Ulcer associated cell lineage glands expressing trefoil peptide genes are induced by chronic ulceration in ileal pouch mucosa

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronic ulcerative conditions in the gastrointestinal tract result in the appearance of the ulcer associated cell lineage (UACL). The glands of this new cell lineage secrete epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor alpha, and the trefoil factor family (TFF) peptides, which are known to participate in repair processes. Pouchitis is the most frequent complication of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. AIM: Our aim was to determine whether the mucosal ulceration present in pouchitis can induce the development of UACL glands. METHODS: Biopsies from ileal pouches with pouchitis (n=10), healthy pouches (n=5), and normal terminal ileum (n=5) were studied. Expression of TFF mRNA was..