This month in GastroenterologyThis Month in Gastroenterology
Section snippets
Humanized Anti-TNF Alpha Therapy for Moderate to Severe Crohn’s Disease
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a key cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease. Infliximab, a chimeric antibody to TNF-α, has proven to be an effective treatment for the induction and maintenance of moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. Unfortunately, a subset of patients treated with infliximab develops human anti-chimeric antibodies rendering treatment with infliximab ineffective and resulting in reactions to the drug. Other formulations of anti-TNF therapy have been developed,
The Pregnane X Receptor Locus Is Associated With Susceptibility to Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The pregnane X receptor is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates the xenobiotic response system, which prevents toxic accumulations of xenobiotics within cells. As a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily that includes the steroid, retinoid, and orphan receptors, PXR binds to, and is activated by, a broad range of both endogenous and exogenous substances. Once activated, PXR modulates expression of many genes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics, including enzymes
Up-Regulation of Chitinase-3 Promotes Colonic Bacterial Adhesion and Invasion: Potential Role in the Pathogenesis of IBD
Commensal bacteria are believed to have an important role in the pathogenesis of experimental colitis and inflammatory bowel diseases. Under physiological circumstances, colonic flora impart many health benefits, including mucosal barrier fortification, intestinal maturation, xenobiotic metabolism, angiogenesis, and nutrient absorption. These organisms also promote anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective functions. However, certain bacterial species, particularly in the context of subjects with
Phenomenon of Cell-Cell Competition as a Strategy for Tissue Reconstitution in Metabolic and Other Disorders Involving the Liver
The liver has the ability to regenerate after massive injury because of endogenous stem cells that permit tissue reconstitution. These cells lack specific identifying markers, but are capable of expressing genes in both the hepatocytic and bile duct epithelial cell lineages—even under conditions where proliferation of preexisting mature hepatocytes may be inhibited. Furthermore, stem cells are able to repopulate an organ or tissue under nonselective conditions. The aims of the study by Oertel
