Skip to main content
Download PDF

Changes in the symptom pattern and the densities of large-intestinal endocrine cells following Campylobacter infection in irritable bowel syndrome: a case report

BMC Research Notes volume 6, Article number: 391 (2013) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder. Post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS) is a subset of IBS that accounts for a large proportion of IBS patients. The PI-IBS symptoms meet the Rome criteria for IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D) or IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M). A low-grade inflammation has been reported to occur in PI-IBS. Abnormalities in intestinal endocrine cells have been reported in both sporadic IBS and PI-IBS.

Case presentation

A 20-year-old female with a diagnosis of IBS with constipation (IBS-C), according to Rome III criteria, contracted Campylobacter-induced gastroenteritis, after which her symptom pattern changed to IBS-M. She showed an intestinal low-grade inflammation that was manifested by an increase in the number of intraepithelial and lamina propria leucocytes and lymphocytes and an increase in the density of mast cells in lamina propria. There was also an increase in the density of intestinal serotonin and peptide YY (PYY) cells and a decrease in the density of rectal somatostatin cells. Follow-up of the patient at 4-months post-infection revealed reduction of IBS symptoms and an improvement in her quality of life. However, 6 months following the Campylobacter infection, the patient switched back from IBS-M to IBS-C, probably due to recovery from PI-IBS. The patient was treated with prucalopride, which is serotonin 5HT4 receptor agonist. Six months later following this treatment, the symptoms were reduced and the quality of life improved in the reported patient.

Conclusions

Gastroenteritis in patients with IBS-C causes a post-infectious, low-grade inflammation. Interaction between immune-cells and intestinal endocrine cells increases the density of certain endocrine cells, which in turn might be responsible for the change in the symptom pattern, the milder symptoms and the improvement in the quality of life seen in the reported patient. The findings in this case raise the question as to whether intestinal infections are responsible for the previously reported switching of IBS from one subtype to another over time.

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder, that is characterized by frequent abdominal pain/discomfort, abdominal bloating/distension and an altered stool pattern [1–4]. Post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS) is a subset of IBS, and is characterized as a sudden onset of IBS symptoms following gastroenteritis in individuals who have had no gastrointestinal complaints [5]. The proportion of patients developing IBS following gastroenteritis varied between studies, from 3.7% to 36% [5]. Patients with IBS are more common in patients presenting with bacterial gastroenteritis to primary care physician than community controls [6]. This may indicate that IBS patients are predisposed to bacterial gastroenteritis, or that they tend to seek their doctor for bowel symptoms more often than the background population. Human infections caused by Campylobacter jejuni are a leading cause of food-borne enteritis, the bacteria usually being transmitted by the ingestion of undercooked poultry, or contact with farm animals. This infection leads to PI-IBS in 9-13% of cases [5, 7–9]. The symptoms of PI-IBS meet the Rome criteria for IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D) or IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M) [10–12].

In IBS, there appears to be a general depletion of gastrointestinal endocrine cells, and especially serotonin and PYY cells [13, 14], whereas in PI-IBS there is an increase in the density of these cells, especially serotonin and PYY cells [1, 5, 11]. Furthermore, a low-grade inflammation has been reported in PI-IBS, which is manifested by increased intraepithelial lymphocytes and an infiltration of mast cells in the lamina propria of the large intestine [5, 15–17]. It has been suggested that the alterations in the population of gastrointestinal endocrine cells and the low-grade inflammation play a role in the pathogeneses of both sporadic and PI-IBS [1, 5, 13].

Case presentation

A 20-year-old female was investigated for recurrent abdominal pain, abdominal distension, constipation and nausea. She had a bowel movement every 7–10 days, with straining at defecation and hard or lumpy stools. She was non-smoker and was not currently taking any medications. This patient had suffered from these symptoms since her childhood. Her mother had similar symptoms and had a diagnosis of IBS. Her symptoms affected her schoolwork and isolated her socially; she has been hospitalized on many occasions. The patient submitted to a complete physical examination and was investigated by means of blood (full blood count, electrolytes, calcium, and inflammatory markers), liver, and thyroid function tests. She also underwent gastroscopy with duodenal biopsy sampling and colonoscopy with segmental biopsy sampling. The findings of all these examinations and tests were normal. The patient fulfilled Rome III criteria and was thus given the diagnosis of IBS with constipation (IBS-C). She was asked to complete the three following questionnaires (Table 1): Birmingham IBS Symptom scores, Short-Form Nepean Dyspepsia Index (SF-NDI) measuring the reduction in quality of life and Irritable Bowel Syndrome quality of life (IBS-QOL) [18–20]. She was then submitted to a non-pharmacological treatment program at our clinic, which includes provision of information and reassurance, dietary guidance, regular exercise and regular intake of probiotics [21]. Her symptoms subsequently reduced and her quality of life improved.

Table 1 Symptoms and quality of life in the patient before, during and after Campylobacter infection
Full size table

Seven months later, the patient was referred to the causal department because of a 3-day history of bloody diarrhoea occurring between 10 to 15 times daily, extreme fatigue and dehydration. She did not have a fever and with the exception of C-reactive protein (CRP), which was 17 mg/l (normal range 0–10 mg/l), her blood tests were normal. Colonoscopy revealed severe colonic inflammation with erythema, oedema, friable mucosae, haemorrhagic spots and ulcers. Biopsy samples taken during colonoscopy revealed preserved crypt architecture. However, a focal increase in the density of immune cells in the lamina propria and focal cryptitis and crypt abscesses were observed. Stool culture was positive for Campylobacter jujeni. The patient was treated with 400-mg metronidazole, twice daily for 2 weeks.

The findings of a physical examination and blood tests performed at follow-up visits at the outpatient clinic 2, 4, 6 and 12 months after Campylobacter infection were normal. Colonoscopy at 2 and 4 months visits revealed a normal endoscopic appearance. Moreover, the patient’s general condition was improved. Her symptom pattern had changed and she experienced an improvement in her quality of life (Table 1). Reassessment of her symptoms according to Rome III criteria put the patient into the IBS-M subtype. Six months following the Campylobacter infection, the patient suffered from abdominal pain, abdominal distension, constipation and nausea in the same degree as before the infection. She was treated with 2 mg prucalopride daily. Six months later, the patient’s symptom was reduced and her quality of life improved (Table 1).

Colonic and rectal biopsy samples obtained during colonoscopy before, during, and 2 and 4 months after Campylobacter infection were fixed overnight in 4% buffered paraformaldehyde, embedded in paraffin, and cut into 5-μm sections. The sections were immunostained with the avidin-biotin –complex (ABC) method using Vectastain ABC-kit and 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) peroxidase Substrate Kit (Vector laboratories). The sections were incubated with the primary antiserum/antibody at room temperature for 2 h. The sections were then washed in PBS buffer and incubated with biotinylated swine anti-mouse (in the case of monoclonal antibodies) or anti-rabbit IgG (in the case of polyclonal antibodies) diluted 1:200 for 30 min at room temperature. After washing the slides in PBS buffer, the sections were incubated for 30 min with avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex diluted 1:100, and then immersed in 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) peroxidase substrate, followed by counterstaining in hematoxylin. The following primary antisera/antibodies were used: monoclonal mouse anti-N-terminal of purified Chromogranin A (Dako, code no. M869), monoclonal mouse anti-serotonin (Dako, code no. 5HT-209), polyclonal anti-porcine peptide PYY (Alpha-Dagnostica, code PYY 11A), polyclonal rabbit anti-synthetic-human PP (Diagnostic Biosystems, code no. #114), polyclonal rabbit anti-porcine glicentin/glucagon (Acris Antibodies, code BP508), polyclonal rabbit anti-synthetic-human somatostatin (Dako, code no. A566); monoclonal mouse anti-human CD45 (Dako, code no. M0701), monoclonal mouse anti-human CD47 (Dako, code no. I5647), monoclonal mouse anti-human CD68 (Dako, code no. M0814) and monoclonal mouse anti-human mast cell tryptase (Dako, code no. M7052). CD45 is considered as a leucocyte common antigen and is expressed exclusively on cells of the hematopoietic system and their progenitors. CD57 is expressed by subsets of NK cells and CD8+ lymphocytes, and by a small percentage of CD4+/CD45R0+ T lymphocytes. CD68 labels human monocytes, macrophages and myeloid cells. Human mast cell tryptase comprise a family of trypsin-like neutral serine proteases that are predominantly expressed in mast cells. The total leucocytes, lymphocytes and mast cells, as well as chromogranin A, serotonin, peptide YY (PYY), and somatostatin cells. The densities of these cells were quantified by computerized image analysis using Olympus cellSens imaging software (version 1.7) on a computer linked to an Olympus microscope type BX 43 with an Olympus camera (DP 26). A ×40 objective was used, for which each frame (field) on the monitor represented a tissue area of 0.14 mm2 of the tissue. The number intraepithelial leucocytes cells and the endocrine cells as well as the area of the epithelial cells were measured in each field. The number of leucocytes, lymphocytes, and mast cells in lamina propria were counted per microscopic field. All measurements were done in 10 randomly chosen fields for each individual.

The densities of both intraepithelial and lamina propria leucocytes and lymphocytes were increased in both the colon and rectum at 2 and 4 months after the Campylobacter infection (Figure 1), as were the number of mast cells in the lamina propria in both the colon and rectum (Figure 2, Tables 2 and 3). The total number of endocrine cells in the colon and rectum prior to Campylobacter infection (as detected by chromogranin A staining) was low, but within the normal limits (Tables 4 and 5). This is in agreement with previously published results in IBS-C patients [22, 23]. Although chromogranin A is used as a common marker for peptide hormone containing cells, chromogranin A immunoreactivity varies between gastrointestinal segments and even within population of the same endocrine cell type [24]. It has been found that chromogranin A- immunoreactive cells are not representative of the entire population of endocrine cells and that they are the least numerous of all of the endocrine cells combined [25]. The densities of serotonin and PYY cells had increased in both the colon and rectum during, 2 and 4 months post-infection (Figure 3). However, somatostatin cell density in the rectum was reduced in the rectum during and after Campylobacter infection.

Figure 1
figure1

Leucocytes in the patient before Campylobacter infection (A), during (B) and 4-months after (C) Campylobacter infection.

Full size image
Figure 2
figure2

Mast cells in the lamina propria before Campylobacter infection (A) and (B) 4- months after Campylobacter infection.

Full size image
Table 2 Number of colonic intraepithelial (IE) and lamina propria (LP) immune cells before, during and after Campylobacter infection
Full size table
Table 3 Densities of rectal IE and LP immune endocrine cells before, during and after Campylobacter infection
Full size table
Table 4 Endocrine cell densities in the colon before, during and after Campylobacter infection
Full size table
Table 5 Densities of rectal endocrine cells before, during and after Campylobacter infection
Full size table
Figure 3
figure3

Serotonin immunoreactive cells before (A), during (B) and 4 months after (C) Campylobacter infection.

Full size image

Discussion

Consistent with previously published observations, the present case developed a low-grad inflammation following Campylobacter infection [1, 5, 11, 16, 26–31]. An increase in the densities of intestinal endocrine cells, and especially serotonin and PYY cells, has been reported in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and lymphocytic colitis [32–35]. An increase in the density of intestinal endocrine has also been described in PI-IBS [5, 11, 15, 16, 28, 30, 31, 33]. Several studies have shown that inflammation and immune cells affect the neuroendocrine system of the gut (the endocrine/immune axis) [1, 36]. It seems that infection/inflammation induces an increase in the population of certain gut endocrine cells through an interaction between those cells and immune cells [1, 36].

The pattern of symptoms in the present patient changed from IBS-C to IBS-M with much less abdominal pain. Serotonin activates the submucosal sensory branch of the enteric nervous system, and controls gastrointestinal motility and chloride secretion via inter-neurons and motor neurons [13, 37–42]. PYY delays gastric emptying, inhibits gastric and pancreatic secretion, and is a major ileal brake mediator [13, 43, 44]. Moreover, PYY inhibits prostaglandin (PG) E2 and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), both of which stimulate intestinal secretion [13, 45–47]. Administration of PYY inhibits diarrhoea in experimental animals by reducing intestinal fluid secretion and slowing colon transit [13, 48]. Somatostatin inhibits intestinal contraction, and inhibits gut exocrine and neuroendocrine secretion [13]. It is therefore conceivable, that the changes in the present patient’s symptoms are attributable to the reported changes in the density of the endocrine cells.

It is not uncommon for IBS patients to switch from one subtype to another over time [49–52]. The patient presented here switched from the IBS-C subtype to the IBS-M subtype following a bout of gastroenteritis, and it is possible that intestinal infection was the underlying cause of this switch. However, 6 months following the Campylobacter infection, the patient switched back from IBS-M to IBS-C. Campylobacter jejuni produces a range of toxins including cytolethal distending toxin (24), which first produces secretory diarrhoea in the small intestine early in the illness, after which there is invasion of the distal ileum and colon to produce an inflammatory ileocolitis, which can extend all the way to the rectum [53]. It has been reported that PI-IBS symptoms following Campylobacter infection decline with time [54–56]. It is conceivable, therefore, to conclude that the patient returning to her original symptoms represent a recovering form PI-IBS.

The symptoms were reduced and the quality of life improved in the patient following the treatment with prucalopride, which is a highly selective serotonin 5HT4 receptor agonist that has been shown to stimulate gut motility [57]. The patient disclosed a low density of colonic serotonin cells, which is in line with previously published observations in IBS patients [14]. This may explain why a serotonin agonist was effective in the treatment of the reported patient.

Conclusions

Gastroenteritis due to Campylobacter infection in patients with IBS-C causes low-grade inflammation and changes in the densities of intestinal endocrine cells. These changes may be responsible for the change in symptom pattern and the switch from IBS-C to IBS-M that were observed in the reported patient. The patient switched back to IBS-C, 6 months following the Campylobacter infection, probably as a recovery from IP-IBS. Furthermore, treatment with serotonin agonist was successful in the reported patient, who disclosed reduced colonic serotonin cell density.

Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this Case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor of this journal.

References

  1. 1.

    El-Salhy M, Gundersen D, Hatlebakk JG, Hausken T: Chromogranin a cell density as a diagnostic marker for lymphocytic colitis. Dig Dis Sci. 2012, 57: 3154-3159. 10.1007/s10620-012-2249-6.

    PubMed  CAS  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  2. 2.

    Agreus L, Svardsudd K, Nyren O, Tibblin G: Irritable bowel syndrome and dyspepsia in the general population: overlap and lack of stability over time. Gastroenterology. 1995, 109: 671-680. 10.1016/0016-5085(95)90373-9.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  3. 3.

    Thompson WG, Heaton KW: Functional bowel disorders in apparently healthy people. Gastroenterology. 1980, 79: 283-288.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. 4.

    Drossman DA, Li Z, Andruzzi E, Temple RD, Talley NJ, Thompson WG, Whitehead WE, Janssens J, Funch-Jensen P, Corazziari E, et al: U.S. householder survey of functional gastrointestinal disorders: prevalence, sociodemography, and health impact. Dig Dis Sci. 1993, 38: 1569-1580. 10.1007/BF01303162.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  5. 5.

    Spiller R, Lam C: An update on post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome: role of genetics, immune activation, serotonin and altered microbiome. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2012, 18 (3): 258-268. 10.5056/jnm.2012.18.3.258.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  6. 6.

    Parry SD, Stansfield R, Jelley D, Gregory W, Phillips E, Barton JR, Welfare MR: Does bacterial gastroenteritis predispose people to functional gastrointestinal disorders? a prospective, community-based, case–control study. Am J Gastroenterol. 2003, 98: 1970-1975.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. 7.

    Friedman CR, Hoekstra RM, Samuel M, Marcus R, Bender J, Shiferaw B, Reddy S, Ahuja SD, Helfrick DL, Hardnett F, et al: Risk factors for sporadic campylobacter infection in the United States: a case–control study in foodnet sites. Clin Infect Dis. 2004, 38 (Suppl 3): S285-296.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  8. 8.

    Kapperud G, Skjerve E, Bean NH, Ostroff SM, Lassen J: Risk factors for sporadic campylobacter infections: results of a case–control study in southeastern Norway. J Clin Microbiol. 1992, 30: 3117-3121.

    PubMed  CAS  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  9. 9.

    Spiller R, Garsed K: Postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology. 2009, 136: 1979-1988. 10.1053/j.gastro.2009.02.074.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  10. 10.

    Neal KR, Hebden J, Spiller R: Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms six months after bacterial gastroenteritis and risk factors for development of the irritable bowel syndrome: postal survey of patients. BMJ. 1997, 314 (7083): 779-782. 10.1136/bmj.314.7083.779.

    PubMed  CAS  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  11. 11.

    Spiller RC, Jenkins D, Thornley JP, Hebden JM, Wright T, Skinner M, Neal KR: Increased rectal mucosal enteroendocrine cells, T lymphocytes, and increased gut permeability following acute Campylobacter enteritis and in post-dysenteric irritable bowel syndrome. Gut. 2000, 47: 804-811. 10.1136/gut.47.6.804.

    PubMed  CAS  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  12. 12.

    Wang LH, Fang XC, Pan GZ: Bacillary dysentery as a causative factor of irritable bowel syndrome and its pathogenesis. Gut. 2004, 53 (8): 1096-1101. 10.1136/gut.2003.021154.

    PubMed  CAS  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  13. 13.

    El-Salhy M, Seim I, Chopin L, Gundersen D, Hatlebakk JG, Hausken T: Irritable bowel syndrome: the role of gut neuroendocrine peptides. Front Biosci (Elite Ed). 2012, 4: 2783-2800.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. 14.

    El-Salhy M, Gundersen D, Ostgaard H, Lomholt-Beck B, Hatlebakk JG, Hausken T: Low densities of serotonin and peptide YY cells in the colon of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Dig Dis Sci. 2012, 57: 873-878. 10.1007/s10620-011-1948-8.

    PubMed  CAS  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  15. 15.

    Dunlop SP, Coleman NS, Blackshaw E, Perkins AC, Singh G, Marsden CA, Spiller RC: Abnormalities of 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolism in irritable bowel syndrome. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2005, 3: 349-357. 10.1016/S1542-3565(04)00726-8.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  16. 16.

    Dunlop SP, Jenkins D, Neal KR, Spiller RC: Relative importance of enterochromaffin cell hyperplasia, anxiety, and depression in postinfectious IBS. Gastroenterology. 2003, 125: 1651-1659. 10.1053/j.gastro.2003.09.028.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  17. 17.

    Wheatcroft J, Wakelin D, Smith A, Mahoney CR, Mawe G, Spiller R: Enterochromaffin cell hyperplasia and decreased serotonin transporter in a mouse model of postinfectious bowel dysfunction. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2005, 17: 863-870. 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2005.00719.x.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  18. 18.

    Roalfe AK, Roberts LM, Wilson S: Evaluation of the Birmingham IBS symptom questionnaire. BMC gastroenterology. 2008, 8: 30-10.1186/1471-230X-8-30.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  19. 19.

    Talley NJ, Verlinden M, Jones M: Quality of life in functional dyspepsia: responsiveness of the Nepean Dyspepsia Index and development of a new 10-item short form. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2001, 15 (2): 207-216. 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2001.00900.x.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  20. 20.

    Patrick DL, Drossman DA, Frederick IO, DiCesare J, Puder KL: Quality of life in persons with irritable bowel syndrome: development and validation of a new measure. Dig Dis Sci. 1998, 43 (2): 400-411. 10.1023/A:1018831127942.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  21. 21.

    El-Salhy M, Lillebo E, Reinemo A, Salmelid L, Hausken T: Effects of a health program comprising reassurance, diet management, probiotics administration and regular exercise on symptoms and quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology insights. 2010, 2: 21-26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. 22.

    El-Salhy M, Lomholt-Beck B, Hausken T: Chromogranin A as a possible tool in the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2010, 45: 1435-1439. 10.3109/00365521.2010.503965.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  23. 23.

    El-Salhy M, Mazzawi T, Gundersen D, Hausken T: Chromogranin A cell density in the rectum of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Mol Med Report. 2012, 6: 1223-1225.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. 24.

    Cetin Y, Muller-Koppel L, Aunis D, Bader MF, Grube D: Chromogranin A (CgA) in the gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) endocrine system II. CgA in mammalian entero-endocrine cells. Histochemistry. 1989, 92 (4): 265-275. 10.1007/BF00500540.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  25. 25.

    Sandstrom O, El-Salhy M: Ageing and endocrine cells of human duodenum. Mech Ageing Dev. 1999, 108: 39-48. 10.1016/S0047-6374(98)00154-7.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  26. 26.

    Weston AP, Biddle WL, Bhatia PS, Miner PB: Terminal ileal mucosal mast cells in irritable bowel syndrome. Dig Dis Sci. 1993, 38: 1590-1595. 10.1007/BF01303164.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  27. 27.

    O’Sullivan M, Clayton N, Breslin NP, Harman I, Bountra C, McLaren A, O’Morain CA: Increased mast cells in the irritable bowel syndrome. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2000, 12: 449-457. 10.1046/j.1365-2982.2000.00221.x.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  28. 28.

    Dizdar V, Spiller R, Singh G, Hanevik K, Gilja OH, El-Salhy M, Hausken T: Relative importance of abnormalities of CCK and 5-HT (serotonin) in Giardia-induced post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2010, 31: 883-891.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. 29.

    Dunlop SP, Jenkins D, Spiller RC: Distinctive clinical, pyschological, and histological features of postinfective irritable bowel syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol. 2003, 98: 1578-1583. 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2003.07542.x.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  30. 30.

    Kim HS, Lim JH, Park H, Lee SI: Increased immunoendocrine cells in intestinal mucosa of postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome patients 3 years after acute Shigella infection- an observation in a small case control study. Younsei Med J. 2010, 51: 45-51. 10.3349/ymj.2010.51.1.45.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. 31.

    Lee KJ, Kim YB, Kim JH, Kwon HC, Kim DK, Cho SW: The alteration of enterochromaffin cell, mast cell, and lamina propria T lymphocyte numbers in irritable bowel syndrome and its relationship with psychological factors. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008, 23: 1689-1694. 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2008.05574.x.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  32. 32.

    Stoyanova II, Gulubova MV: Mast cells and inflammatory mediators in chronic ulcerative colitis. Acta histochemica. 2002, 104 (2): 185-192. 10.1078/0065-1281-00641.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  33. 33.

    Coates MD, Mahoney CR, Linden DR, Sampson JE, Chen J, Blaszyk H, Crowell MD, Sharkey KA, Gershon MD, Mawe GM, et al: Molecular defects in mucosal serotonin content and decreased serotonin reuptake transporter in ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology. 2004, 126: 1657-1664. 10.1053/j.gastro.2004.03.013.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  34. 34.

    Tari A, Teshima H, Sumii K, Haruma K, Ohgoshi H, Yoshihara M, Kajiyama G, Miyachi Y: Peptide YY abnormalities in patients with ulcerative colitis. Japanese journal of medicine. 1988, 27 (1): 49-55. 10.2169/internalmedicine1962.27.49.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  35. 35.

    El-Salhy M, Gundersen D, Hatlebakk JG, Hausken T: High densities of serotonin and peptide YY cells in the colon of patients with lymphocytic colitis. World J Gastroenterol. 2012, 18 (42): 6070-6075. 10.3748/wjg.v18.i42.6070.

    PubMed  CAS  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  36. 36.

    Khan WI, Ghia JE: Gut hormones: emerging role in immune activation and inflammation. Clin Exp Immunol. 2010, 161: 19-27.

    PubMed  CAS  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  37. 37.

    Gershon MD, Tack J: The serotonin signaling system: from basic understanding to drug development for functional GI disorders. Gastroenterology. 2007, 132: 397-414. 10.1053/j.gastro.2006.11.002.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  38. 38.

    Tack JF, Janssens J, Vantrappen G, Wood JD: Actions of 5-hydroxytryptamine on myenteric neurons in guinea pig gastric antrum. Am J Physiol. 1992, 263: G838-846.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. 39.

    Gershon MD: Plasticity in serotonin control mechanisms in the gut. Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2003, 3: 600-607. 10.1016/j.coph.2003.07.005.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  40. 40.

    Gershon MD: 5-Hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) in the gastrointestinal tract. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2013, 20: 14-21. 10.1097/MED.0b013e32835bc703.

    PubMed  CAS  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  41. 41.

    Gershon MD: Serotonin is a sword and a shield of the bowel: serotonin plays offense and defense. Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc. 2012, 123: 268-280. discussion 280

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  42. 42.

    Michel K, Sann H, Schaaf C, Schemann M: Subpopulations of gastric myenteric neurons are differentially activated via distinct serotonin receptors: projection, neurochemical coding, and functional implications. J Neurosci. 1997, 17: 8009-8017.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. 43.

    Spiller RC, Trotman IF, Higgins BE, Ghatei MA, Grimble GK, Lee YC, Bloom SR, Misiewicz JJ, Silk DB: The ileal brake–inhibition of jejunal motility after ileal fat perfusion in man. Gut. 1984, 25: 365-374. 10.1136/gut.25.4.365.

    PubMed  CAS  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  44. 44.

    Read NW, McFarlane A, Kinsman RI, Bates TE, Blackhall NW, Farrar GB, Hall JC, Moss G, Morris AP, O’Neill B, et al: Effect of infusion of nutrient solutions into the ileum on gastrointestinal transit and plasma levels of neurotensin and enteroglucagon. Gastroenterology. 1984, 86: 274-280.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. 45.

    Goumain M, Voisin T, Lorinet AM, Ducroc R, Tsocas A, Roze C, Rouet-Benzineb P, Herzog H, Balasubramaniam A, Laburthe M: The peptide YY-preferring receptor mediating inhibition of small intestinal secretion is a peripheral Y(2) receptor: pharmacological evidence and molecular cloning. Mol Pharmacol. 2001, 60: 124-134.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. 46.

    Souli A, Chariot J, Voisin T, Presset O, Tsocas A, Balasubramaniam A, Laburthe M, Roze C: Several receptors mediate the antisecretory effect of peptide YY, neuropeptide Y, and pancreatic polypeptide on VIP-induced fluid secretion in the rat jejunum in vivo. Peptides. 1997, 18: 551-557. 10.1016/S0196-9781(97)00069-7.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  47. 47.

    Whang EE, Hines OJ, Reeve JR, Grandt D, Moser JA, Bilchik AJ, Zinner MJ, McFadden DW, Ashley SW: Antisecretory mechanisms of peptide YY in rat distal colon. Dig Dis Sci. 1997, 42: 1121-1127. 10.1023/A:1018869116284.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  48. 48.

    Moriya R, Shirakura T, Hirose H, Kanno T, Suzuki J, Kanatani A: NPY Y2 receptor agonist PYY(3–36) inhibits diarrhea by reducing intestinal fluid secretion and slowing colonic transit in mice. Peptides. 2010, 31: 671-675. 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.11.005.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  49. 49.

    Drossman DA, Morris CB, Hu Y, Toner BB, Diamant N, Leserman J, Shetzline M, Dalton C, Bangdiwala SI: A prospective assessment of bowel habit in irritable bowel syndrome in women: defining an alternator. Gastroenterology. 2005, 128 (3): 580-589. 10.1053/j.gastro.2004.12.006.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  50. 50.

    Mearin F, Balboa A, Badia X, Baro E, Caldwell E, Cucala M, Diaz-Rubio M, Fueyo A, Ponce J, Roset M, et al: Irritable bowel syndrome subtypes according to bowel habit: revisiting the alternating subtype. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2003, 15 (2): 165-172. 10.1097/00042737-200302000-00010.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  51. 51.

    Mearin F, Baro E, Roset M, Badia X, Zarate N, Perez I: Clinical patterns over time in irritable bowel syndrome: symptom instability and severity variability. Am J Gastroenterol. 2004, 99: 113-121. 10.1046/j.1572-0241.2003.04023.x.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  52. 52.

    Ford AC, Forman D, Bailey AG, Axon AT, Moayyedi P: Fluctuation of gastrointestinal symptoms in the community: a 10-year longitudinal follow-up study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2008, 28: 1013-1020. 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2008.03813.x.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  53. 53.

    Rutgeerts P, Geboes K, Ponette E, Coremans G, Vantrappen G: Acute infective colitis caused by endemic pathogens in western Europe: endoscopic features. Endoscopy. 1982, 14: 212-219. 10.1055/s-2007-1021624.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

  54. 54.

    Moss-Morris R, Spence M: To "lump" or to "split" the functional somatic syndromes: can infectious and emotional risk factors differentiate between the onset of chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome?. Psychosom Med. 2006, 68: 463-469. 10.1097/01.psy.0000221384.07521.05.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  55. 55.

    Spence MJ, Moss-Morris R: The cognitive behavioural model of irritable bowel syndrome: a prospective investigation of patients with gastroenteritis. Gut. 2007, 56: 1066-1071. 10.1136/gut.2006.108811.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  56. 56.

    Marshall JK, Thabane M, Garg AX, Clark WF, Salvadori M, Collins SM: Incidence and epidemiology of irritable bowel syndrome after a large waterborne outbreak of bacterial dysentery. Gastroenterology. 2006, 131: 445-450. 10.1053/j.gastro.2006.05.053. quiz 660

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  57. 57.

    Quigley EM, Vandeplassche L, Kerstens R, Ausma J: Clinical trial: the efficacy, impact on quality of life, and safety and tolerability of prucalopride in severe chronic constipation–a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2009, 29: 315-328. 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2008.03884.x.

    PubMed  CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by a grant from Helse-Fonna.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Section for Gastroenterology, Stord Helse-Fonna Hospital, Stord, Norway

    Magdy El-Salhy & Tarek Mazzawi

  2. Department of Research, Helse-Fonna, Haugesund, Norway

    Doris Gundersen

  3. Institute of Medicine, Section for Gastroenterology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway

    Magdy El-Salhy, Tarek Mazzawi, Jan G Hatlebakk & Trygve Hausken

Authors
  1. Magdy El-Salhy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Tarek Mazzawi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Doris Gundersen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jan G Hatlebakk
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Trygve Hausken
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Magdy El-Salhy.

Additional information

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ contributions

ME planned the study, recruited and followed-up the patients, performed three of the four colonoscopies, quantified the immune and endocrine cells, analysed the data and drafted the manuscript. TM contributed to patient follow-up, performed one of the four colonoscopies, contributed to the data analysis of and writing this manuscript. DG contributed to the data analysis and writing this manuscript. JGH checked the data, reviewed the manuscript and contributed to discussions. TH checked the data, reviewed the manuscript and contributed to discussions. All of the authors read and approved the final version of this manuscript.

Authors’ original submitted files for images

Rights and permissions

This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

El-Salhy, M., Mazzawi, T., Gundersen, D. et al. Changes in the symptom pattern and the densities of large-intestinal endocrine cells following Campylobacter infection in irritable bowel syndrome: a case report. BMC Res Notes 6, 391 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-6-391

Download citation

Keywords

  • Campylobacter
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Peptide YY
  • Quality of life
  • Serotonin
  • Somatostatin

BMC Research Notes

ISSN: 1756-0500

Contact us