SUMMARYOral administration of DSS has been reported to induce an acute and chronic colitis in mice. The aim of our study was to evaluate if the chronic phase of DSS-induced colitis was characterized by a Th1/Th2 response and how this would relate to mucosal regeneration. Swiss Webster mice were fed 5% DSS in their drinking water for 7 days, followed by 2-5 weeks consumption of water. Control mice received only water. The animals were killed at 3 and 6 weeks after induction. Their colons were isolated for histology and immunohistochemistry, using specific MoAbs for T and B cells, macrophages, interferon-gamma (IFNg), IL-4 and IL-5. Colons were scored for inflammation, damage and regeneration. Two weeks after stopping DSS the colonic epithelium had only partially healed. Total colitis scores were still increased, especially in the distal colon, which was due to more inflammation, damage and less regeneration. In areas of incomplete colonic healing the basal parts of the lamina propria contained macrophages and CD4 þ T cells. These CD4 þ T cells showed a focal increase of IFN-g and IL-4 staining compared with control animals. These findings were still observed 5 weeks after stopping DSS in some mice, albeit less extensive. Chronic DSS-induced colitis is characterized by focal epithelial regeneration and a Th1 as well as Th2 cytokine profile. We postulate that chronic immune activation mediated by both populations of Th cells can interfere with colonic healing and can play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic colitis.

ISRCTN46462267 ( http://www.controlled-trials.com).

Screening for variants in TPMT did not reduce the proportions of patients with hematologic ADRs during thiopurine treatment for IBD. However, there was a 10-fold reduction in hematologic ADRs among variant carriers who were identified and received a dose reduction, compared with variant carriers who did not, without differences in treatment efficacy. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00521950.

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Background Quality of life (QoL) data for patients with inflammatory bowel disease switched from the reference infliximab to biosimilar CT-P13 is lacking. This study aims to demonstrate non-inferiority for QoL and efficacy after switching. Methods OoL and clinical efficacy were measured prior to and after 2, 4 and 6 CT-P13 infusions. Results 178 patients were included. Non-inferiority was established for QoL (ratio 97.95% (95% CI 95.93-100.01) and efficacy (difference –0.02 (95% CI -0.68-0.64)). Five patients reported 6 non-related, serious adverse events. Conclusion Switching from reference infliximab to CT-P13 did not affect the QoL or disease activity and was well tolerated.

Cytomegalovirus is one of the most common viral pathogens, which, in some cases, leads to organ specific infections such as gastrointestinal manifestations that have a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. However, cytomegalovirus infection is rare in an immunocompetent host. Herein, we report a case of cytomegalovirus gastritis in a 54-year-old immunocompetent patient, diagnosed through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsies and serology.