Insights from mouse models of colitis

Abstract

Emerging studies using mouse models of experimental colitis are defining the nature of the immunological disturbances that initiate inflammation and destruction of the intestine. A better understanding of disease-promoting and -suppressing CD4 ؉ T cells is providing insight into the mechanisms controlling immune responses within the intestinal compartment. Moreover, a role for distinct T cell populations, including intraepithelial ␥␦ T cells, in maintaining the physical integrity of the intestine was suggested by recent studies. Cytokine gene-knockout mice and anti-cytokine treatments remain important tools to define the pro-and anti-inflammatory functions of cytokines. These advances are fostering the design and evaluation of new therapeutic approaches that may eventually be applied to treat human inflammatory bowel disease.

Comparative Protective Effect of Hawthorn Berry Hydroalcoholic Extract, Atorvastatin, and Mesalamine on Experimentally Induced Colitis in Rats

“…Accordingly, the chemotactic gradient results in a remarkable migration of neutrophils. 37,38 The elevated colon MPO activity, which is reported in the present study is consisting with pathogenesis. Moreover, it is worthwhile to conclude that the HBE exerts its anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects at least partly by decreasing the MPO activity and preventing further epithelial injuries.…”

Grape Seed Extract Reduces the Severity of Selected Disease Markers in the Proximal Colon of Dextran Sulphate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Rats

“…Moreover, 15% of UC patients require hospitalisation and intensive therapy [2]. The pathogenesis of UC is not well understood and, as yet, there is no known cause [7,8]. However, there is evidence to suggest that it is mediated immunologically and that expression of the disease is dependent on environmental and genetic factors [7,9,10].…”

Inflammatory bowel disease requires the interplay between innate and adaptive immune signals

“…Historically, IBD was believed to be an infectious disease. However, since steroid therapy causes remission of IBD, it is believed that T cells play a critical role in the progression of IBD [1]. In most human cases examined, IBD is associated with a type 1 helper T cell (Th1) response [2].…”