Intestinal Research

IBD

In which patients with ulcerative colitis would filgotinib be effective?: Jihye Park; Intest Res 2025;23(1):1-2. Published online January 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00171

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IBD

Elucidating the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and incidence of inflammatory bowel disease: a focus on systemic inflammation: Sihyun Kim, Jong Pil Im; Intest Res 2025;23(1):3-5. Published online January 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00204

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Tumor

The impact of COVID-19 on clinical practices of colorectal cancer in South Korea: Kwang Woo Kim, Hyoun Woo Kang; Intest Res 2025;23(1):6-7. Published online January 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2025.00005

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IBD

Helminths in alternative therapeutics of inflammatory bowel disease: Himani Pandey, Daryl W. T. Tang, Sunny H. Wong, Devi Lal; Intest Res 2025;23(1):8-22. Published online January 12, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2023.00059

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a nonspecific chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite recent advances in therapeutics and newer management strategies, IBD largely remains untreatable. Helminth therapy is a promising alternative therapeutic for IBD that has gained some attention in the last two decades. Helminths have immunomodulatory effects and can alter the gut microbiota. The immunomodulatory effects include a strong Th2 immune response, T-regulatory cell response, and the production of regulatory cytokines. Although concrete evidence regarding the efficacy of helminth therapy in IBD is lacking, clinical studies and studies done in animal models have shown some promise. Most clinical studies have shown that helminth therapy is safe and easily tolerable. Extensive work has been done on the whipworm Trichuris, but other helminths, including Schistosoma, Trichinella, Heligmosomoides, and Ancylostoma, have also been explored for pre-clinical and animal studies. This review article summarizes the potential of helminth therapy as an alternative therapeutic or an adjuvant to the existing therapeutic procedures for IBD treatment.

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IBD

Cardiovascular disease: extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease: Samridhi Lakhanpal, Kanishk Aggarwal, Harmanjit Kaur, Kunal Kanwar, Vasu Gupta, Jill Bhavsar, Rohit Jain; Intest Res 2025;23(1):23-36. Published online May 7, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2023.00104

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a spectrum of diseases characterized by the interplay of the aberrant immune system, genetic factors, environmental factors, and intestinal microbiota, resulting in relapsing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Underlying pro-inflammatory state and immune dysregulation act as a catalyst for increasing the likelihood of developing extraintestinal manifestations, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD) like atherosclerosis, pericarditis, myocarditis, venous and arterial thromboembolism, arrhythmias, despite a lower prevalence of classic CVD risk factors, like high body mass index or dyslipidemia compared to the general population. Chronic inflammation damages endothelium resulting in the recruitment of inflammatory cells, which induce cytotoxicity, lipoprotein oxidation, and matrix degradation, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis. Additionally, intestinal dysbiosis disrupts the intestinal mucosal barrier, releasing endotoxins and lipopolysaccharides into circulation, further exaggerating the atherosclerotic process. Abnormal collagen metabolism and alteration of nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation lead to blood pressure dysregulation in patients with IBD. Therefore, it is essential to make lifestyle modifications like smoking cessation, dietary changes, and increasing physical activity with adherence to medication to mitigate the risk of developing CVD in patients with IBD. This article reviews the potential links between IBD and the increased risk of CVD in such individuals.

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IBD

Optimizing 5-aminosalicylate for moderate ulcerative colitis: expert recommendations from the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa Inflammatory Bowel Disease Coalition: Filiz Akyüz, Yoon Kyo An, Jakob Begun, Satimai Aniwan, Huu Hoang Bui, Webber Chan, Chang Hwan Choi, Nazeer Chopdat, Susan J Connor, Devendra Desai, Emma Flanagan, Taku Kobayashi, Allen Yu-Hung Lai, Rupert W Leong, Alex Hwong-Ruey Leow, Wai Keung Leung, Julajak Limsrivilai, Virly Nanda Muzellina, Kiran Peddi, Zhihua Ran, Shu Chen Wei, Jose Sollano, Michelle Mui Hian Teo, Kaichun Wu, Byong Duk Ye, Choon Jin Ooi; Intest Res 2025;23(1):37-55. Published online November 4, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00089

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: The lack of clear definition and classification for “moderate ulcerative colitis (UC)” creates ambiguity regarding the suitability of step-up versus top-down treatment approaches. In this paper, experts address crucial gaps in assessing and managing moderate UC. The Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa Inflammatory Bowel Disease Coalition comprised 24 experts who convened to share, discuss and vote electronically on management recommendations for moderate UC. Experts emphasized that the goal of treating UC is to attain clinical, biomarker, and endoscopic remission using cost-effective strategies such as 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs), well-tolerated therapy that can be optimized to improve outcomes. Experts agreed that 5-ASA therapy could be optimized by maximizing dosage (4 g/day for induction of remission), combining oral and topical administration, extending treatment duration beyond 8 weeks, and enhancing patient adherence through personalized counselling and reduced pill burden. Treatment escalation should ideally be reserved for patients with predictors of aggressive disease or those who do not respond to 5-ASA optimization. Premature treatment escalation to advanced therapies (including biologics and oral small molecules) may have long-term health and financial consequences. This paper provides consensus-based expert recommendations and a treatment algorithm, based on current evidence and practices, to assist decision-making in real-world settings.

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IBD

The prevalence of pouch fistulas in ulcerative colitis following restorative proctocolectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis: Sheng Wei Lo, Ishaan Dharia, Danujan Sriranganathan, Maia Kayal, Edward L. Barnes, Jonathan P. Segal; Intest Res 2025;23(1):56-64. Published online August 9, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00009

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background/Aims
One complication of restorative proctocolectomy with ileo-anal pouch anastomosis is fistula formation in the pouch. Fistulas can be associated with significant morbidity and pouch failure. We conducted a systematic review with meta- analysis to try and understand the prevalence of pouch fistulas in patients with ulcerative colitis following restorative proctocolectomy.
Methods
The Embase, Embase Classic, and PubMed databases were searched between January 1979 and April 2022. Studies were included if there were cross-sectional, case-controlled, population-based or cohort studies reporting on prevalence of pouch fistulas in ulcerative colitis. Studies had to report the number of patients with pouch fistulas using either clinical, endoscopic, or radiological diagnosis in an adult population.
Results
Thirty-three studies screened met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of developing at least 1 fistula was 0.05 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04–0.07). The pooled prevalence of pouch failure in patients with pouch fistula was found to be 0.24 (95% CI, 0.19–0.30). The pooled prevalence of developing a pouch fistula at 3 years, 5 years and more than 5 years was 0.04 (95% CI, 0.02–0.07), 0.05 (95% CI, 0.02–0.07), and 0.05 (95% CI, 0.02–0.10), respectively.
Conclusions
This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to report the prevalence of pouch fistula. It also provides a pooled prevalence of pouch failure in these patients. These results can help to shape future guidelines, power future studies, and help counsel patients.

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IBD

Filgotinib induction-study baseline characteristics of patients with ulcerative colitis who achieve sustained corticosteroid-free remission: post hoc analysis of the phase 2b/3 SELECTION study: Taku Kobayashi, Axel Dignass, Xavier Roblin, Yoshie Takatori, Toshihiko Kaise, Alessandra Oortwijn, Corinne Jamoul, Toshifumi Hibi; Intest Res 2025;23(1):65-75. Published online June 14, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00007

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Background/Aims
Obtaining and maintaining corticosteroid-free remission are important goals of treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC). Characteristics associated with achieving corticosteroid-free remission were assessed in filgotinib-treated patients in SELECTION, a 58-week, phase 2b/3 trial in moderately to severely active UC.
Methods
This post hoc analysis used data from filgotinib-treated patients receiving corticosteroids at maintenance baseline in SELECTION. Univariate logistic regression was performed to assess induction baseline characteristics associated with 6 months of corticosteroid-free remission at week 58, defined as clinical remission without using corticosteroids for at least 6 months.
Results
At maintenance baseline, 92 and 81 patients were receiving corticosteroids in the filgotinib 200 mg and filgotinib 100 mg groups, respectively. Age, body mass index, history of pancolitis, disease duration, fecal calprotectin levels, C-reactive protein levels, Mayo Clinic Score, concomitant corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and aminosalicylates had no statistically significant effect on the likelihood of achieving corticosteroid-free remission. Baseline characteristics associated with increased odds of corticosteroid-free remission were Mayo Clinic Endoscopic Subscore of 2 (vs. 3) in the filgotinib 200 mg and filgotinib 100 mg groups, and female (vs. male) sex, current (vs. former or never) smoking, and being biologic‑naive (vs. experienced) in the filgotinib 200 mg group.
Conclusions
Steroid tapering can be achieved in patients with UC receiving filgotinib 200 mg independently of baseline characteristics such as clinical activity and duration of illness. However, the likelihood of achieving corticosteroid-free remission was higher among patients who were biologic-naive, current smokers, had low endoscopic inflammatory burden and who were female.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

In which patients with ulcerative colitis would filgotinib be effective?
Jihye Park
Intestinal Research.2025; 23(1): 1. CrossRef

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IBD

Association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and incidence of inflammatory bowel disease: a nationwide population‑based cohort study: Ying-Hsiang Wang, Chi-Hsiang Chung, Tien-Yu Huang, Chao-Feng Chang, Chi-Wei Yang, Wu-Chien Chien, Yi-Chiao Cheng; Intest Res 2025;23(1):76-84. Published online February 21, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2023.00078

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Background/Aims
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease with severe inflammatory processes associated with numerous gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, we investigated the relationship between NAFLD and IBD and the possible risk factors associated with the diagnosis of IBD.
Methods
This longitudinal nationwide cohort study investigated the risk of IBD in patients with NAFLD alone. General characteristics, comorbidities, and incidence of IBD were also compared.
Results
Patients diagnosed with NAFLD had a significant risk of developing IBD compared to control individuals, who were associated with a 2.245-fold risk of the diagnosis of IBD and a 2.260- and 2.231-fold of increased diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, respectively (P< 0.001). The cumulative risk of IBD increased annually during the follow-up of patients with NAFLD (P< 0.001).
Conclusions
Our results emphasize that NAFLD significantly impacts its incidence in patients with NAFLD. If patients with NAFLD present with risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, these conditions should be properly treated with regular follow-ups. Furthermore, we believe that these causes may be associated with the second peak of IBD.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Elucidating the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and incidence of inflammatory bowel disease: a focus on systemic inflammation
Sihyun Kim, Jong Pil Im
Intestinal Research.2025; 23(1): 3. CrossRef
Multiomics analysis reveals the potential mechanism of high‐fat diet in dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis mice model
Yuyang Zhao, Zhimin Chen, Ruiyi Dong, Yufan Liu, Yixin Zhang, Yan Guo, Meiyi Yu, Xiang Li, Jiangbin Wang
Food Science & Nutrition.2024; 12(10): 8309. CrossRef

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Tumor

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practices related to colorectal cancer and colonoscopy in South Korea: a nationwide population-based study: Jin Young Yoon, Moon Hyung Lee, Min Seob Kwak, Jae Myung Cha; Intest Res 2025;23(1):85-95. Published online November 29, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00066

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background/Aims
Despite of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there is little data regarding its impact on colorectal cancer (CRC)-related clinical practice. This study aimed to assess the changes in its impact during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
This was a retrospective national population-based study using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment database from January 2019 to December 2021. The number of patients in 2020 and 2021 was compared with those in 2019 for the diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy, CRC-related operation, and any treatment for CRC.
Results
The annual number of patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopies decreased by 6.9% in 2020 but increased 8.1% in 2021, compared to those in 2019; number of patients undergoing therapeutic colonoscopies increased by 6.0% and 37.7% in 2020 and 2021, respectively; number of patients operated for CRC decreased by 4.2% in 2020 and increased by 2.3% in 2021. The number of patients treated for CRC decreased by 2.8% in 2020 and increased by 4.4% in 2021. Diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopies and any CRC-related treatment decreased by 43.8%, 37.5%, and 11.3% in March 2020, during the first surge of COVID-19, but increased by 26.0%, 58.1%, and 9.5% in June 2021, respectively. CRC-related operations decreased by 24.1% in April 2020 and increased by 12.6% in August 2021.
Conclusions
Negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practices related to CRC completely recovered within second year. It could be considered for the development of an optimal strategy on CRC management in response to the pandemic-driven crisis.

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Miscellaneous

Bowel movement alterations predict the severity of diverticular disease and the risk of acute diverticulitis: a prospective, international study: Antonio Tursi, Daniele Piovani, Giovanni Brandimarte, Francesco Di Mario, Walter Elisei, Marcello Picchio, Gisella Figlioli, Gabrio Bassotti, Leonardo Allegretta, Maria Laura Annunziata, Mauro Bafutto, Maria Antonia Bianco, Raffaele Colucci, Rita Conigliaro, Dan L. Dumitrascu, Ricardo Escalante, Luciano Ferrini, Giacomo Forti, Marilisa Franceschi, Maria Giovanna Graziani, Frank Lammert, Giovanni Latella, Daniele Lisi, Giovanni Maconi, Debora Compare, Gerardo Nardone, Lucia Camara de Castro Oliveira, Chaves Oliveira Enio, Savvas Papagrigoriadis, Anna Pietrzak, Stefano Pontone, Ieva Stundiene, Tomas Poškus, Giuseppe Pranzo, Matthias Christian Reichert, Stefano Rodino, Jaroslaw Regula, Giuseppe Scaccianoce, Franco Scaldaferri, Roberto Vassallo, Costantino Zampaletta, Angelo Zullo, Erasmo Spaziani, Stefanos Bonovas, Alfredo Papa, Silvio Danese, DICA International Group; Intest Res 2025;23(1):96-106. Published online August 12, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00046

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background/Aims
Patients with diverticular disease (DD) frequently have abnormal bowel movements. However, it is unknown whether the entity of these alterations is associated with the severity of DD. We aimed to assess bowel habits and their relationship with the severity of DD according to Diverticular Inflammation and Complication Assessment (DICA) classification, Combined Overview on Diverticular Assessment (CODA) score, and fecal calprotectin (FC).
Methods
An international, multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted in 43 centers. A 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the severity of constipation and diarrhea. The association of constipation and diarrhea with DICA classification, CODA score, and basal FC was tested using non-parametric tests. Survival methods for censored observations were applied to test the association of constipation and diarrhea with the incidence of acute diverticulitis over a 3-year follow-up.
Results
Of 871 patients with DD were included in the study. Of these, 208 (23.9%) and 199 (22.9%) reported a VAS score for constipation and diarrhea at least 3 at baseline, respectively. Higher constipation and diarrhea scores were associated with increasing DICA classification, CODA score and basal FC (P< 0.001). Constipation and diarrhea scores were independently associated with an increased hazard of developing acute diverticulitis (hazard ratio [HR]_constipation = 1.15 per 1-VAS point increase, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.27; P=0.004; and HR_diarrhea =1.14; 95% CI, 1.03–1.26; P=0.014, respectively).
Conclusions
In newly diagnosed patients with DD, higher endoscopic and combined scores of DD severity were associated with higher scores of constipation and diarrhea at baseline. Both constipation and diarrhea were independent prognostic factors of acute diverticulitis.

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IBD

Combined eosinophilic gastroenteritis and ulcerative colitis successfully treated by vedolizumab: a case report: Hironobu Takedomi, Kayoko Fukuda, Suma Inoue, Nanae Tsuruoka, Yasuhisa Sakata, Shigehisa Aoki, Motohiro Esaki; Intest Res 2025;23(1):107-111. Published online August 29, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2024.00013

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: A 47-year-old man with over 10 years’ duration of ulcerative colitis treated by 5-aminosalicylic acid and intermittent topical steroids complained of acute epigastric pain. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed diffuse mucosal edema with patchy redness, multiple erosions and nodularity of the stomach. Bioptic examination revealed marked eosinophilic infiltration, confirming the diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis. Systemic steroid therapy was initiated, whereas his ulcerative colitis and eosinophilia recurred when tapering the steroid. Addition of azathioprine was ineffective, and we subsequently started vedolizumab for eosinophilic gastroenteritis and ulcerative colitis. The medication effectively improved his abdominal symptoms and esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ileocolonoscopy 1 year later revealed endoscopic improvement of both diseases with histologically decreased level of eosinophilic infiltration. Considering that eosinophils also express α4β7 integrins, vedolizumab can be a possible therapeutic candidate for eosinophilic gastroenteritis as well as ulcerative colitis.

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