Microbial induction of inflammatory bowel disease associated gene TL1A (TNFSF15) in antigen presenting cells.

TL1A is a member of the TNF superfamily and its expression is increased in the mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease patients. Neutralizing anti-mouse TL1A Ab attenuates chronic colitis in two T-cell driven murine models, suggesting that TL1A is a central modulator of gut mucosal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. We showed previously that TL1A is induced by immune complexes via the Fc gamma R signaling pathway. In this study, we report that multiple bacteria, including gram negative organisms (E. coli, E. coli Nissle 1917, Salmonella typhimurium), gram positive organisms (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis), partial anaerobes (Campylobacter jejuni), and obligate anaerobes (Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bifidobacterium breve, Clostridium A4) activate TL1A expression in human APC, including monocytes and monocyte-derived DC. Bacterially induced TL1A mRNA expression correlates with the detection of TL1A protein levels. TL1A induced by bacteria is mediated in part by the TLR signaling pathway and inhibited by downstream blockade of p38 MAPK and NF-kappaB activation. Microbial induction of TL1A production by human APC potentiated CD4(+) T-cell effector function by augmenting IFN-gamma production. Our findings suggest a role for TL1A in pro-inflammatory APC-T cell interactions and implicate TL1A in host responses to enteric microorganisms.

A case of steroid-dependent myeloid granulocytic sarcoma masquerading as Crohn's disease.

Small bowel tumors and Crohn's disease are common causes of small bowel obstruction. Early stage neoplasms can easily be mistaken for Crohn's disease. Therefore, thorough work-ups including imaging studies and endoscopic evaluation with biopsies are critical for accurate diagnosis. Here we report a case of an otherwise healthy female with progressive onset of multiple, recurrent obstructive symptoms secondary to terminal ileal narrowing who was referred for management of steroid-dependent Crohn's disease. After thorough evaluation, the diagnosis was revised to myeloid granulocytic sarcoma involving the terminal ileum. In this case, a delay in diagnosis can be detrimental for prognosis, as myeloid granulocytic sarcoma is highly predictive of underlying acute myeloid leukemia and needs urgent referral for chemotherapy and/or resection.

Inflammatory bowel disease and pregnancy: an update.

Women with inflammatory bowel disease have similar rates of conception to the general population unless they have had pelvic surgery. Once pregnant, regardless of disease activity, they have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome and should be followed as high-risk obstetric patients. Most medications are compatible with pregnancy and lactation, as described in this article. Ideally, women should discuss their plans for pregnancy with their physician prior to conception so that risks and benefits can be reviewed, medications adjusted and healthcare maintenance updated. Once pregnant, a multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, obstetricians and pediatricians should help to ensure the best care for the mother and child.

All Roads Lead to Rome: Update on Rome III Criteria and New Treatment Options.

The recently published Rome III criteria reflect current understanding of functional gastrointestinal disorders. These criteria include definitions of these conditions and their pathophysiologic subtypes and offer guidelines for their management. At the 2006 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, a panel of experts discussed these criteria as they pertain to irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, and chronic constipation. This article reviews the panel's findings, highlights the differences between the Rome II and III criteria, and summarizes best treatment options currently available to practitioners and their patients.