (2,3). In this process, inflammation is the main activator of mesenchymal cells and an essential factor to initiate fibrogenesis. Still, once fibrosis is established, it may be selfpropagating (3,4). In the setting of CD, patients with inflammatory lesions are considered medical therapy-responsive, while those with more fibrotic lesions will eventually need surgery (4). Hence, despite all the available therapies targeting inflammation, intestinal fibrosis remains difficult to treat and pre vent (3,4). Strictures are subdivided in fibrotic, inflammatory, and mixed forms (5). Pure fibrotic or inflammatory strictures are rare, with both components presenting overlapped histopathology (3,6–10). In CD, transmural intestinal inflammation can be assessed by cross-sectional imaging (2,11–16). On the other hand, fibrosis cannot be measured by this technique nor through biomarkers (16,17). Endoscopy or biopsy-based histology (2,11) is not feasible as tissue remodeling occurs mostly in deeper layers (18). Thus, the extent and severity of fibrosis must be evaluated by histopathological analysis of intestinal resection specimens, resorting to several histopathological scoring systems (19,20). The main objective of our work was to characterize and quantify inflammation and fibrosis, in ileal CD resection specimens, according to a CD transmural histopathological scoring system. We also aimed to correlate inflammation and fibrosis profiles with progressive disease.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation Topical Review on prediction, diagnosis and management of fibrostenosing Crohn's disease

This ECCO topical review of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation [ECCO] focused on prediction, diagnosis, and management of fibrostenosing Crohn's disease [CD]. The objective was to achieve evidence-supported, expert consensus that provides guidance for clinical practice

A myosin chaperone, UNC-45A, is a novel regulator of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity and repair

The actomyosin cytoskeleton serves as a key regulator of the integrity and remodeling of epithelial barriers by controlling assembly and functions of intercellular junctions and cell-matrix adhesions. Although biochemical mechanisms that regulate the activity of non-muscle myosin II (NM-II) in epithelial cells have been extensively investigated, little is known about assembly of the contractile myosin structures at the epithelial adhesion sites. UNC-45A is a cytoskeletal chaperone that is essential for proper folding of NM-II heavy chains and myofilament assembly. We found abundant expression of UNC-45A in human intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) lines and in the epithelial layer of the normal human colon. Interestingly, protein level of UNC-45A was decreased in colonic epithelium of patients with ulcerative colitis. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-out of UNC-45A in HT-29cf8 and SK-CO15 IEC disrupted epithelial barrier integrity, impaired assembly of epithelial adherence and tight junctions and attenuated cell migration. Consistently, decreased UNC-45 expression increased permeability of the Drosophila gut in vivo. The mechanisms underlying barrier disruptive and anti-migratory effects of UNC-45A depletion involved disorganization of the actomyosin bundles at epithelial junctions and the migrating cell edge. Loss of UNC-45A also decreased contractile forces at apical junctions and matrix adhesions. Expression of deletion mutants revealed roles for the myosin binding domain of UNC-45A in controlling IEC junctions and motility. Our findings uncover a novel mechanism that regulates integrity and restitution of the intestinal epithelial barrier, which may be impaired during mucosal inflammation.Peer reviewe

MFGE8 links absorption of dietary fatty acids with catabolism of enterocyte lipid stores through HNF4γ-dependent transcription of CES enzymes

Enterocytes modulate the extent of postprandial lipemia by storing dietary fats in cytoplasmic lipid droplets (cLDs). We have previously shown that the integrin ligand MFGE8 links absorption of dietary fats with activation of triglyceride (TG) hydrolases that catabolize cLDs for chylomicron production. Here, we identify CES1D as the key hydrolase downstream of the MFGE8-αvβ5 integrin pathway that regulates catabolism of diet-derived cLDs. Mfge8 knockout (KO) enterocytes have reduced CES1D transcript and protein levels and reduced protein levels of the transcription factor HNF4γ. Both Ces1d and Hnf4γ KO mice have decreased enterocyte TG hydrolase activity coupled with retention of TG in cLDs. Mechanistically, MFGE8-dependent fatty acid uptake through CD36 stabilizes HNF4γ protein level; HNF4γ then increases Ces1d transcription. Our work identifies a regulatory network that regulates the severity of postprandial lipemia by linking dietary fat absorption with protein stabilization of a transcription factor that increases expression of hydrolases responsible for catabolizing diet-derived cLDs

The selective phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor roflumilast and phosphodiesterase 3/4 inhibitor pumafentrine reduce clinical score and TNF expression in experimental colitis in mice.

The specific inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PDE)4 and dual inhibition of PDE3 and PDE4 has been shown to decrease inflammation by suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis. We examined the effect of roflumilast, a selective PDE4 inhibitor marketed for severe COPD, and the investigational compound pumafentrine, a dual PDE3/PDE4 inhibitor, in the preventive dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis model. The clinical score, colon length, histologic score and colon cytokine production from mice with DSS-induced colitis (3.5% DSS in drinking water for 11 days) receiving either roflumilast (1 or 5 mg/kg body weight/d p.o.) or pumafentrine (1.5 or 5 mg/kg/d p.o.) were determined and compared to vehicle treated control mice. In the pumafentrine-treated animals, splenocytes were analyzed for interferon-γ (IFNγ) production and CD69 expression. Roflumilast treatment resulted in dose-dependent improvements of clinical score (weight loss, stool consistency and bleeding), colon length, and local tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) production in the colonic tissue. These findings, however, were not associated with an improvement of the histologic score. Administration of pumafentrine at 5 mg/kg/d alleviated the clinical score, the colon length shortening, and local TNFα production. In vitro stimulated splenocytes after in vivo treatment with pumafentrine showed a significantly lower state of activation and production of IFNγ compared to no treatment in vivo. These series of experiments document the ameliorating effect of roflumilast and pumafentrine on the clinical score and TNF expression of experimental colitis in mice

Characterization of Changes in Serum Anti-Glycan Antibodies in Crohn's Disease – a Longitudinal Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Anti-glycan antibodies are a promising tool for differential diagnosis and disease stratification of patients with Crohn's disease (CD). We longitudinally assessed level and status changes of anti-glycan antibodies over time in individual CD patients as well as determinants of this phenomenon. METHODS: 859 serum samples derived from a cohort of 253 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients (207 CD, 46 ulcerative colitis (UC)) were tested for the presence of anti-laminarin (Anti-L), anti-chitin (Anti-C), anti-chitobioside (ACCA), anti-laminaribioside (ALCA), anti-mannobioside (AMCA) and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae (gASCA) antibodies by ELISA. All patients had at least two and up to eleven serum samples taken during the disease course. RESULTS: Median follow-up time for CD was 17.4 months (Interquartile range (IQR) 8.0, 31.6 months) and for UC 10.9 months (IQR 4.9, 21.0 months). In a subgroup of CD subjects marked changes in the overall immune response (quartile sum score) and levels of individual markers were observed over time. The marker status (positive versus negative) remained widely stable. Neither clinical phenotype nor NOD2 genotype was associated with the observed fluctuations. In a longitudinal analysis neither changes in disease activity nor CD behavior led to alterations in the levels of the glycan markers. The ability of the panel to discriminate CD from UC or its association with CD phenotypes remained stable during follow-up. In the serum of UC patients neither significant level nor status changes were observed. CONCLUSIONS: While the levels of anti-glycan antibodies fluctuate in a subgroup of CD patients the antibody status is widely stable over time