Despite the fact that E. coli supports limited posttranslational modification, this bacterium has been universally used as the expression system of choice. Expression of modified proteins in E. coli may lead to expression of recombinant proteins that lack essential immunomodulatory or catalytic components essentials for infectious processes. Previously in our laboratory, pMptb#28 plasmid containing a 4.8 kb insert from M. paratuberculosis has been identified which expressed 16 kDa recombinant protein in E. coli and 19 kDa recombinant protein in Mycobacterium smegmatis. The objective of this study is to identify the ORF sequence, investigate possible posttranslational modification and characterize the protein forms in the two hosts. Earlier in the study, the genome sequence for M. paratuberculosis was not available and therefore sequencing both the 5' and 3' ends of the 4.8 kb insert did not help in the identification of the ORF. However, unidirectional Exonuclease deletion resulted in identification of subclones containing possible ORF sequence. Later on, the publication of the M. paratuberculosis genome sequence along with BLAST analysis of sequences from the subclones resulted in the identification of 486 bp ORF with significant identity to that from M. tuberculosis and M. leprae. Cloning of the 486 ORF coding sequence in E. coli resulted in the expression of 16 kDa protein similar to the calculated predicted size of translated peptide. Cloning of the 486 bp ORF coding sequence in M. smegmatis resulted in the expression of 19 kDa protein similar to that from M. paratuberculosis. The 16/19 kDa forms of the same protein were verified using rabbit anti-M. paratuberculosis antibodies adsorbed in E. coli and M. smegmatis lysates. The size of the 19 kDa proteins was not reduced following treatment with deglycosylation enzymes in absence of any enzyme inhibitors. The 19 kDa product was confirmed not be a glycoprotein when failed to react with ConA stain. The 16/19 kDa forms of the protein were evaluated against T-lymphocytes from Crohn's disease patients and normal controls. T- proliferation assay included controls such as PHA and PPD from M. paratuberculosis. There was not a significant difference between the two forms of the protein (16/19 kDa) against T-cell response from both populations. Overall, the study identified the ORF of the 19 kDa non-glycoprotein from M. paratuberculosis. Moreover, this is the first study which reports that the zoonotic M. paratuberculosis supports posttranslational modification similar to M. tuberculosis and M. leprae pathogens. Although the posttranslational modification component in this 19 kDa nonglycoprotein did not affect T- cell response, the finding is significant toward glycoproteins from M. paratuberculosis and their role in the pathogenesis of this bacterial infection in animals and humans.

The epithelial cells lining the intestinal mucosa separate the underlying tissue from components of the intestinal lumen. Innate immunity mediated by intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) provides rapid protective functions against microorganisms. Innate immunity also participates in orchestrating adaptive immunity. Key components in innate defence are defensins. To study the production of defensins and how it is affected by intestinal inflammation IECs were isolated from the small and large intestines of patients suffering from ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn´s disease (MbC), celiac disease (CD), and from controls, and analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunoflow cytometry. Defensin expressing cells were also studied by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Normally, only small intestinal Paneth cells express human α-defensin 5 (HD-5) and HD-6. In UC colon IECs, HD-5, HD-6, and lysozyme mRNAs were expressed at high levels. In Crohn´s colitis colon the levels of HD-5 and lysozyme mRNAs were also increased although not to the same extent as in UC. No increase was detected in MbC with ileal localization. Metaplastic Paneth cell differentiation in UC colon was primarily responsible for the expression of the antimicrobial components. Human β-defensin 1 (hBD-1) mRNA was more abundant in large than in small intestine of controls, and remained unchanged in UC and MbC. hBD-2 mRNA was barely detectable in normal intestine and was induced in UC IECs but not in MbC IECs. mRNAs for the recently discovered hBD-3 and hBD-4, were detected in IECs from both small and large intestine. Both hBD-3 and hBD-4 mRNA were significantly increased in IECs of UC patients but not of MbC patients. Bacteria and IL-1β induced hBD-2 but not hBD-1 mRNA in colon carcinoma cell lines. IFN-γ, but not TNF-α or IL-1β, augmented hBD-3 expression in these cells, while none of the agents induced hBD-4. High antimicrobial activity of IECs in UC may be a consequence of changes in the epithelial lining, which permit the adherence of microorganisms. Unexpectedly, in situ hybridization revealed expression of hBD-3 and hBD-4 mRNAs by numerous lamina propria cells in colonic tissue from UC patients. These cells were identified as plasma cells (CD138+). hBD-3 and hBD-4 mRNAs were also demonstrated in the plasmacytoma cell line U266. This is the first demonstration of defensins in plasma cells. The four prominent constituents of the intestinal glycocalyx, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CEA cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1), CEACAM6 and CEACAM7 all seem to play a critical role in innate defence of the intestinal mucosa by trapping and expelling microorganisms at the epithelial surface. The inducibility of these molecules in colonic epithelial cell lines was analyzed by qRT-PCR, immunoflow cytometry, and immunoelectron microscopy. IFN-g but not bacteria, LPS, TNF-α, or IL-1β modified the expression of CEA, CEACAM1 and CEACAM6. None of these agents modified CEACAM7 expression. IFN-γ was shown to have two effects: a direct effect on CEACAM1 transcription, and promotion of cell differentiation resulting in increased CEA and CEACAM6 and decreased CEACAM7 expression. Scanning electron microscopy of jejunal biopsies from children with CD revealed the presence of rod shaped bacteria in ~40% of patients with active CD, but only in 2% of controls. 19% of treated CD patients still had adhering bacteria. Presence of bacteria is not due to lack of antimicrobial factors. In fact, HD-5, HD-6, and lysozyme mRNA levels were significantly increased in IECs of patients with active CD. hBD-1 and hBD-2 were unchanged. Lack of induction of hBD-2 may reflect disturbed signalling in IECs of CD patients. Analysis of CEA and CEACAM1 mRNA/protein expression showed no differences between CD patients and controls. Analysis of the mucins MUC2 and MUC3 revealed significantly increased MUC2 levels in active disease and unchanged MUC3. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated goblet cell metaplasia as well as staining of the apical portion of absorptive cells. Glycosylation status of proteins was studied by lectin histochemistry. Goblet cells in the mucosa of CD patients were stained by the lectin UEAI. This was not seen in controls. The lectin PNA stained the glycocalyx of controls but not that of CD patients. Thus, unique carbohydrate structures of the glycocalyx/mucous layer are likely discriminating features of CD patients and may allow bacterial binding. We conclude that the intestinal epithelium is heavily involved in the innate defence of the mucosa and that its reactive pattern is affected by intestinal inflammation. Keywords: human intestinal mucosa; epithelial cells; innate immunity; defensin; ulcerative colitis; Crohn´s disease; celiac disease; glycoαcalyx; mucin

Submitted by RODRIGO GALHARDI GASPARINI null (rggaspa@yahoo.com.br) on 2018-03-05T01:36:53Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Incidência e Prevalência de Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais no Estado de Sâo Paulo - Brasil.pdf: 2020180 bytes, checksum: 64bba02d0cbc3e4d580ce7721fe858d7 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Pizzani null (luciana@btu.unesp.br) on 2018-03-06T13:58:57Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 gasparini_rg_dr_bot.pdf: 2020180 bytes, checksum: 64bba02d0cbc3e4d580ce7721fe858d7 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-03-06T13:58:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 gasparini_rg_dr_bot.pdf: 2020180 bytes, checksum: 64bba02d0cbc3e4d580ce7721fe858d7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-23 / Introdução: As Doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII), que tem como principais entidades a Retocolite Ulcerativa (RCU) e a Doença de Crohn (DC), tem altas taxas de incidência e prevalência em países desenvolvidos, especialmente da Europa e América do Norte, porém com aumento progressivo de sua frequência em todas os continentes. Este estudo visa estimar as taxas de incidência e prevalência das DII no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, entre os anos de 2012 e 2015, e correlacionar os resultados com dados nacionais sobre estas doenças. Material e Método: Este é um estudo observacional analítico, do tipo descritivo e transversal. Foram incluídos dados epidemiológicos de 22.638 pacientes que iniciaram seu tratamento para Doença Inflamatória Intestinal através do programa de fornecimento gratuito de medicamentos do Estado de São Paulo, entre os anos de 2012 e 2015. As variáveis analisadas foram a data do início do tratamento, o diagnóstico clínico (DC ou RCU), a idade, gênero, cor/raça/etnia dos pacientes, assim como sua região de residência no Estado de São Paulo. As análises estatísticas incluíram média e desvio padrão para variáveis quantitativas. O nível de significância adotado foi de 1% Resultados: A taxa de incidência de DII no Estado de São Paulo foi, em média, de 13,31 casos novos / 100.000 habitantes / ano, enquanto a prevalência de DII no Estado de São Paulo foi de 52,5 casos / 100.000 habitantes. Os portadores de DC somavam 10.451 (46,16%), e os de RCU somavam 12.187 (53,83%), de 1 a 97 anos de idade, com média de 45,5 anos (DP = 16,7), sendo 9.124 (40,30%) do sexo masculino e 13.514 (59,70%) do sexo feminino. Conclusão: Este estudo demonstrou aumento das taxas de incidência e prevalência de Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais no Estado de São Paulo. / Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which has as its main entities Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD), have high rates of incidence and 11 prevalence in developed countries, especially in Europe and North America, but with increasing frequency in all continents. This study aims to verify the incidence and prevalence rates of IBD in São Paulo State, Brazil, between the years 2012 and 2015, and correlate with the national data on these diseases. Casuistic and Methods: This is an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study. We included data from 22.638 patients who started their treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease through the Program of free medication supply of São Paulo State, between the years of 2012 and 2015. The variables analyzed were the date of beginning of treatment with drugs provided by the clinical diagnosis (CD or UC), the age, gender, color/race/ethnicity of the patients, as well as their region of residence in São Paulo State. Statistical analyses included mean and standard deviations for quantitative variables. The level of significance adopted was 1% Results: The incidence rate of IBD in the State of São Paulo was 13.31 new cases / 100.000 inhabitants per year, while the overall prevalence of IBD in the state of São Paulo was 52,5 cases/100.000 inhabitants. The patients with CD were 10,451 (46.16%), and those with UC were 12,187 (53.83%), from 1 to 97 years of age, with a mean of 45.5 years (SD = 16.7), of wich 9,124 (40.30%) were male and 13,514 (59.70%) were female. Conclusion: This study demonstrated an increase in the incidence and prevalence of Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis in the State of São Paulo.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-10-04T13:18:43Z No. of bitstreams: 1 andreluistavarespinto.pdf: 5221976 bytes, checksum: aa9e110f12103765df1122351932b9b8 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Diamantino Mayra (mayra.diamantino@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-10-04T13:50:42Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 andreluistavarespinto.pdf: 5221976 bytes, checksum: aa9e110f12103765df1122351932b9b8 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-04T13:50:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 andreluistavarespinto.pdf: 5221976 bytes, checksum: aa9e110f12103765df1122351932b9b8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-03-30 / A doença de Crohn é uma afecção intestinal inflamatória crônica, multissistêmica e de caráter recorrente. Sua etiopatogênese permanece ainda desconhecida, mas considera-se haver um cenário fisiopatológico caracterizado, principalmente, pela inibição da imunidade inata com exacerbação da imunidade adaptativa, com atividade inflamatória mucosa intensificada. Por isso, os corticosteróides constituem a base fundamental do tratamento farmacológico na indução da remissão clínica na doença, graças às suas potentes ações como supressores do processo inflamatório. Entretanto, os proibitivos efeitos colaterais da corticoterapia prolongada associados à alta freqüência da cortico-dependencia na doença estimulou a busca de alternativas terapêuticas para manutenção da remissão no longo prazo. Nesse contexto, os imunossupressores, particularmente, os análogos da purina, azatioprina (AZA) ou 6mercaptopurina ocupam um papel central no tratamento de manutenção na doença, com efeitos “poupadores de esteróides”. A utilização desses agentes para manter a remissão clínica na doença é apoiada por evidências de estudos clínicos controlados e randomizados. No entanto, a maioria desses estudos não avaliou especificamente os doentes corticodependentes, não sendo claramente conhecida a ação dos análogos da purina nesse grupo de pacientes. Portanto, os objetivos do nosso estudo foram verificar a eficácia no longo prazo, da AZA em uma população exclusivamente portadora de doença de Crohn dependente de esteróides, assim como identificar os possíveis fatores preditivos associados à resposta clínica sustentada. Além disso foi verificada também a segurança dessa terapia, através da análise da incidência de eventos adversos. Para tanto, um total de 106 indivíduos adultos com doença de Crohn cortico-dependente foram prospectivamente incluídos para tratamento com AZA (2-3 mg/Kg/dia), durante o período de acompanhamento de até 10 anos. A proporção de doentes em remissão sustentada livre de esteróides ao final de 12, 24, 36, 48 e 60 meses foi de 0.61, 0.73, 0.72, 0,70 e 0.70 respectivamente. Depois disso, essa taxa anual foi sendo gradualmente reduzida, alcançando um nadir aos 108 meses de acompanhamento. O tempo médio de retirada completa dos esteróides foi de seis meses. Características demográficas, aquelas relacionadas à doença e a dose de AZA não se correlacionaram com remissão sustentada. Apenas a reduzida contagem leucocitária média durante o acompanhamento foi associada com a remissão livre de corticóides (P=0.01). Efeitos adversos graves relacionados à terapia com AZA foram incomuns. / The Crohn´s disease is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem bowel disorder with a relapsing course. Her etiology remains unknown but probably there´s a scenario characterized by inibition of innate immunity and exacerbation of the adaptative immunity with exacerbated mucosal inflammatory activity. Then, the corticosteroids have been the mainstay of pharmacologic treatment for inducing clinical remission in the disease. However, the prohibitive side effects of prolonged corticosteroid therapy associated with high frequency of the corticosteroid- dependency in the disease taken to alternative treatments for long- term maintenance of clinical remission. The immunomodulators, especially, the purine analogs, azathioprine(AZA) or 6- mercaptopurine are the major option for this indication, with corticosteroid- sparing proprieties. The use of these agents is supported by randomized, controlled clinical studies. However, these trials have not evaluated the specific issue of the steroid dependence. Thus, our objectives in this study were to asses the efficacy and safety of AZA therapy in patients strictly with steroid-dependent Crohn`s disease and possibly, factors associated with sustained clinical remission. Therefore, 106 adults patients with steroiddependent Crohn`s disease were prospectively included for treatment with AZA (23mg/Kg/day) during the period of follow up as long as 10 years. The proportion of patients remaining in sustained steroid-free remission at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months was 0.61, 0.73, 0.72, 0.70 and 0.70, respectively. Thereafter, the annual rate of weaning from steroids decreased gradually, reaching a nadir of 0.41 at 108 months. Median time to complete steroid withdrawal was 6 months. Demographics, disease-related data and the AZA dose did not correlate with sustained remission. Only the reduced mean leukocyte count during the follow up was associated with remission free steroids (P= 0.01). Serious adverse effects related to AZA therapy were uncommon.

As doenças inflamatórias intestinais são caracterizadas por uma desregulação na resposta imune contra a microbiota. O zebrafish, tem emergido como um novo modelo para o estudo de doenças inflamatórias. Os ácidos graxos de cadeia curta (AGCCs) são produtos da microbiota intestinal, que possuem papéis antiinflamatórios e aparecem como uma das possíveis terapias contra doenças inflamatórias. A implementação do modelo de inflamação intestinal induzido pelo ácido trinitrobenzenesulfônico (TNBS) em larvas de zebrafish aumentou a mortalidade de forma dose-dependente. Se observou dilatação do lúmen com alisamento das vilosidades intestinais. Não se detectaram mudanças na produção de muco nem no número de células caliciformes mas teve um leve aumento da apoptóse e diminuição da proliferação, nos expostos ao TNBS. Teve aumento de células mielóides infiltrantes e de citocinas inflamatórias, assim como disbiose da microbiota. O tratamento com AGCCs gero alta mortalidade a concentrações acima de 10 mM, mas existe ação anti-inflamatória a esta mesma concentração. / Inflammatory bowel diseases are characterized by a dysregulation in immune response against microbiota. The zebrafish has emerged as a new model for the study of inflammatory diseases. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are products of the intestinal microflora, which have anti-inflammatory roles and appear as a possible therapy against inflammatory diseases. The implementation of intestinal inflammation model induced by trinitrobencenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in zebrafish larvae, increased mortality in a dose-dependent manner. Was observe dilatation lumen and straightening of the intestinal villi. No changes were detected in the production of mucus or in the number of goblet cells but had a slight increase in apoptosis and decreased proliferation in exposed to TNBS. Also has, increased cytokines and infiltrating myeloid cells, and dysbiosis of the microbiota. Treatment with SCFAs generate high mortality above 10 mM concentrations, but there anti-inflammatory action to this same concentration.

A adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso é um importante fator determinante no sucesso terapêutico. A adesão do paciente pode ser influenciada por fatores diversos, ligados à doença, ao tratamento, ao paciente, às condições sociais e econômicas, como também, relacionada ao sistema de saúde que o atende. Ainda que existam inúmeros estudos sobre a adesão ao tratamento em portadores com doenças crônicas, são escassas as investigações sobre este tema nas doenças inflamatórias intestinais. O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar a adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso e os possíveis fatores que a influenciam, em pacientes portadores de doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII): doença de Crohn (DC) e retocolite ulcerativa (RCU), do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (HCFMRP), da Universidade de São Paulo. Como controles, foram investigados pacientes portadores de pancreatite crônica e insuficiência pancreática (PC), com medicação fornecida pelo hospital, tal como os pacientes portadores de DII. Foram também investigados pacientes portadores de afecções digestivas variadas (ADV), grupo no qual a medicação prescrita não era fornecida pelo hospital. Por meio de estudo transversal e indireto, foi realizada entrevista estruturada para avaliar a adesão de 110 pacientes, que foram caracterizados como apresentando maior ou menor grau de adesão. Esta classificação foi baseada no cotejo entre os dados do prontuário e os informados pelo paciente em entrevista, considerando a afirmação do paciente que usava a medicação e que conhecia o nome da droga em uso. Utilizou-se, também, o teste de Morisky, que permite avaliar o padrão de comportamento do paciente em relação ao uso diário do medicamento. Este teste consiste de quatro perguntas padronizadas relacionadas ao esquecimento, descuido com o horário de tomada do medicamento, percepção de efeitos colaterais e ausência de sintomas. Na análise dos medicamentos utilizados pelo paciente, foram observadas as seguintes proporções de pacientes classificados como menos aderentes: 15,4% em pacientes portadores de DC, 13,3% na RCU, 8,4% na PC e 16,6% nos pacientes do grupo ADV. Porém, o teste de Morisky mostrou as seguintes proporções de menos aderentes: 50% de pacientes portadores de DC, 63,3% na RCU, 54,2% na PC e 63,4% na ADV. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas, entre os grupos de pacientes, tanto na análise dos medicamentos utilizados pelo paciente como pelos resultados do teste de Morisky. Em análise univariada, nenhum dos fatores demográficos, sociais, clínicos ou referentes ao tratamento medicamentoso apresentou relação estatisticamente significativa, comum a todos os grupos, que indicasse influência sobre a adesão ao tratamento. Apesar do alto grau de adesão, de acordo com a análise dos medicamentos utilizados, detectou-se alto percentual de não-adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso ligado ao comportamento habitual e independente do diagnóstico, ou do acesso gratuito aos medicamentos. Isto pode indicar a existência de um padrão específico de comportamento dos usuários do serviço, o que sugere a necessidade de maior atenção dos profissionais de saúde para o problema, bem como medidas de educação do paciente quanto ao uso dos medicamentos. / Compliance to drug therapy is an important factor determining a successful treatment. Patient compliance may be influenced by various factors related to the disease, to treatment, to the patient himself, to his socioeconomic condition, as well as to the health system. Although many studies have assessed compliance to treatment in patients with chronic diseases, few investigations are available in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The objective of the present study was to assess compliance to drug therapy in patients with IBD - Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), seen at the University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (HCFMRP), University of São Paulo, Brazil. Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic insufficiency who received free medication supplied by the hospital, like the IBD patients, were used as controls. Patients with various digestive affections (VDA) whose prescribed medication was not supplied by the hospital were also investigated. In a transverse and indirect study, a structured interview was applied to assess the compliance of 110 patients, who were characterized as presenting a higher or lower degree of compliance. This classification was based on a comparison of data in the medical records to the information provided by the patient in the interview, considering the patient’s statements that he/she actually used the medication and was capable of produce correctly its name. The Morisky test was also used to assess the behavioral pattern of the patient regarding the daily use of the medication. This test consists of four standardized questions that evaluate forgetfulness, carelessness regarding the time when the medication should be taken, the perception of side effects, and the absence of symptoms. In the analysis of patient statements on medication in use, the proportions of patients regarded as less compliant were as follows: 15.4% of patients with CD, 13.3% of those with UC, 8.4% of those with CP, and 16.6% of those with VDA. However, the Morisky test revealed the following proportions of less compliant patients: 50% of patients with CD, 63.3% of those with UC, 54.2% of those with CP, and 63.4% of those with VDA. No statistically significant differences were observed between the four groups regarding evaluation according to either the analysis of patient statements or the results of the Morisky test. Univariate analysis revealed that none of the demographic, social, or clinical factors or the variables related to drug therapy showed statistically significant relationships, common to all groups, that would indicate their influence on compliance to treatment. Despite the high degree of compliance evaluated by patient statements on medication in use, a high degree of noncompliance to treatment linked to habitual behavior was detected. Those findings were independent on either disease type or free access to medication. This may indicate the existence of a specific behavioral pattern common to the local health system users, which suggests the need for better consideration of the problem on the part of the health professionals, as well as the need for measures of patient education regarding medication use.

This thesis describes studies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and collagenous colitis (CC). We investigated mucosal eosinophil and neutrophil granulocytes and T-cells involved in the inflammatory processes and aimed at determining whether these processes are reflected in the faecal (F) contents of specific proteins secreted by cells in the intestinal mucosa. Thus, we measured eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil protein X (EPX) and the neutrophil derived myeloperoxidase (MPO) and calprotectin (C); and in addition, chromogranin A (CgA), Chromogranin B (CgB) and secretoneurin (SN), derived from EEC cells and cells in the enteric nervous system. We found that a normalised FC level can serve as a surrogate marker for successful treatment in patients with IBD, but persistently high FC levels need further evaluation (study I). Furthermore, FC and F-MPO appear to relate better than F-EPX to treatment outcome in IBD. We evaluated F-ECP, F-EPX, F-MPO and FC as markers of disease activity and treatment outcome in patients with CC (study III) and concluded that F-ECP was the best discriminator of detecting active CC. Normalised F-ECP and F-EPX could serve as markers of successful treatment. We showed that the inflammation in CC is characterised by activated eosinophils, but that there is no neutrophil activity (study II). T-cells have a lower grade of activity in active CC than in control subjects. During budesonide treatment the normal activation of eosinophils and T-cells is restored, with concomitant clinical remission. The findings in studies II and III indicate that the eosinophils have an essential role in the pathophysiology of CC. Markedly higher values of F-CgA, F-CgB and F-SN were found in patients with CC than in those with IBD and controls (study IV) indicating a crucial role for the intestinal neuro-endocrine system in the pathogenesis of collagenous colitis.

Bakgrund: En kronisk oförutsägbar sjukdom som Crohns sjukdom framkallar fysisk, psykologisk och social stress. Sjukdomen påverkar vardagen, försämrar livskvalitet och skapar oro. För att bedriva personcentrerad vård krävs insikt i hur denna oro upplevs. Syfte: Syftet med studien var att belysa sjukdomsrelaterad oro hos personer med Crohns sjukdom. Metod: Åtta kvinnor och fyra män mellan 30 och 64 år som skattat sin sjukdomsrelaterade oro som hög eller mycket hög identifierades. Intervjuer genomfördes och analyserades med kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultat: Analysen genererade tre kategorier: (1) Oro för sjukdomen i sig, (2) känslor runt oron, (3) samt hantering av oron. Sjukdomens oförutsägbarhet samt nedsatt funktion till följd av trötthet och bristande kontroll över tarmfunktionen var de mest framträdande orsakerna till oro. Oron skapade känslor av stress, skuld och besvikelse. Deltagarna uttryckte önskemål att få prata om och synliggöra oron men hade också funnit egna sätt att hantera denna. Slutsats: Det finns ett kvarstående behov av att ventilera och få förståelse för sjukdomsrelaterad oro, även efter många års sjukdom. Personer med Crohns sjukdom måste få prata om sin oro, vara en aktiv partner i vården och tillsammans med vårdgivaren finna sätt att hantera oron så att denna kan lindras. / Background: A chronic, unpredictable disease as Crohn's disease provides physical, psychological and social stress. The disease affects everyday life, impairs quality of life and create worries. To conduct person-centered care requires insight into how this worry is experienced. Objective: To explore disease-related worries in persons with Crohn´s disease. Method: Eight women and four men between 30 and 64 who estimated their disease-related worries high or very high were identified. Interviews were conducted and analyzed with content analysis. Results: The analysis generated three categories: (1) Worries about the disease itself, (2) feelings around the worries, (3) management of the worries. The unpredictable course of the disease and the impaired function due to fatigue and lack of control of bowel function were the most prominent causes of worries. The worries created feelings of stress, guilt and disappointment. The participants expressed the wish to talk about and make the worries visible but had also found their own ways to handle it. Conclusion: There is a persistent need to vent and get an understanding of disease-related worries, even after many years of disease. Persons with Crohn's disease need to talk about their worries, be an active partner in healthcare and together with the health-care providers find ways to handle the worries so it can be relieved.

A adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso é um importante fator determinante no sucesso terapêutico. A adesão do paciente pode ser influenciada por fatores diversos, ligados à doença, ao tratamento, ao paciente, às condições sociais e econômicas, como também, relacionada ao sistema de saúde que o atende. Ainda que existam inúmeros estudos sobre a adesão ao tratamento em portadores com doenças crônicas, são escassas as investigações sobre este tema nas doenças inflamatórias intestinais. O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar a adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso e os possíveis fatores que a influenciam, em pacientes portadores de doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII): doença de Crohn (DC) e retocolite ulcerativa (RCU), do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (HCFMRP), da Universidade de São Paulo. Como controles, foram investigados pacientes portadores de pancreatite crônica e insuficiência pancreática (PC), com medicação fornecida pelo hospital, tal como os pacientes portadores de DII. Foram também investigados pacientes portadores de afecções digestivas variadas (ADV), grupo no qual a medicação prescrita não era fornecida pelo hospital. Por meio de estudo transversal e indireto, foi realizada entrevista estruturada para avaliar a adesão de 110 pacientes, que foram caracterizados como apresentando maior ou menor grau de adesão. Esta classificação foi baseada no cotejo entre os dados do prontuário e os informados pelo paciente em entrevista, considerando a afirmação do paciente que usava a medicação e que conhecia o nome da droga em uso. Utilizou-se, também, o teste de Morisky, que permite avaliar o padrão de comportamento do paciente em relação ao uso diário do medicamento. Este teste consiste de quatro perguntas padronizadas relacionadas ao esquecimento, descuido com o horário de tomada do medicamento, percepção de efeitos colaterais e ausência de sintomas. Na análise dos medicamentos utilizados pelo paciente, foram observadas as seguintes proporções de pacientes classificados como menos aderentes: 15,4% em pacientes portadores de DC, 13,3% na RCU, 8,4% na PC e 16,6% nos pacientes do grupo ADV. Porém, o teste de Morisky mostrou as seguintes proporções de menos aderentes: 50% de pacientes portadores de DC, 63,3% na RCU, 54,2% na PC e 63,4% na ADV. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas, entre os grupos de pacientes, tanto na análise dos medicamentos utilizados pelo paciente como pelos resultados do teste de Morisky. Em análise univariada, nenhum dos fatores demográficos, sociais, clínicos ou referentes ao tratamento medicamentoso apresentou relação estatisticamente significativa, comum a todos os grupos, que indicasse influência sobre a adesão ao tratamento. Apesar do alto grau de adesão, de acordo com a análise dos medicamentos utilizados, detectou-se alto percentual de não-adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso ligado ao comportamento habitual e independente do diagnóstico, ou do acesso gratuito aos medicamentos. Isto pode indicar a existência de um padrão específico de comportamento dos usuários do serviço, o que sugere a necessidade de maior atenção dos profissionais de saúde para o problema, bem como medidas de educação do paciente quanto ao uso dos medicamentos. / Compliance to drug therapy is an important factor determining a successful treatment. Patient compliance may be influenced by various factors related to the disease, to treatment, to the patient himself, to his socioeconomic condition, as well as to the health system. Although many studies have assessed compliance to treatment in patients with chronic diseases, few investigations are available in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The objective of the present study was to assess compliance to drug therapy in patients with IBD - Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), seen at the University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (HCFMRP), University of São Paulo, Brazil. Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic insufficiency who received free medication supplied by the hospital, like the IBD patients, were used as controls. Patients with various digestive affections (VDA) whose prescribed medication was not supplied by the hospital were also investigated. In a transverse and indirect study, a structured interview was applied to assess the compliance of 110 patients, who were characterized as presenting a higher or lower degree of compliance. This classification was based on a comparison of data in the medical records to the information provided by the patient in the interview, considering the patient’s statements that he/she actually used the medication and was capable of produce correctly its name. The Morisky test was also used to assess the behavioral pattern of the patient regarding the daily use of the medication. This test consists of four standardized questions that evaluate forgetfulness, carelessness regarding the time when the medication should be taken, the perception of side effects, and the absence of symptoms. In the analysis of patient statements on medication in use, the proportions of patients regarded as less compliant were as follows: 15.4% of patients with CD, 13.3% of those with UC, 8.4% of those with CP, and 16.6% of those with VDA. However, the Morisky test revealed the following proportions of less compliant patients: 50% of patients with CD, 63.3% of those with UC, 54.2% of those with CP, and 63.4% of those with VDA. No statistically significant differences were observed between the four groups regarding evaluation according to either the analysis of patient statements or the results of the Morisky test. Univariate analysis revealed that none of the demographic, social, or clinical factors or the variables related to drug therapy showed statistically significant relationships, common to all groups, that would indicate their influence on compliance to treatment. Despite the high degree of compliance evaluated by patient statements on medication in use, a high degree of noncompliance to treatment linked to habitual behavior was detected. Those findings were independent on either disease type or free access to medication. This may indicate the existence of a specific behavioral pattern common to the local health system users, which suggests the need for better consideration of the problem on the part of the health professionals, as well as the need for measures of patient education regarding medication use.

As doenças inflamatórias intestinais são caracterizadas por uma desregulação na resposta imune contra a microbiota. O zebrafish, tem emergido como um novo modelo para o estudo de doenças inflamatórias. Os ácidos graxos de cadeia curta (AGCCs) são produtos da microbiota intestinal, que possuem papéis antiinflamatórios e aparecem como uma das possíveis terapias contra doenças inflamatórias. A implementação do modelo de inflamação intestinal induzido pelo ácido trinitrobenzenesulfônico (TNBS) em larvas de zebrafish aumentou a mortalidade de forma dose-dependente. Se observou dilatação do lúmen com alisamento das vilosidades intestinais. Não se detectaram mudanças na produção de muco nem no número de células caliciformes mas teve um leve aumento da apoptóse e diminuição da proliferação, nos expostos ao TNBS. Teve aumento de células mielóides infiltrantes e de citocinas inflamatórias, assim como disbiose da microbiota. O tratamento com AGCCs gero alta mortalidade a concentrações acima de 10 mM, mas existe ação anti-inflamatória a esta mesma concentração. / Inflammatory bowel diseases are characterized by a dysregulation in immune response against microbiota. The zebrafish has emerged as a new model for the study of inflammatory diseases. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are products of the intestinal microflora, which have anti-inflammatory roles and appear as a possible therapy against inflammatory diseases. The implementation of intestinal inflammation model induced by trinitrobencenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in zebrafish larvae, increased mortality in a dose-dependent manner. Was observe dilatation lumen and straightening of the intestinal villi. No changes were detected in the production of mucus or in the number of goblet cells but had a slight increase in apoptosis and decreased proliferation in exposed to TNBS. Also has, increased cytokines and infiltrating myeloid cells, and dysbiosis of the microbiota. Treatment with SCFAs generate high mortality above 10 mM concentrations, but there anti-inflammatory action to this same concentration.