Intestinal Mesenchymal Stem Stells and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

The exact origin of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is still unknown. The current hypothesis is that IBD is secondary to an abnormal intestinal immun response directed to all or part of the intestinal flora in genetically predisposed individuals. Several experimental studies have demonstrated the ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow or adipose tissue origin to control intestinal inflammation in animal models. However, to date, there are no data regarding the functions of resident MSCs in the colon and small intestine of IBD patients. We hypothesize that dysfunction of resident intestinal MSCs contributes to the disruption of intestinal homeostasis in patients with IBD causing the development of intestinal inflammation. The aim of this research project is to identify, describe and characterize at the molecular and functional level MSCs of the colon and small intestine of patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and to compare them with a control population.

Primary and secondary objectives:

Main Objective: Characterize morphologically, molecularly and functionally the MSCs of colon and small intestine of patients with IBD and compared to MSCs of colon and small intestine of control patients.

Secondary objectives: To study the reaction of colon and small intestine MHC in patients with IBD following stimulation with bacterial compounds.

Methodology:

Clinical study exploratory translational physiopathological. Two groups of patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis who require colonoscopy or surgery for intestinal resection will be included. These two groups will be compared to a control group consisting of patients requiring colonoscopy for screening or intestinal resection for colorectal cancer or diverticulum.

Intestinal sampling by biopsy during the colonoscopy or with surgical specimen during the surgery will be performed to isolate the MSCs.

The outcome measures will be a qualitative and quantitative analysis of MSCs by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, cell proliferation and differentiation, production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the basal state and after bacterial stimulation.

Total of 60 patients (20 in groups, 15 with colonoscopy and 5 with surgical specimens).

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion criteria:

* For IBD patients :

  * Age between 18 and 75 year old
  * Diagnosis of Crohn's disease or ulcertaive colitis according to internationla guidelines
  * Endoscopically active disease
  * Indication for colonoscopy or intestinal resection according to standard of care
  * Written inform consent
* For control patients :

  * Age between 18 and 75 year old
  * Indication for screening colonoscopy for irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulum or colorectal cancer surveillance according to standard of care
  * Indication for intestinal resection for diverticulum or colorectal cancer according to standard of care
  * Written inform consent

Exclusion criteria:

* For IBD patients :

  * Active intestinal infection
  * Confirmed intestinal parasitosis
  * Intestinal stoma
* For control patients :

  * Active intestinal infection
  * Confirmed intestinal parasitosis
  * Intestinal inflammation at colonoscopy
  * Chronic intestinal inflammation on biopsies
  * Absence of healthy tissue on surgical specimen