Chronic Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis Causes Long-Term Changes in Goblet Cell Function
Varsha Singh, Kelli Johnson, Jianyi Yin, Sun Lee, Ruxian Lin, Huimin Yu, Julie In, Jennifer Foulke‐Abel, Nicholas C. Zachos, Mark Donowitz, Yan Rong
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS: One of the features of ulcerative colitis (UC) is a defect in the protective mucus layer. This has been attributed to a reduced number of goblet cells (GCs). However, it is not known whether abnormal GC mucus secretion also contributes to the reduced mucus layer. Our aims were to investigate whether GC secretion was abnormal in UC and exists as a long-term effect of chronic inflammation. METHODS: mediated mucin stimulation was examined by MUC2 IF/confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: , which caused increased secretion in HS. Exposure to tumor necrosis factor α (5 days) reduced the number of GCs, with a greater percentage decrease in UC colonoids compared with HS. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic inflammation in UC causes long-term changes in GCs, leading to abnormal mucus secretion. This continued defect in GC mucus secretion may contribute to the recurrence in UC.