Case-control study of IL23R rs76418789 polymorphism, smoking, and ulcerative colitis in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin (IL)-23 is involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). A genome-wide significant association between IL23R p.G149R (rs76418789) and UC was previously identified in Japan and Korea. This case-control study aims to examine this association within the Japanese population. METHODS: The study included 384 cases diagnosed with UC within the past 4 years and 661 control subjects. Adjustment was made for sex, age, and smoking. RESULTS: The frequency of the AA genotype of rs76418789 was 0.0 % in cases and 0.5 % in control subjects. In comparison to study subjects with the GG genotype of rs76418789, those with the GA or AA genotype had a significantly reduced risk of UC, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.67 (95 % confidence interval: 0.44-0.999). A significant multiplicative interaction was observed between rs76418789 and having ever smoked influencing UC (p for interaction = 0.03). A significant positive association was found between having ever smoked and UC in individuals with at least one A allele, while no such positive relationship was observed in those with the GG genotype. CONCLUSION: IL23R SNP rs76418789 showed a significant association with UC. This study provides new evidence regarding the interaction between rs76418789 and smoking in relation to UC.

Association between nighttime urinary frequency and clinical outcomes in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis.

INTRODUCTION: Nocturia is a common symptom of lower urinary tract syndrome (LUTS). In previous studies, a close association between LUTS and colorectal inflammation has been reported. However, evidence regarding the association between nighttime urinary frequency and ulcerative colitis (UC) is limited. Herein, we investigated the association between nighttime urinary frequency and clinical outcomes of UC. METHODS: We surveyed 287 Japanese patients with UC. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the information on the variables studied. Patients were divided into three groups based on nighttime urinary frequency: (1) no voids, (2) one void, and (3) two or more voids. The assessment of clinical outcomes was based on mucosal healing (MH) and clinical remission (CR). The association between nighttime urinary frequency and prevalence of MH and CR was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence of one nighttime frequency and two or more nighttime frequency in this cohort was 35.5% and 26.8%, respectively. The percentage of MH and CR was 24.7% and 59.2%, respectively. Two or more nighttime frequency (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13-0.73) was independently and inversely associated with MH. In nonelderly patients (<70 years) and patients in CR, an association between two or more nighttime frequency and MH remained significant (non-elderly: adjusted OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09-0.72 and only CR: adjusted OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.12-0.90). CONCLUSION: Nighttime urinary frequency was independently and inversely associated with MH in Japanese patients with UC. Nighttime urinary frequency may serve as a complementary physical sign of MH in patients with UC.

ABO Blood Type and Clinical Characteristics Among Japanese Patients With Ulcerative Colitis.

Background The ABO blood type has been associated with several digestive diseases. Some evidence has shown an association between ABO blood type and clinical outcomes among Asian patients with Crohn's disease. However, there are no reports about the association between ABO blood type and clinical outcomes in ulcerative colitis (UC). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between ABO blood type and clinical characteristics among patients with UC. Methodology The study subjects consisted of 277 Japanese patients with UC. Information on clinical characteristics and ABO blood type data was collected using medical records and a self-reported questionnaire. The information on clinical remission was collected using medical records. The definition of mucosal healing (MH) and partial MH was Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0 or 0-1, respectively. Results Of the enrolled patients, 39.4% (109/277), 18.4% (51/277), 29.2% (81/277), and 13.0% (36/277) had blood types A, B, O, and AB, respectively. The mean current age, age at onset of UC, and body mass index were 51.3 years, 42.1 years, and 22.7 kg/m2, and the proportion of male patients was 59.2% (164/277). The proportion of patients with clinical remission, MH, partial MH, and prednisolone use were 58.1% (161/277), 25.6% (71/277), 63.2% (175/277), and 21.3% (59/277), respectively. Conclusions None of the blood types were associated with any of the variables in this study. Among Japanese patients with UC, ABO blood type might not be associated with clinical characteristics.

Association Between Socioeconomic Status and Erectile Dysfunction in Japanese Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Socioeconomic status is a risk factor for poor disease prognosis. No studies of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) have investigated the association between socioeconomic status and erectile dysfunction (ED), although UC is independently positively associated with ED. Therefore, the purpose of this survey to evaluate this issue in Japanese patients with UC. The study enrolled 165 patients with UC. Education status (low, middle, high) and household income (low, middle, high) were classified in three groups using self-administered surveys. The information regarding the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) was obtained using self-administered questionnaires. The definition of mild to moderate or severe ED and severe ED was SHIM score <17 and SHIM score <8, respectively. The prevalence of mild to moderate or severe ED and severe ED was 64.9% and 47.9%, respectively. In crude analysis, household income was inversely associated with mild to moderate or severe ED and severe ED. After adjustment for age, current drinking, current smoking, exercise habit, body mass index, mucosal healing, and duration of UC, high household income was independently and inversely associated with mild to moderate or severe ED (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.05, 0.93], p for trend = .038) and severe ED (adjusted OR 0.26, 95% CI [0.07, 0.85], p for trend = .024). In contrast, no association between education status and ED was found. In conclusion, household income was independently and inversely associated with ED in Japanese UC patients.

No Association Between Allergic Diseases and Constipation in Japanese Ulcerative Colitis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Constipation is a common gastrointestinal symptom in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Several studies on the general population have demonstrated a link between allergic diseases and constipation. However, evidence regarding the association between allergic diseases and constipation in UC is limited. This study aims to evaluate this issue in Japanese patients with UC. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited consecutive 387 patients with UC. We used a self-administered questionnaire to estimate the prevalence of physician-diagnosed allergic diseases. The definition of constipation was based on Rome I criteria and/or medication for constipation. RESULTS: The prevalence of constipation was 12.5%. The prevalence rates of asthma, atopic dermatitis, pollen allergy, food allergy, and drug allergy were 11.8%, 9.0%, 36.3%, 6.2%, and 8.3%, respectively. Allergic diseases were not associated with constipation (adjusted odds ratio [OR] with asthma (adjusted OR 0.98 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27-2.80]), atopic dermatitis (adjusted OR 0.67 [95% CI 0.10-2.56]), pollen allergy (adjusted OR 0.92 [95% CI 0.41-1.97]), food allergy (adjusted OR 0.76 [95% CI 0.11-2.95]), and drug allergy (adjusted OR 1.06 [95% CI 0.28-3.24]). Additionally, the number of allergic diseases was not associated with the prevalence of constipation. CONCLUSIONS: In Japanese UC patients, no association between allergic diseases and constipation was found.

Association between bowel movement frequency and erectile dysfunction in patients with ulcerative colitis: a cross-sectional study.

The association between ulcerative colitis (UC) and erectile dysfunction (ED) has been previously reported. Numerous previous studies have also reported an association between gastrointestinal symptoms and ED. Constipation and diarrhea are common in patients with UC. However, the specific association between bowel movement frequency and ED remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between bowel movement frequency and ED in 164 patients with UC. The definition of ED, moderate to severe ED, and severe ED was the Sexual Health Inventory for Men score <22, <12, and <8, respectively. Bowel movement frequency was divided into three categories: (1) high (More than once a day), (2) normal (once a day, reference), and low (less than one time/day). The definition of constipation was based on the Rome I criteria and/or medication for constipation. The prevalence of constipation and ED was 10.4% and 86.0%, respectively. The rate of high, normal, and low bowel movement frequency was 56.1%, 25.0%, and 18.9%, respectively. High bowel movement frequency was independently and positively associated with ED and moderate to severe ED (ED: adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35-15.98; moderate to severe: adjusted OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.22-7.61). Low bowel movement frequency was independently and positively associated with moderate to severe ED and severe ED (moderate to severe: adjusted OR 3.96, 95% CI 1.27-13.08; severe: adjusted OR 3.20, 95% CI 1.08-9.86). No association between constipation and ED was found. In conclusion, in Japanese patients with UC, both high and low bowel movement frequency were independently and positively associated with ED.

Serum albumin levels as a useful complementary marker for erectile dysfunction in ulcerative colitis: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, a close association between ulcerative colitis (UC) and erectile dysfunction (ED) was reported. An inverse relationship between serum albumin and ED is found in patients with chronic disease. However, the association between serum albumin levels and ED in patients with UC is unclear. This study aims to investigate this issue in Japanese patients with UC. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-six Japanese male UC patients were enrolled in this study. Information on serum albumin levels and medications for UC from medical records, Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score information from self-administered questionnaires and information on the severity of UC from physician reports were obtained from medical records, self-administered questionnaires, and reports from physicians. The participants were divided into tertiles based on the total protein, serum globulin, serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, and C-reactive protein levels. The definition of ED and severe ED was SHIM score < 22 and SHIM score < 8, respectively. The association between these serum markers and ED was assessed by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of severe ED in the low, moderate, and high albumin groups was 66.0%, 51.0%, and 28.3%, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, the low albumin group was independently and positively associated with severe ED (adjusted odds ratio: 2.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-7.48, p for trend =0.044). No association between other marker and ED was found. CONCLUSION: Serum albumin was independently inversely associated with severe ED in Japanese patients with UC. Hypoalbuminemia might be a useful complementary marker for assessing the prevalence and severity of ED in UC patients.

Coffee and caffeine intake reduces risk of ulcerative colitis: a case-control study in Japan.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although diet is one of the potential environmental factors affecting ulcerative colitis (UC), evidence is not sufficient to draw definitive conclusions. This Japanese case-control study examined the association between the consumption of coffee, other caffeine-containing beverages and food, and total caffeine and the risk of UC. METHODS: The study involved 384 UC cases and 665 control subjects. Intake of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, black tea, green tea, oolong tea, carbonated soft drinks, and chocolate snacks was measured with a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Adjustments were made for sex, age, pack-years of smoking, alcohol consumption, history of appendicitis, family history of UC, education level, body mass index, and intake of vitamin C, retinol, and total energy. RESULTS: Higher consumption of coffee and carbonated soft drinks was associated with a reduced risk of UC with a significant dose-response relationship (P for trend for coffee and carbonated soft drinks were <0.0001 and 0.01, respectively), whereas higher consumption of chocolate snacks was significantly associated with an increased risk of UC. No association was observed between consumption of decaffeinated coffee, black tea, green tea, or oolong tea and the risk of UC. Total caffeine intake was inversely associated with the risk of UC; the adjusted odds ratio between extreme quartiles was 0.44 (95% confidence interval: 0.29-0.67; P for trend <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that intake of coffee and caffeine is also associated with a reduced risk of UC in Japan where people consume relatively low quantities of coffee compared with Western countries.

Aging is Associated With Constipation in Japanese Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: A Post Hoc Analysis.

Aim: Age is a risk factor for constipation. Constipation is common in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and has been positively associated with disease activity, but evidence is limited. This study aimed to assess the association between disease activity and constipation in patients with UC. Methods: The study subjects consisted of 290 Japanese UC patients. The definition of constipation was based on Rome I criteria and/or medication for constipation. Information on and lifestyle habits was obtained from a self-administered questionnaire. Mucosal healing (MH) was defined as Mayo endoscopic subscore 0. Clinical remission (CR) was defined as both the absence of rectal bleeding and no abnormally high stool frequency (<3 times per day). Results: The prevalence of constipation is not associated with MH, CR, duration of UC and disease extent of UC. The prevalence of constipation among age groups, <40, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, and >70 years was 10.0%, 5.8%, 15.7%, 11.8%, and 25.6%, respectively. >70 years was independently and positively associated with the prevalence of constipation (adjusted odds ratio 3.64 [95% confidence interval 1.26, 10.95], p for trend: .001). Conclusions: Aging was independently and positively associated with the prevalence of constipation in UC.

Severity of Nocturia and Constipation in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between nocturia and constipation in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Constipation has recently been recognized as an important symptom in patients with UC. Although nocturia has been associated with constipation in the general population, the association between nocturia and constipation in UC patients is uncertain. METHODS: Consecutive series of 290 Japanese patients with UC, Information on constipation, nocturia, and lifestyle habits was obtained using self-administered questionnaires. The definition of constipation was based on Rome I criteria and/or current medication for constipation. Patients were divided into three groups based on nighttime urination: (1) no nocturia, (2) mild nocturia (nocturnal urination - one), and (3) serious nocturia (nocturnal urination - two or more). Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between nocturia and constipation. RESULTS: Among all of the UC patients, the prevalence of mild nocturia, serious nocturia, and constipation was 35.2%, 26.9%, and 12.4%, respectively. The prevalence of constipation in the none, mild, and serious nocturia groups was 8.2%, 10.8%, and 20.5%, respectively. After adjustment for confounders such as age, sex, current drinking, current smoking, body mass index, and steroid use, nocturia severity was independently and positively associated with constipation (adjusted odds ratio for mild nocturia: 1.55 [95% confidence interval: 0.57-4.28], serious nocturia: 3.19 [95% confidence interval: 1.09-9.81], P for trend=.035). CONCLUSION: The severity of nocturia is positively associated with constipation, and physicians should consider the interrelationships between nocturia and constipation in managing UC patients.

Long-term outcomes of patients with primary intestinal follicular lymphoma managed with watch-and-wait strategy.

Patients with primary intestinal follicular lymphoma are often followed-up without a specific treatment, and this approach is called the "watch-and-wait approach." However, the long-term outcomes of this patient group have not been sufficiently investigated. We enrolled patients with primary intestinal follicular lymphoma who were diagnosed before 2016 and managed with the watch-and-wait approach in 20 institutions. We retrospectively investigated the overall, disease-specific, and event-free survival rates as well as the rate of spontaneous regression. Among the 248 patients with follicular lymphoma with gastrointestinal involvement, 124 had localized disease (stage I or II1). We analyzed the data of 73 patients who were managed using the watch-and-wait approach. During the mean follow-up period of 8.3 years, the follicular lymphoma had spontaneously resolved in 16.4% of the patients. The 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates were 92.9% and 87.1%, respectively. With disease progression (n = 7), initiation of therapy (n = 7), and histologic transformation to aggressive lymphoma (n = 0) defined as events, the 5-year and 10-year event-free survival rates were 91.1% and 86.9%, respectively. No patient died of progressive lymphoma. Thus, both 5-year and 10-year disease-specific survival rates were 100%. In conclusion, an indolent long-term clinical course was confirmed in the patients with primary intestinal follicular lymphoma. The watch-and-wait strategy is a reasonable approach for the initial management of these patients.

Association between Mucosal Healing and Lipid Profiles in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Recent meta-analysis showed that ulcerative colitis (UC) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dyslipidemia is a well-established risk factor for CVD. However, evidence regarding inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including UC and lipid profiles, is limited. Additionally, no study has assessed the association between endoscopic activity and lipid profiles in patients with IBD. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the association between mucosal healing (MH) and lipid profiles in patients with UC. METHODS: A total of 221 Japanese patients with UC were enrolled in this analysis. Total cholesterol (T-chol), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were divided into tertiles (high, moderate, and low) based on the distributions, respectively. Self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding medication for dyslipidemia. Complete MH and MH are based on Mayo endoscopic subscore 0 and 0-1, respectively. RESULTS: The percentage of complete MH was 30.8%. In patients without medication for dyslipidemia, high HDL-C (>66 mg/dL) was significantly positively associated with complete MH (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.58, 95% CI: 1.04-6.64, p for trend = 0.037). In patients with nonproctitis, a positive association between HDL-C and complete MH was found (adjusted OR 3.54, 95% CI: 1.22-11.01, p for trend = 0.020). T-chol and TG were not associated with MH, regardless of medication for dyslipidemia. CONCLUSIONS: Complete MH was significantly positively associated with HDL-C in UC patients without medication for lipid. The disease extent might affect the association between complete MH and HDL-C.

The albumin to globulin ratio is associated with clinical outcome in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis.

PURPOSE: The albumin to globulin ratio (AGR) is a recognized chronic inflammation marker. No evidence regarding the relationship between AGR level and ulcerative colitis (UC) exists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between AGR and clinical outcomes among Japanese subjects with UC. METHODS: The study subjects consisted of 273 Japanese individuals with UC. AGR was divided into 4 categories (low, moderate, high, and very high). The definition of complete mucosal healing (MH) was based on the Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0. Clinical remission (CR) was defined as no rectal bleeding and no abnormally high stool frequency (<3 times per day). RESULTS: The percentage of MH was 26.4%. High AGR and very high AGR were significantly positively correlated with CR (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.52-14.18 and adjusted OR, 4.97; 95% CI, 2.14-12.04) and complete MH (adjusted OR, 4.03; 95% CI, 1.56-11.51 and adjusted OR, 5.22; 95% CI, 1.97-14.89), respectively after adjustment for confounding factors (P for trend=0.001). Only in the low C-reactive protein (CRP) group (≤0.1 mg/dL), very high AGR was significantly positively correlated with complete MH but not CR (adjusted OR, 4.38; 95% CI, 1.06-21.77; P for trend=0.017). In the high CRP group, no correlation between AGR and complete MH was found. CONCLUSION: Among Japanese patients with UC, AGR may be independently positively correlated with complete MH. In particular, among UC patients with low CRP, AGR might be a useful complementary marker for complete MH.

Association between socioeconomic status and mucosal healing in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Socioeconomic status is a risk factor for worse outcomes in many diseases. However, evidence on the association between socioeconomic status and clinical outcome in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is limited. In the clinical setting, the therapeutic goal for UC is to achieve mucosal healing (MH). Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the association between socioeconomic status and MH in patients with UC. METHODS: The study population consisted of 298 patients with UC. Education status and household income were divided into three groups based on a self-administered questionnaire. MH and complete MH were defined as a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0-1 and 0, respectively. The association of socioeconomic status with MH and complete MH was assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Patients with UC were divided into a younger group (<51 years old) and an older group (≥51 years old) based on median age. RESULTS: The percentage of MH and complete MH was 62.4% and 25.2%, respectively. In all patients, socioeconomic status was not associated with MH and complete MH, respectively. In the older group, education but not household income was independently positively associated with MH and complete MH. In contrast, in the younger group, no association between socioeconomic status and MH and complete MH was found. CONCLUSION: In older Japanese patients with UC, education status but not household income was independently positively associated with MH and complete MH.

Association between clinical outcomes and restless legs syndrome in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep disorder in the Western population. The prevalence of restless legs syndrome in the Japanese population is 4.6%. Inflammatory and/or immune alteration might be associated with the development of restless legs syndrome. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Evidence regarding the association between ulcerative colitis and the prevalence of restless legs syndrome is limited. Herein, we investigated the association between clinical outcomes and the prevalence of restless legs syndrome in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis. This was a cross-sectional study using baseline data from a prospective cohort study. Subjects in this study were 273 patients with ulcerative colitis. The definition of restless legs syndrome was achieved using a self-administered questionnaire based on the diagnostic criteria for restless legs syndrome in an epidemiological study approved by the Executive Committee of the International Restless Leg Syndrome Study Group in 2002. Clinical outcomes were clinical remission and mucosal healing. The association between clinical remission and mucosal healing and the prevalence of restless legs syndrome was assessed by multivariate logistic regression analyses. The percentage of clinical remission and mucosal healing was 58.4% and 63.1%, respectively. The prevalence of restless legs syndrome in this cohort was 4.7%. Clinical remission (adjusted odds ratio 0.23, 95% confidence interval 0.05-0.93) and mucosal healing (adjusted odds ratio 0.23, 95% confidence interval 0.05-0.90) were independently inversely associated with restless legs syndrome. No association between serum haemoglobin and restless legs syndrome was found. In conclusion, clinical remission and mucosal healing were independently and inversely associated with the prevalence of restless legs syndrome in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis.

IL12B rs6887695 polymorphism and interaction with alcohol intake in the risk of ulcerative colitis in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The interleukin (IL)-23/Th17 pathway plays a critical role in ulcerative colitis (UC). The IL-12p40 subunit, which is shared by IL-23 and IL-12, is encoded by the IL12B gene. The current case-control study investigated the association between IL12B SNP rs6887695 and the UC risk. METHODS: There were 384 cases within 4 years of UC diagnosis and 661 controls who were enrolled. Adjustments were made for sex, age, pack-years of smoking, alcohol consumption, history of appendicitis, family history of UC, education level, and body mass index. RESULTS: Subjects with the GG IL12B SNP rs6887695 genotype had a significantly increased risk of UC compared with those with the CC genotype (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-2.36). This positive association was also significant using the additive and recessive models (AOR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.03-1.52; AOR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.08-2.09, respectively). An independent inverse relationship was observed between ever alcohol consumption and the UC risk in those with the CC genotype while no significant association was found in those with at least one G allele (P for interaction = 0.0008). CONCLUSIONS: IL12B SNP rs6887695 was significantly associated with UC. The influence of alcohol consumption might rely on rs6887695.

Effect of disease duration on the association between C-reactive protein-albumin ratio and endoscopic activity in ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: A simple serum biomarker for clinical outcome in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) remains an unmet need. Some studies have shown an association between C-reactive protein (CRP)-albumin ratio (CAR) and prognosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but evidence regarding the association between CAR and UC remains limited. We evaluated the association between CAR and clinical outcome in Japanese patients with UC. METHODS: Subjects were 273 Japanese patients with UC. Clinical remission was defined as absence of both abnormally high stool frequency (< 3 per day) and rectal bleeding. Mucosal healing (MH) was defined as Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) 0. Moderate to severe endoscopic activity was defined as MES 2-3. Subjects were divided according to CAR into tertiles (low, moderate, and high). RESULTS: The proportions of patients with clinical remission, MH, and moderate to severe endoscopic activity were 57.9%, 26.0%, and 37.0%, respectively. High CAR was significantly positively associated with moderate to severe endoscopic activity but not MH or clinical remission after adjustment (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.18 [95% confidence interval (CI) (1.11-4.35)], p for trend 0.023), but only in patients with long disease duration (> 7 years) (adjusted OR 2.95 [95% CI (1.06-8.79)], p for trend 0.023). CAR was not associated with clinical remission or MH. CONCLUSIONS: CAR may be significantly positively associated with moderate to severe endoscopic activity but not clinical remission or MH in Japanese patients with UC. In patients with long UC duration, CAR might be a useful serum marker for disease activity.

Active and passive smoking and risk of ulcerative colitis: A case-control study in Japan.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although an inverse relationship between current smoking and the development of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been shown in North America and Europe, evidence is limited in Asian countries, where the incidence of UC is rapidly increasing. This Japanese case-control study examined the association between active and passive smoking and risk of UC. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on smoking and potential confounding factors in 384 cases with a diagnosis of UC within the past 4 years and 665 controls. RESULTS: Compared with having never smoked, having ever smoked was associated with an increased risk of UC (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-2.37). No association was observed between current smoking and risk of UC, but former smokers had a significant elevation in risk (adjusted OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.67-3.45). There was a positive dose-response relationship with pack-years smoked (P for trend = 0.006). Among never smokers, passive smoking exposure at home was significantly associated with an increased risk of UC (adjusted OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.30-2.79). A significant dose-response gradient was also observed between pack-years of passive smoking at home and risk of UC (P for trend = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that former smoking elevated the risk of UC, whereas an inverse association between current smoking and the risk of UC did not reach a statistically significant level. Passive smoking may be associated with an increased risk of UC.

Serum Globulin Is Associated with Endoscopic Findings and Mucosal Healing in Japanese Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND: Serum globulin is an inflammation marker. To date, no evidence regarding the association between serum globulin and disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis has been reported. AIMS: We evaluated the association between serum globulin and endoscopic activity in patients with ulcerative colitis. METHODS: Serum globulin was divided into tertiles based on the distribution of study subjects (low globulin, ≤ 2.7 g/dl (reference); moderate globulin, 2.7-3.1 g/dl; and high globulin, > 3.1 g/dl). A single endoscopic specialist evaluated the endoscopic findings, and mucosal healing was based on Mayo endoscopic subscore. RESULTS: A total of 277 patients with ulcerative colitis were included in the study. Serum globulin was independently positively associated with diminished or absent vascular markings [moderate: adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.70 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.82-7.88) and high: adjusted OR 2.40 (95%CI: 1.20-4.94), p for trend = 0.005]. A similar positive association between globulin and erosion was found [high: adjusted OR 2.00 (95%CI: 1.05-3.86)]. Serum globulin was independently inversely associated with mucosal healing [moderate: adjusted OR 0.37 (95%CI: 0.18-0.73) and high: adjusted OR 0.31 (95%CI: 0.14-0.64), p for trend = 0.001] and adjusted partial mucosal healing [moderate: OR 0.51 (95%CI: 0.26-0.98), p for trend = 0.048]. The inverse association between globulin and mucosal healing was significant in the low but not the high C-reactive protein group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ulcerative colitis, serum globulin was significantly positively associated with endoscopic activity, and was significantly inversely associated with mucosal healing, especially in the low C-reactive protein group.

Time spent per day in strenuous activity and total physical activity are inversely associated with mucosal healing but not with clinical remission in patients with ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological evidence on the association between physical activity (PA) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is limited, and the effect of PA on the prognosis of UC is currently unknown. We evaluated the association between PA and clinical outcomes, including clinical remission and mucosal healing (MH), in Japanese patients with UC. METHODS: The study subjects were 327 Japanese patients with UC. Subjects were asked about the average time spent per day on 4 types of PA (sedentary, standing, walking, and strenuous activity) and metabolic equivalents (METs) using a validated questionnaire. Clinical outcomes were complete MH, MH, and clinical remission. The association between PA, including hours spent on each type of PA and average daily METs, and clinical outcomes was assessed by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Plentiful strenuous activity was significantly inversely associated with MH and complete MH after adjustment (MH: adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-0.89; complete MH: adjusted OR 0.24, 95%CI 0.07-0.62; P for trend=0.008). A very high daily MET total was significantly inversely associated with complete MH after adjustment (adjusted OR 0.37, 95%CI 0.16-0.80; P for trend=0.010). In contrast, no association between PA and clinical remission was found (plentiful strenuous activity: adjusted OR 1.10, 95%CI 0.55-2.23; very high daily total METs: adjusted OR 0.74, 95%CI 0.37-1.46). CONCLUSION: In Japanese patients with UC, time spent per day on strenuous activity and total PA per day may be significantly inversely associated with complete MH, but not with clinical remission.