TSG-6, a potential new therapeutic target in fistulising Crohn’s Disease  

Sudharshan Elangovan © Sudharshan Elangovan

Background

Fistulising Crohn’s Disease (CD) represents a demanding, complex, and as yet unresolved issue, characterised by lesions with active pus drainage through the external fistula openings. Despite advances in understanding of the pathophysiology, to date there are no specific and efficient therapies or molecular markers for its treatment or prevention. TNF-α stimulated gene/protein-6 (TSG-6), an anti-inflammatory protein produced in response to signals from injured tissue, has been shown to exert remarkable therapeutic effects on colitis and on wound healing in various disease models.

Monocyte-derived macrophages as crucial players in the resolution of inflammation and tissue repair in Inflammatory Bowel Disease  

Sales Ibiza © Sales Ibiza

Background

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is characterised by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract leading to debilitating symptoms. No curative therapies are currently available for IBD, with the consequence that the disease has a significant impact on the emotional, financial and social status of patients and their families. Although most studies conducted on IBD over the past few decades have investigated abnormal adaptive immunity, the focus has recently shifted towards alterations in innate immune response. Recent data suggest a causal link between defects in the resolution of inflammation associated with impaired bacterial clearance, excessive cytokine secretion and altered monocyte-macrophage (Mφ) transition in patients with IBD.

Deciphering the gut-specific B cell response in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)  

Mathieu Uzzan © Mathieu Uzzan

Aim of the research

Given that there is a large complement of mucosal B cells that plays a pivotal role in the regulation of the microbiome and in mucosal homeostasis, it is likely that they play an important but yet understudied role in the pathogenesis of IBD. Therefore, we hypothesize that mucosal inflammation as seen in IBD will induce a B cell response with homeostatic and perhaps pathogenic properties.

Investigation of the role of Par4-associated cell polarity and associated barrier defects in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases  

Federica Branchi © Federica Branchi

Aim of the research

In Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), epithelial barrier defects occur as a consequence of chronic inflammation. Recent research has suggested that cell polarity alterations may be upstream of barrier defects and additionally play a role in IBD-associated carcinogenesis (colitis-associated and small intestinal carcinoma). Par4 is a gene encoding a protein crucial in the development of cell polarity. LKB1, its human homologue, is mutated in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a genetic condition characterised by a higher risk of epithelial cancers. Considering the pivotal role of Par4/LKB1 in the development of epithelial cell polarity, this project aims to assess its involvement in IBD-associated barrier defects and carcinogenesis.

The educational programme of the 14^th Congress of ECCO starts prior to the official start of the ECCO Congress and courses take place from March 6-8, 2019. These activities are targeted towards ECCO’s different interest groups including young gastroenterologists, surgeons, paediatricians, IBD nurses, dietitians and allied health professionals and scientists.

An overview of these activities can be found below. Some courses/workshops run parallel and have a limited capacity, so please register at your earliest convenience.

We look forward to seeing you in Copenhagen!

The Scientific Programme of the 14^th Congress of ECCO provides attendees the unique opportunity to learn from the world’s leading specialists in the field of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Held from Thursday to Saturday, March 7-9, 2019, the Scientific Programme is structured around basic science, translational medicine and clinical sessions. Additionally, it includes oral presentations of the 38 best abstracts of the Congress. All sessions focus on clinical practice founded on science with practical take home messages, and as every year, the congress registration fee includes access to all scientific sessions.

Register now and seize the opportunity to hear current and relevant studies from international experts in IBD!

Silvio Danese  ©  ECCO

Dear ECCO friends,

Summer has passed and I truly hope you had a great vacation.

We are approaching fall with great enthusiasm and looking forward to the new Educational Activities that are scheduled for the upcoming 14^th Congress of ECCO, which will be held in Copenhagen in March 2019. In order to enhance competence and knowledge in IBD and patients’ care, education is one of our top priorities.

Portugal

Name of group: Grupo de Estudos de Doença Inflamatória Intestinal (Study Group of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases) - GEDII
Number of active members:300
Number of meetings per year: 2
President: Luís Correia
Secretary: Paula Ministro
National Representatives: Ana Isabel Vieira and Isadora Rosa
Joined ECCO in:  2004
Incidence of IBD in the country (if available): 
14/100,000 habitants

Moldova

Name of group: IBD Group of the Moldovan Association of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 
Number of active members: Five active members in IBD Group, 109 members of the Moldovan Association of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Number of meetings per year: 3-4
National Representatives: Svetlana Turcan and Eugen Tcaciuc
Joined ECCO in:  2015
Incidence of IBD in the country (if available): 
2009–2017: 4.8 per 100,000 inhabitants

Israel

Name of group: IBD Society
Number of active members: 40
Number of meetings per year: 2
President: Yehuda Chowers
Secretary: Eran Israeli
National Representatives: Matti Waterman and Henit Yanai
Joined ECCO in:  2006
Incidence of IBD in the country (if available): 27/100,000