Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026
09:04
DNBS/TNBS Colitis Models: Providing Insights Into Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Effects of Dietary Fat
Published on: February 27, 2014
Are neurotrophins important in ulcerative colitis?
Malin Johansson1, Orjan Norrgård, Sture Forsgren
1Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden. malin.johansson@anatomy.umu.se
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|September 7, 2007
Summary
Neurotrophin expression changes in ulcerative colitis (UC) correlate with disease severity. Upregulation in lamina propria cells and downregulation in nerves suggest neurotrophins are key in UC pathology and potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Neurotrophins are vital for nerve growth, survival, and repair.
- The role of neurotrophins in ulcerative colitis (UC) pathogenesis remains largely undefined.
- Previous research indicates altered neurotrophin expression may be linked to disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of neurotrophins in the context of ulcerative colitis.
- To determine the relationship between neurotrophin expression and UC disease severity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of neurotrophin expression in tissue samples from UC patients.
- Comparison of expression levels between different disease severities.
- Localization of neurotrophin expression in specific cellular components (lamina propria, nerve structures).
Main Results:
- Significant alterations in neurotrophin expression patterns were observed in severe UC.
- An upregulation of neurotrophin expression was noted in lamina propria cells.
- A concurrent downregulation of neurotrophin expression was found in nerve structures in severe UC.
Conclusions:
- Changes in the neurotrophin system are integral to the ulcerative colitis disease process.
- Neurotrophin dysregulation in UC presents potential therapeutic avenues.
- Targeting neurotrophin pathways may offer novel treatment strategies for UC healing.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide generation.
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
01:24Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology
Peptic ulcer disease develops when protective mechanisms of the gastrointestinal mucosa are overwhelmed by harmful factors, leading to localized erosions in the stomach or proximal duodenum. The main causes are Helicobacter pylori infection and chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).Helicobacter pylori–Induced InjuryBacterial Adaptation and Colonization:H. pylori is a spiral, Gram-negative bacterium adapted to the acidic stomach. and transmitted through oral-oral or...