Editor, We read the papers by Barbara et al and Lam et al with interest. The authors reported the results of two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of mesalazine in IBS. These are the largest studies examining the efficacy of this drug in IBS, to date, and the authors are to be applauded for conducting them. The efficacy of mesalazine in UC is undisputed. However, the observation that a subset...

The polyphenolic compound 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-beta-D-glucoside (THSG) has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we examined the effects of THSG on experimental mice with colitis induced by acetic acid and whether the underlying mechanisms were associated with the PPAR-γ and NF-κB pathways. Mice were randomized into six equal groups: normal, colitis model, THSG (10...

BACKGROUND The methods of evaluating endoscopic mucosal findings and the definition of mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel disease have not been standardized. AIM To examine a third-party central review of colonic mucosal evaluations. METHODS A double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial was performed for 4weeks, which involved continuous administration of a 1-g mesalazine supp...

The aminosalicylate mesalazine (mesalamine) forms the mainstay of treatment in ulcerative colitis (UC), a disease for which many commercial modified-release products have been developed with the aim of providing targeted gastrointestinal release. The release profiles of five of these commercial formulations were evaluated in bicarbonate buffer using a novel dissolution model that mimics the dyn...

BACKGROUND Quality of life (QoL) is becoming a major issue in the evaluation of any therapeutic intervention. AIMS To assess the QoL in patients with uncomplicated symptomatic diverticular disease (DD) and to elucidate the influence of two different treatments either on symptoms or QoL. MATERIALS AND METHODS 58 outpatients affected by uncomplicated symptomatic DD, admitted in our Gastroente...

The advent of salicylates in the treatment of ulcerative colitis started in 1938 with the discovery of Salazopyrin by Nanna Svartz. This drug offered for the first time a therapeutic chance to patients with ulcerative colitis. In this paper we describe the fascinating history of Salazopyrin and salicylates from the first serendipitous observations to the last randomized clinical trials. Attenti...

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) manifests as recurrent deep ulceration of the skin and PG is associated with a variety of disorders. Approximately 30% of the cases of PG develop in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. A 34-year-old woman presented with a one-week history of recurrent ulcers on the right cheek and back. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) 4 years previously and with PG...

Crohn's disease is a granulomatous systemic disorder of unknown aetiology. Obvious pulmonary involvement is exceptional. We report the case of a 33 year old woman treated with mesalazine for Crohn's disease and presenting with dyspnoea. Pulmonary function tests showed a restrictive ventilatory pattern with hypoxaemia on exertion. Chest radiography disclosed an interstitial pattern with ground g...