Epithelial Expression of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide in Ulcerative Colitis: Down-Regulation in Markedly Inflamed Colon

Abstract

The findings suggest that there is a local production of VIP in the epithelial cells in normal and slightly/moderately inflamed mucosa but not in severely inflamed mucosa. Furthermore, a marked downregulation in VPAC1 receptor expressions occurs in the epithelium in severe UC. Based on the knowledge that VIP can have trophic, healing and anti-inflammatory effects, it is likely that the decrease in VIP mRNA and VPAC1 receptor reactions seen in severely affected mucosa in UC may be associated with adverse effects on intestinal function.

Modulation of VIPergic phenotype of enteric neurons by colonic biopsy supernatants from patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: Involvement of IL‐6 in Crohn's disease

“…Some studies have reported increased VIP in CD, while other studies have shown a decrease . Similarly, in UC some studies have reported increased VIP, while others have indicated no difference . Such findings could be due to differences in methods used (immunohistochemistry, radioimmunoassay, PCR) or site studied (ie, ileum vs colon).…”

“…23,24 Similarly, in UC some studies have reported increased VIP, while others have indicated no difference. [14][15][16]25,26 Such findings could be due to differences in methods used (immunohistochemistry, radioimmunoassay, PCR) or site studied (ie, ileum vs colon). As suggested by our study, such differences might also be due in addition to changes in local intestinal inflammation, independently of the disease clinical activity which does not necessarily reflect the presence or absence of significant lesions.…”

Distinct pattern of enteric phospho-alpha-synuclein aggregates and gene expression profiles in patients with Parkinson’s disease

“…Additionally, 5-HT4 receptor activation is linked to anti-inflammatory effects in the GI system [76], and increased mRNA expression of VIP was reported in moderately inflamed mucosal epithelium [33]. These data suggest a link between PD and inflammatory processes at the level of the GI tract, as proposed by Devos et al , who found striking similarity between pro-inflammatory cytokine expression patterns in bowel biopsies of PD patients and patients with inflammatory bowel diseases [19].…”

Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide Promotes Intestinal Barrier Homeostasis and Protection Against Colitis in Mice

“…Using in vivo and in vitro model systems, we demonstrate that VIP plays an indispensible role in regulating colonic mucosal integrity and epithelial barrier homeostasis and its absence in an appropriate environmental context increases susceptibility to colitis. To date, there are conflicting reports on morphological changes of VIPergic neurons in the colons of IBD patients [ 3 – 5 ]. Moreover it is unclear whether the morphological and functional changes in the ENS in IBD patients are secondary to inflammation-induced injury.…”

“…Overt intestinal inflammation has been associated with significant decreases in VIP+ neurons as well as altered expression of VIP+ neuronal subpopulations [ 3 , 4 ]. Furthermore, it was recently shown that VIP and its receptor VPAC1 could not be detected in tissues from IBD patients suffering severe mucosal damage [ 5 ]. These findings suggest dysregulated VIP responses may contribute to IBD pathogenesis, but at present, the role of VIP in maintaining intestinal health is largely unexplored.…”