Clinicians are frequently challenged to interpret gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with inflammatory disease (IBD). Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms are common in patients with IBD and the underlying mechanism is likely to be active or occult inflammation of the bowel rather than co-existing IBS. Biopsychosocial construct and mucosal inflammation, stress, alteration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and autonomic dysregulation are contributing factors to IBD-IBS. In particular, low-grade inflammation and immune activation are recent topics regarding the underlying mechanism. Some authors have claimed that inflammation could be a common pathophysiologic factor, in which IBS and IBD might represent the two ends of a wide spectrum of chronic inflammatory conditions. Mast cells, enteroendocrine cells, T cells, and B cells are main effector cells in immune responses. Differentiating IBS symptoms from exacerbation of IBD is important, thus preventing the use of excessive IBD medications, with the potential side effects, or narcotics. Medical treatments with anti-diarrheals, anti-spasmodics, anti-depressants, and anxiolytics can be helpful. However, abuse can lead to medication-dependency and bring about side effects. A healthy, balanced lifestyle, including diet and exercise, should be endorsed. (Intest Res 2010;8:95-105)
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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Kyeong Ok Kim The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology.2022; 79(1): 4. CrossRef
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) syndrome is characterized by an imbalance of a complex microbiome in the gut. The underlying factors include anatomic abnormalities, (small intestinal obstruction, diverticular disease, fistulas, blind or afferent loops, and previous ileo-cecal resection), motility disorders (scleroderma, diabetic autonomic neuropathy, and ileus), and some conditions associated with failure of antibacterial defense mechanisms (achlorhydria, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and an immunosuppressed state). In recent studies, there is abundant evidence suggesting the relationship between SIBO and irritable bowel syndrome; however, it is not clear which disease is a primary factor to the other. Symptoms related to SIBO include diarrhea, bloating, malabsorption, weight loss, and anemia. The gold standard test for the diagnosis of SIBO is aspiration of jejunal fluid for culture. However, non-invasive hydrogen and methane breath tests are more widely used for the diagnosis, although they have several potential problems affecting the diagnostic accuracy. The treatment should be individualized, and usually consists of correction of the underlying predisposing disease, nutritional support, and cyclic or repeated courses of antimicrobials. (Intest Res 2010;8:106-116)
Background/Aims Fascin, an actin-bundling protein found in membrane ruffles, microspikes, and stress fibers, induces membrane protrusions and increases cell motility in normal and various transformed cells. The expression of fascin in epithelial neoplasms has only been described recently, and the role of fascin in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is still unknown. Methods: Paraffin sections of CRC from 79 patients were immunohistochemically investigated using monoclonal anti-fascin antibody. Staining of >5% of tumor cells was recorded as positive immunoreactivity. Results: Overall, fascin immunoreactivity was detected in 63 of 79 patients (79.7%). Twenty-three patients were classified as 1+ (5-25% immunoreactive tumor cells) and 24 were 2+ (>25% immunoreactive tumor cells). In these patients, 16 had 3+ (>75% immunoreactive tumor cells) fascin immunoreactivity. Fascin immunoreactivity was increased according to the TNM stage (P<0.001), positive lymph node metastasis (P<0.001), budding (P<0.001), vessel invasion (P=0.001), perineural invasion (P=0.039), overall survival (P=0.012), and disease-free survival (P=0.016); however, fascin immunoreactivity was not correlated with recurrence or depth of tumor invasion. Conclusions: This study suggests that an increased expression of fascin was associated with a poor prognosis and the immunohistochemical detection of fascin provides useful information as one of the prognostic values in CRC. (Intest Res 2010;8:117-125)
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MicroRNA-30a Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Metastasis Through Down-Regulation of Type I Insulin-Like Growth Factor Receptor Y. C. Liu, Y. R. Park, S. L. Kim, S. T. Lee, S. W. Kim Digestive Diseases and Sciences.2017; 62(11): 3040. CrossRef
Background/Aims Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major causes of death and poses a major public health concern. The National CRC Screening Programme (NCSP) provides annual CRC screening using a fecal occult blood test for individuals >50 years of age since 2004. The purpose of the current study was to determine the outcomes and efficacy of a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) based on the NCSP in a quality-controlled university hospital setting. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and a standardized questionnaire from the NCSP of 3,852 individuals who underwent a FIT between March and December 2009. All of the subjects submitted a stool specimen for a FIT, while a double-contrast barium enema or colonoscopy was performed as a confirmatory examination for FIT-positive individuals. The CRC screening rate and rate of detection colorectal adenomas, advanced adenomas, and colorectal cancers by FIT were evaluated. Results: The CRC screening rate with FIT was very high (72.3%), but the positive rate of detection by FIT was only 1.3%. The rate of detection for colorectal cancers, adenomas, and advanced adenomas by FIT was 0.08%, 0.39%, and 0.13%, respectively. The quantitative values of FIT in individuals with colorectal adenomas and cancers were significantly higher than other colorectal diseases. Men (P=0.001) and elderly individuals (P=0.039) were significantly more common in the FIT-positive group than the FIT-negative group. Approximately 28% of the subjects with FIT-positive tests did not receive a confirmatory examination. Conclusions: Although the FIT had a low rate of detection, the FIT was a useful screening tool for detection of CRC in the NCSP. It will be important to increase CRC screening rates and confirmatory examination rates. (Intest Res 2010;8:126-134)
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Factors influencing colonoscopy behaviour among Koreans with a positive faecal occult blood tests EunHee Choi, JaeHee Jeon, JinHee Kim European Journal of Cancer Care.2019; 28(2): e13008. CrossRef
Performance Evaluation of Two Automated Quantitative Fecal Occult Blood Tests Ari Ahn, Jeongeun Kim, Young Jin Ko, Heungsup Sung, Mi-Na Kim Laboratory Medicine Online.2016; 6(4): 233. CrossRef
A comparison of qualitative and quantitative fecal immunochemical tests in the Korean national colorectal cancer screening program Mi Jin Park, Kui Son Choi, You Kyoung Lee, Jae Kwan Jun, Hoo-Yeon Lee Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology.2012; 47(4): 461. CrossRef
Telephone Reminder Call in Addition to Mailing Notification Improved the Acceptance Rate of Colonoscopy in Patients with a Positive Fecal Immunochemical Test Jae Myung Cha, Joung Il Lee, Kwang Ro Joo, Hyun Phil Shin, Jae Jun Park Digestive Diseases and Sciences.2011; 56(11): 3137. CrossRef
The Significance of Fecal Immunochemical Test in National Cancer Screening Program Dong Il Park Intestinal Research.2010; 8(2): 200. CrossRef
Background/Aims This study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) as palliative treatment for malignant obstruction of the colon and rectum. Methods: From January 2003 to September 2009, 28 patients (12 men and 16 women) with malignant colorectal obstruction received placement of uncovered or covered stents for palliative purposes under endoscopic or fluoroscopic guidance. The rates of technical success, clinical success, and the complications associated with stent insertion, patient survival, and long-term stent patency were evaluated. Results: The technical and clinical success rates were 100% (28/28) and 89.3% (25/28), respectively. Among the 25 patients with technical and clinical success, seven patients (28%) experienced complications: A case of perforation (n=1) was managed by surgical intervention, cases of tumor ingrowth (n=4), tumor ingrowth and overgrowth (n=1), and tumor overgrowth (n=1) were managed successfully with an additional stent. The median survival duration was 128.0±54.8 days. The median stent patency duration was 93.0±29.1 days, and the patency rates at 30, 90, and 180 days were 92%, 52%, and 25%, respectively. Conclusions: The placement of a self-expanding metal stent was safe and effective palliative treatment for malignant colorectal obstruction. Stent-associated complications can be managed with the placement of additional stents in the majority of the patients and long-term stent patency is favorable. (Intest Res 2010;8:135-141)
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Colorectal Stents: Current Status Jeong-Mi Lee, Jeong-Sik Byeon Clinical Endoscopy.2015; 48(3): 194. CrossRef
Background/Aims The increase of colonoscopy procedures has led to an increase in the diagnosis of carcinoid tumors in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical and pathological characteristics that affect the treatment and recurrence of carcinoid tumors of the lower gastrointestinal tract. Methods: A 10-year (1999-2009) retrospective analysis of 41 patients with carcinoid tumors of the lower gastrointestinal tract at the Chungbuk National University Hospital was conducted. Patient and tumor characteristics, treatment and recurrence were analyzed. Results: The mean age was 47.4±12.4 (range, 22-79 years) and the male to female ratio was 1:0.64. The mean tumor size was 9.4±4.8 (3-20) mm. In the lower gastrointestinal tract, the rectum was the most frequent location of the lower gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors (92.7%). Twenty-nine out of 41 patients were treated by endoscopy (mean size of tumor: 8.0±3.4 mm) and 12 were treated by surgery (mean size of tumor: 13.8±5.8 mm)(P=0.011). Among the patients treated by endoscopy, only one patient had a complete resection. However, the histology showed that 10 patients treated by endoscopy had positive resection margins; all 10 cases (35.7%) had a polypectomy (P=0.013). The mean follow-up duration was 19.2±14.5 months, and there were two recurrences of rectal carcinoid tumors. Conclusions: Both endoscopic and surgical resections were effective methods for the treatment of lower gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors. However, endoscopic polypectomy should be carefully considered because of the possibility of more frequent incomplete histological resections. Moreover, even for small rectal carcinoid tumors, follow-up examination should be performed to evaluate for tumor recurrence. (Intest Res 2010;8:142-150)
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Multiple Colonic Metastases from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Gwi Hong Jeong, Byong Duk Ye, Seung Jae Myung The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology.2011; 58(5): 288. CrossRef
Endoscopic Resection for Rectal Carcinoid Tumor: Efficacy and Clinical Results of Follow-up Gwang Un Kim, Byong Duk Ye, Jeong-Sik Byeon, Hwan Sung Park, Tae Jin Ok, Dong-Hoon Yang, Kee Wook Jung, Kyung Jo Kim, Seung-Jae Myung, Suk-Kyun Yang, Jin-Ho Kim Intestinal Research.2011; 9(3): 217. CrossRef
Background/Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in circulating levels of adipokines, including leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and visfatin, after induction therapy of patients with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: We prospectively evaluated 20 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 14 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who received induction therapy. The disease activity, body mass index (BMI), and C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum adipolines levels were checked before treatment and 10 weeks after treatment. Results: After induction therapy, significant reduction of disease activity was noted in patients with CD (CD activity index, 267.9±73.7 vs. 50.8±36.5, P<0.001) and patients with UC (Mayo score, 9.8±2.2 vs. 1.4±1.6, P<0.001). The mean serum leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and visfatin levels were 4.0±2.7 ng/mL and 4.4±2.3 ng/mL (P=0.323), 27.0±20.5 Ռg/mL and 33.8±26.5Ռg/mL (P=0.084), 9.0±4.0 ng/mL and 10.2±3.2 ng/mL (P=0.108), and 4.6±3.7 ng/mL and 2.5±4.1 ng/mL (P=0.046) before and after infliximab treatment, respectively. No significant correlation between the changes in BMI, CRP level, or the clinical indices of activity and alterations of the measured adipokines was demonstrated. Conclusions: The serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, and resistin showed no significant alterations, whereas the serum visfatin level decreased significantly after induction therapy, suggesting a possible pro-inflammatory property of visfatin and a role as a marker of successful therapy of IBD. (Intest Res 2010;8:151-161)
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Circulating Ghrelin Levels and Obestatin/Ghrelin Ratio as a Marker of Activity in Ulcerative Colitis Ja Young Jung, Ji Bong Jeong, Ji Won Kim, Su Hwan Kim, Seong-Joon Koh, Byeong Gwan Kim, Kook Lae Lee Intestinal Research.2015; 13(1): 68. CrossRef
Background/Aims Although neurotensin (NT) stimulates colon motility and the passage of intestinal contents, the associated mechanism of action remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of NT on colon motility using isolated rat colon. Methods: Intraluminal pressure was measured at both the proximal and distal portions of the isolated colon. An isolated rat colon was perfused with Krebs solution via the superior mesenteric artery. After stabilization, NT was administered in concentrations of 14, 28, 138 and 276 pM. After pretreatment with phentolamine, propranolol, hexamethonium, atropine or tetrodotoxin, NT was administered at a concentration of 276 pM, and then the intraluminal pressure was monitored. Results: NT significantly increased colon motility at concentrations of 14, 28, 138, and 276 in the proximal colon (25.1±6.5%, 175.4±117.0%, 240.8±115.1% and 252.3±110.6%, respectively) and in the distal colon (35.6±11.8%, 97.5±35.1%, 132.7±36.7% and 212.1±75.2%, respectively). The stimulant effect of NT was more potent in the proximal colon, in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). The stimulant effect of NT was significantly inhibited by atropine at both the proximal and distal colon and by tetrodotoxin at the proximal colon, but not by tetrodotoxin at the distal colon and not by propranolol, phentolamine, or hexamethonium at both the proximal and distal colon. Conclusions: NT increased colon motility at both the proximal and distal portions of the rat colon. The effects were more prominent at the proximal portion. The results of this study suggest that the stimulant action of NT may be mediated by local cholinergic muscarinic receptors. (Intest Res 2010;8:162-171)
Squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum is extremely rare. Herein we report two cases of rectal squamous cell carcinoma. Case 1 was a 44-year-old Korean female presenting with abdominal pain and rectal bleeding for 3 months before her hospital visit. A colonoscopic examination revealed an ulcerated rectal mass 8 cm proximal to the anal verge. Chemoradiotherapy was administered following Hartmann's procedure in case 1. The patient remained alive during 19 months of follow up. Case 2 was a 43-year-old Korean female who had severe constipation for 2 months. A barium enema and computed tomography of the pelvis showed a rectal mass adherent to the sacrum. Based on the results of a colonoscopic biopsy, a diverting colostomy was performed in case 2, with no further treatment. The pathologic findings showed that both tumors were composed of oval-shaped cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and intercellular bridges with keratin pearls, and thus were diagnosed as well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Neither of the cases showed evidence of HPV infection. The pathogenesis of rectal squamous cell carcinoma has not been clarified. Herein we report two cases of rectal squamous cell carcinoma and briefly discuss the possible histogenesis. (Intest Res 2010;8:172-176)
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Rectal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Patient with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Hye Min Jo, Hyun Jung Kim, Jina Youn, Seong Kyu Park, Dae Sik Hong, A Reum Chun, Hee Kyung Kim Korean Journal of Medicine.2015; 88(3): 335. CrossRef
Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Ascending Colon: Report of a Case and Korean Literature Review Dong-Keun Cho, Sang-Hun Kim, Sung-Bum Cho, Wan-Sik Lee, Young-Eun Joo The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology.2014; 64(2): 98. CrossRef
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder. Treatment strategies for CD are targeted toward various components of the proinflammatory mediators and subsequent immune response. Recently, the anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) monoclonal antibody, infliximab has been used in patients with CD. However, uncommon and unusual infections have been reported during anti-TNF-Ձ therapy and immunomodulator. Here, we report a case of pityriasis versicolor occurring in a patient with CD receiving infliximab treatment. The patient was successfully treated with topical ketoconazole. (Intest Res 2010;8:177-180)
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary disorder. Intestinal hamartomatous polyps in association with melanocytic pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes characterize PJS. Patients with PJS often have complications associated with the polyps, such as intestinal obstruction, intussusception, acute or chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, and the development of various types of cancer. Enteroclysis, small bowel follow-through, and push enteroscopy are generally used to identify the presence and location of small bowel polyps. Wireless capsule endoscopy (CE) has been confirmed as a feasible, safe, and sensitive test for the surveillance of small bowel polyps in patients with PJS and could replace radiographic small bowel surveillance. Here, a case of PJS newly diagnosed by CE is reported. The patient, a 30-year-old man who had developed rectal polyps associated with anal extrusion 7 years previously, had six episodes of hematochezia. (Intest Res 2010;8:181-186)
Eun Suk Jung, Jae Hee Cheon, Kyong Joo Lee, Hyun Jung Lee, Hui Won Jang, Young Eun Chon, Kyu Sik Jung, Seonjung Chang, Sung Pil Hong, Tae Il Kim, Won Ho Kim
Intest Res 2010;8(2):187-190. Published online December 30, 2010
Colitis Cystica Profunda (CCP) is an uncommon and benign disease entity characterized by mucoid cysts located in the submucosal layer of the colon. It can mimic cystic submucosal tumors or mucinous adenocarcinoma and is usually located in the rectum. CCP is found in the ascending colon less frequently. CCP manifesting as multiple cystic tumors, similar to pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, has not yet been reported. Recently, a case of CCP mimicking pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in the ascending colon was treated. Here this case is reported and the literature reviewed. (Intest Res 2010;8:187-190)
Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are relatively rare submucosal tumors with an incidence of 10% in the gastrointestinal tract. In the gastrointestinal tract, the esophagus is the most common site for GCTs, while the colorectum is an uncommon site. GCTs are often found incidentally as small, submucosal tumors on esophagogastroduodenoscopy. On endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), GCTs usually have a homogeneous hypoechoic pattern. EUS cannot adequately distinguish GCTs from carcinoid tumors. We report a case of a cecal GCT that was misdiagnosed as a carcinoid tumor by EUS and was treated by endoscopic mucosal resection, along with a review of the literature. (Intest Res 2010;8:191-194)
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Amyloidosis uncommonly presents with intestinal pseudo-obstruction. According to previous reports, patients with primary AL amyloidosis presented with a chronic process with symtom duration of more than 1 year, but patients with secondary AA amyloidosis presented as an acute illness, usually less than 10 weeks. Localized gastrointestinal amyloidosis limited to the jejunum, without involvement of stomach, duodenum, colon, or rectum, is very rare. Imaging studies in small intestinal amyloidosis generally show a symmetrical uniform appearance. AA amyloidosis with acute-phase reactant serum amyloid A protein is associated with inflammatory, infectious or neoplastic disorders. To our knowledge, no case of amyloidosis associated with latent syphilis has been reported to date. We present a case of a 56-year-old man who presented with clinical and radiographic features of a small bowel obstruction and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Investigations including laparoscopy and other laboratory dataled to a diagnosis of pseudo-obstruction of the jejunum due to AA amyloidosis associated with latent syphilis. After appropriate treatment for latent syphilis, abdominal symptoms had been disappeared, but jejunal dilatation was still present two years later. (Intest Res 2010;8:195-199)
Factors associated with adherence to fecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer screening among adults in the Republic of Korea Nayoung Bae, Sunhee Park, Sungwon Lim European Journal of Oncology Nursing.2014; 18(1): 72. CrossRef