Morten Harald Vatn

• Mahdy, Aya K. H.; ElAbd, Hesham; Kokubun, Érika Endo; Kriukova, Valeriia; Pesesky, Mitchell & May, Damon H. [Show all 24 contributors for this article] (2026). Multi-centered T cell repertoire profiling identifies alterations in the immune repertoire of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease across different disease stages. Genome Medicine. 18. doi: 10.1186/s13073-025-01575-w. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an incurable immune-mediated inflammatory disease, affecting the gut with a high rate of primary- and secondary- loss-of-response to therapy. By investigating the T cell receptor repertoire of individuals with IBD, novel therapeutic and preventive strategies can be identified, and a better understanding of IBD can be obtained. Methods To identify and validate T cell clonotypes implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD, we profiled the T cell receptor alpha (TRA) repertoire of three cohorts containing treatment-naive, treated individuals, and individuals living with the disease for >20 years, resulting in an exhaustive dataset containing the TRA repertoire of 1,732 individuals. Results Using the generated datasets, we were able to replicate previous findings describing the expansion of Crohn’s-associated invariant T (CAIT) cells in individuals with Crohn’s disease (CD) in the three cohorts. Using a hypothesis-free statistical testing framework, we identified clonotypes that were associated with the disease at its different stages, e.g., at the time of diagnosis and decades post-diagnosis. By conducting a meta-analysis across the three cohorts, we were able to identify a set of clonotypes that were associated with the disease regardless of its stage. We validated our findings in a previously published independent test dataset from a German cohort, showing the robustness of the identified clonotypes. Conclusions The identified clonotypes are novel therapeutic targets to treat IBD, for example, through targeted depletion. By identifying antigens recognized by these T cells, a better understanding of the etiopathology of IBD, particularly CD, can be obtained.

• Vatn, Simen Svendsen; Hansen, Simen Hyll; Tannæs, Tone Møller; Brackmann, Stephan Andreas; Olbjørn, Christine & Bergemalm, Daniel [Show all 17 contributors for this article] (2025). Microbial Patterns in Newly Diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease Revealed by Presence and Transcriptional Activity - Relationship to Diagnosis and Outcome. Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology. 18, p. 103–119. doi: 10.2147/CEG.S504459. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: As part of the IBD Character initiative, we examined an inception cohort and investigated mucosal microbiota composition and transcriptional activity in relation to clinical outcomes. Methods: A cohort of 237 individuals were included from five countries: Crohn’s disease (CD, n = 72), ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 57), symptomatic non-IBD controls (SC, n = 78) and healthy controls (HC, n = 30). Rectal/colonic biopsies were obtained at inclusion, and DNA and RNA were extracted from the same biopsy and examined by sequencing the 16S rRNA V4 region. Results: Beta diversity measurements separated IBD from both HC and SC. IBD and SC exhibited reduced intra-individual diversity compared with HC. When comparing taxonomy at DNA and RNA level, six bacteria were found to differ in abundance and/or transcriptional activity between IBD and symptomatic control, while there were 14 and three between symptomatic control and CD and UC, respectively. A limited number of bacterial taxa were responsible for the largest difference between presence and activity, separating patients and controls. Multiple bacterial taxa were associated with treatment escalation in both UC and CD. Machine-learning models separated IBD from symptomatic controls and treatment escalators from non-escalators (AUC > 0.8). However, the differential effects were mainly driven by clinical biomarkers, such as f-calprotectin, s-albumin, and b-hemoglobin. Conclusion: Differences between presence and transcriptional activity were found among multiple taxa when assessing 16S rRNA at DNA and RNA level. Symptomatic controls were more similar to the IBD patients compared to HC. The analyses suggest that the mucosal microbiota carries a moderate diagnostic and predictive potential, outcompeted by f-calprotectin.

• Kalla, Rahul; Adams, Alex T; Nowak, Jan K; Bergemalm, Daniel; Vatn, Simen Svendsen & Ventham, Nicholas T [Show all 20 contributors for this article] (2023). Analysis of Systemic Epigenetic Alterations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Defining Geographical, Genetic and Immune-Inflammatory influences on the Circulating Methylome. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis. ISSN 1873-9946. 17(2), p. 170–184. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjac127. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatn, Simen Svendsen; Lindstrøm, Jonas Christoffer; Moen, Aina Elisabeth Fossum; Brackmann, Stephan Andreas; Tannæs, Tone Møller & Olbjørn, Christine [Show all 19 contributors for this article] (2022). Mucosal Gene Transcript Signatures in Treatment Naïve Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Comparative Analysis of Disease to Symptomatic and Healthy Controls in the European IBD-Character Cohort. Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology. 15, p. 5–25. doi: 10.2147/CEG.S343468. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Studies of the mucosal transcriptomic landscape have given new insight into the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recently, the predictive biomarker potential of gene expression signatures has been explored. To further investigate the mucosal gene expression in IBD, we recruited a cohort of treatment naïve patients and compared them to both symptomatic and healthy controls. Methods: Altogether, 323 subjects were included: Crohn’s disease (N = 75), ulcerative colitis (N = 87) and IBD unclassified (N = 3). Additionally, there were two control groups: symptomatic controls (N = 131) and healthy controls (N = 27). Mucosal biopsies were collected during ileocolonoscopy and gene expression in inflamed and non-inflamed mucosa was explored. Gene expression profiling was performed using Agilent G3 Human Gene Expression 860K v3 One-Color microarray. We recorded information about treatment escalation to anti-TNF agents or surgery, and anti-TNF response, to explore predictive opportunities of the mucosal transcriptome. Results: Gene expression profiles in symptomatic controls in whom IBD had been excluded resembled that of IBD patients and diverged from that of healthy controls. In non-inflamed Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, gene set enrichment analysis revealed dysregulation of pathways involved in basic cellular biological processes. Mitochondria-associated pathways were dysregulated both in non-inflamed and inflamed Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (> 2.6 normalized enrichment scores <− 1.8). Gene expression signatures of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis did not predict time for treatment escalation (p = 0.175). No significant association was found between gene expression signatures and anti-TNF response. Conclusion: Non-inflamed samples are probably superior to inflamed samples when exploring gene expression signatures in IBD and might reveal underlying mechanisms central for disease initiation. The gene expression signatures of the control groups were related to if they were symptomatic or not, which may have important implications for future study designs.

• Nowak, Jan K.; Adams, Alex T.; Kalla, Rahul; Lindstrøm, Jonas Christoffer; Vatn, Simen Svendsen & Bergemalm, Daniel [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2022). Characterisation of the Circulating Transcriptomic Landscape in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Provides Evidence for Dysregulation of Multiple Transcription Factors Including NFE2, SPI1, CEBPB, and IRF2. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis. ISSN 1873-9946. 16(8), p. 1255–1268. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjac033. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Aim To assess the pathobiological and translational importance of whole-blood transcriptomic analysis in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Methods We analysed whole-blood expression profiles from paired-end sequencing in a discovery cohort of 590 Europeans recruited across six countries in the IBD Character initiative (newly diagnosed patients with Crohn’s disease [CD; n = 156], ulcerative colitis [UC; n = 167], and controls [n = 267]), exploring differential expression [DESeq2], co-expression networks [WGCNA], and transcription factor involvement [EPEE, ChEA, DoRothEA]. Findings were validated by analysis of an independent replication cohort [99 CD, 100 UC, 95 controls]. In the discovery cohort, we also defined baseline expression correlates of future treatment escalation using cross-validated elastic-net and random forest modelling, along with a pragmatic ratio detection procedure. Results Disease-specific transcriptomes were defined in IBD [8697 transcripts], CD [7152], and UC [8521], with the most highly significant changes in single genes, including CD177 (log2-fold change [LFC] = 4.63, p = 4.05 × 10-118), MCEMP1 [LFC = 2.45, p = 7.37 × 10-109], and S100A12 [LFC = 2.31, p = 2.15 × 10-93]. Significantly over-represented pathways included IL-1 [p = 1.58 × 10-11], IL-4, and IL-13 [p = 8.96 × 10-9]. Highly concordant results were obtained using multiple regulatory activity inference tools applied to the discovery and replication cohorts. These analyses demonstrated central roles in IBD for the transcription factors NFE2, SPI1 [PU.1], CEBPB, and IRF2, all regulators of cytokine signalling, based on a consistent signal across cohorts and transcription factor ranking methods. A number of simple transcriptome-based models were associated with the need for treatment escalation, including the binary CLEC5A/CDH2 expression ratio in UC (hazard ratio = 23.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.3–102.0). Conclusions Transcriptomic analysis has allowed for a detailed characterisation of IBD pathobiology, with important potential translational implications.

• Monstad, Iril Lovise; Solberg, Inger Camilla; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Hovde, Oistein; Henriksen, Magne & Huppertz-Hauss, Gert [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2021). Outcome of Ulcerative Colitis 20 Years after Diagnosis in a Prospective Population-based Inception Cohort from South-Eastern Norway, the IBSEN Study. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis. ISSN 1873-9946. 15(6), p. 969–979. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjaa232. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background and aims: The long-term course of ulcerative colitis [UC] is difficult to predict. Mortality, colectomy, cancer, and hospitalisation represent hard outcomes of disease. Moreover, knowledge on the risk of relapses and need for potent medication add important information about living with UC. We aimed to evaluate the course and prognosis of UC during the first 20 years after diagnosis, and to identify early prognostic risk factors. Methods: From 1990 to 1994, a population-based inception cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease was enrolled in South-Eastern Norway. A systematic follow-up [FU] was conducted at 1,5, 10, and 20 years after diagnosis. Clinical outcomes were recorded continuously, and possible relationships between early disease characteristics and outcomes were analysed using multiple regression analysis. Results: Among 519 UC patients, 119 died, 60 were lost to FU, and 340 were included in the FU cohort. The 20-year cumulative risk of colectomy was 13.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] [11.4-14.6]). Extensive colitis at diagnosis was independently associated with an increased risk of colectomy compared with proctitis (hazard ratio [HR] = 2].8, 95% CI [1.3-6.1]). In contrast, mucosal healing at 1-year FU was independently associated with reduced risk of colectomy [HR = 0.4, 95% CI [0.2-0.8]), and inversely associated with subsequent risk of relapse [adjusted HR = 0.5, 95% CI [0.3-0.7]). Conclusions: The overall risk of colectomy in our cohort was lower than expected from previous studies, although considerable for patients with extensive colitis at diagnosis. Early mucosal healing was associated with better disease outcomes 20 years after diagnosis.

• Kristensen, Vendel Ailin; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Høivik, Marte Lie; Moum, Bjørn & Vatn, Morten H (2020). Serological antibodies and surgery in a population-based inception cohort of Crohn's disease patients - the IBSEN study. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0036-5521. doi: 10.1080/00365521.2020.1745879. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction: Serological antibodies have been associated with complicated disease course in Crohn’s disease (CD), including the need for surgery. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate if a panel of relevant antibodies could predict surgery in a prospective population-based cohort of patients with CD. Methods: The population-based IBSEN cohort has been followed prospectively for 20years. At the 10and 20-year follow-up, the following panel of serological antibodies was analysed: pANCA, ASCA IgA, ASCA IgG, anti-OmpC, anti-I2, and anti-CBir1. At the 20-year follow-up or until lost to follow-up, all CDrelated surgeries were registered. Results: Serum was available from 159 patients at 10-year follow-up and 135 patients at 20-year follow-up. In 113 patients, serum was available at both time points. No significant change of antibody status (positive vs. negative) was found from 10-year to 20-year follow-up. Negative pANCA, positive ASCA IgA and positive ASCA IgG at 10-year follow-up were all individually associated with increased risk for CD-related surgery. There was no association between anti-OmpC, anti-I2 or anti-CBir1 and CDrelated surgery. In a multiple regression model including disease location and behaviour, only stricturing or penetrating disease behaviour and negative pANCA remained significantly associated with higher odds for surgery. Conclusion: Positive ASCA IgA and IgG, and negative pANCA were associated with higher odds for CD-related surgery in univariate analysis. Since disease phenotype changes during the disease course, while serological antibodies are stable, our results support the use of pANCA, ASCA IgA and ASCA IgG as prognostic markers in CD.

• Kalla, Rahul; Adams, Alex T.; Bergemalm, Daniel; Vatn, Simen Svendsen; Kennedy, Nicholas A. & Ricanek, Petr [Show all 22 contributors for this article] (2020). Serum proteomic profiling at diagnosis predicts clinical course, and need for intensification of treatment in inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis. ISSN 1873-9946. p. 1–33. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjaa230. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Background Success in personalized medicine in complex disease is critically dependent on biomarker discovery. We profiled serum proteins using a novel proximity extension assay [PEA] to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Methods We conducted a prospective case-control study in an inception cohort of 552 patients [328 IBD, 224 non-IBD], profiling proteins recruited across six centres. Treatment escalation was characterized by the need for biological agents or surgery after initial disease remission. Nested leave-one-out cross-validation was used to examine the performance of diagnostic and prognostic proteins. Results A total of 66 serum proteins differentiated IBD from symptomatic non-IBD controls, including matrix metallopeptidase-12 [MMP-12; Holm-adjusted p = 4.1 × 10–23] and oncostatin-M [OSM; p = 3.7 × 10–16]. Nine of these proteins are associated with cis-germline variation [59 independent single nucleotide polymorphisms]. Fifteen proteins, all members of tumour necrosis factor-independent pathways including interleukin-1 (IL-1) and OSM, predicted escalation, over a median follow-up of 518 [interquartile range 224–756] days. Nested cross-validation of the entire data set allowed characterization of five-protein models [96% comprising five core proteins ITGAV, EpCAM, IL18, SLAMF7 and IL8], which define a high-risk subgroup in IBD [hazard ratio 3.90, confidence interval: 2.43–6.26], or allowed distinct two- and three-protein models for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease respectively. Conclusion We have characterized a simple oligo-protein panel that has the potential to identify IBD from symptomatic controls and to predict future disease course. Further prospective work is required to validate our findings.

• Klepp, Pasquale Catherine; Brackmann, Stephan; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Høivik, Marte Lie; Hovde, Øistein & Henriksen, Magne [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2020). Risk of colorectal cancer in a population-based study 20 years after diagnosis of ulcerative colitis: results from the IBSEN study. BMJ open gastroenterology. 7. doi: 10.1136/bmjgast-2019-000361. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective The association between ulcerative colitis (UC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) is widely accepted, although attenuated risk has been reported in recent years. Colonoscopic surveillance is recommended with intervals based on established clinical risk factors. Nevertheless, a significant number of patients develop interval cancers, indicating the need of improved individualised assessment. In the present study, we evaluated clinical risk factors associated with CRC during a prescheduled follow-up 20 years after diagnosis, the IBSEN study. Design A population-based inception cohort of patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease from 1 January 1990 until 31 December 1993, prospectively followed at 1, 5, 10 and 20 years after diagnosis. A total of 517 patients with UC were included; 264 (51 %) men; median age at inclusion 37.4 years (4–88). Results The overall incidence of CRC was 1.6% (8/517) at a 20-year follow-up. The total lifetime risk of CRC prior to or after UC diagnosis was 2.3%. (12/517). Patients older than 70 years at diagnosis had a 15-fold higher risk of CRC compared with those diagnosed when younger than 40 years, with HR 15.68 (95% CI: 1.31 to 187.92). Neither sex, first-degree relative with CRC, extent of colitis nor primary sclerosing cholangitis affected the risk of CRC. Conclusion The risk of CRC in UC was low and comparable with the risk of CRC in the background population of Norway.

• Kalla, Rahul; Adams, Alex T.; Ventham, Nicholas T.; Kennedy, Nicholas A.; White, R. & Clark, C [Show all 21 contributors for this article] (2020). Whole blood profiling of T-cell derived miRNA allows the development of prognostic models in inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis. ISSN 1873-9946. 14(12), p. 1724–1733. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjaa134. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Background MicroRNAs [miRNAs] are cell-specific small non-coding RNAs that can regulate gene expression and have been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] pathogenesis. Here we define the cell-specific miRNA profiles and investigate its biomarker potential in IBD. Methods In a two-stage prospective multi-centre case control study, next generation sequencing was performed on a discovery cohort of immunomagnetically separated leukocytes from 32 patients (nine Crohn’s disease [CD], 14 ulcerative colitis [UC], eight healthy controls) and differentially expressed signals were validated in whole blood in 294 patients [97 UC, 98 CD, 98 non-IBD, 1 IBDU] using quantitative PCR. Correlations were analysed with phenotype, including need for early treatment escalation as a marker of progressive disease using Cox proportional hazards. Results In stage 1, each leukocyte subset [CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and CD14+ monocytes] was analysed in IBD and controls. Three specific miRNAs differentiated IBD from controls in CD4+ T-cells, including miR-1307-3p [p = 0.01], miR-3615 [p = 0.02] and miR-4792 [p = 0.01]. In the extension cohort, in stage 2, miR-1307-3p was able to predict disease progression in IBD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.98, interquartile range [IQR]: 1.20–3.27; logrank p = 1.80 × 10–3), in particular CD [HR 2.81; IQR: 1.11–3.53, p = 6.50 × 10–4]. Using blood-based multimarker miRNA models, the estimated chance of escalation in CD was 83% if two or more criteria were met and 90% for UC if three or more criteria are met. Interpretation We have identified and validated unique CD4+ T-cell miRNAs that are differentially regulated in IBD. These miRNAs may be able to predict treatment escalation and have the potential for clinical translation; further prospective evaluation is now indicated.

• Vatn, Simen Svendsen; Carstens, Adam; Kristoffersen, Anja Bråthen; Bergemalm, Daniel; Casen, Christina & Moen, Aina Elisabeth Fossum [Show all 19 contributors for this article] (2020). Faecal microbiota signatures of IBD and their relation to diagnosis, disease phenotype, inflammation, treatment escalation and anti-TNF response in a European Multicentre Study (IBD-Character). Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0036-5521. 55(10), p. 1146–1156. doi: 10.1080/00365521.2020.1803396. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Method We examined faecal samples, using the GA-map™ Dysbiosis Test, to associate gut microbiota composition with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) and to identify markers for future biomarker identification. We conducted a prospective case-control study (EU-ref. no. 305676) in an inception cohort of 324 individuals (64 CD, 84 UC, 116 symptomatic non-IBD controls and 44 healthy controls) across five European centres and examined 54 predetermined bacterial markers. We categorized patients according to the Montreal Classification and calculated the dysbiosis index (DI). Non-parametric tests were used to compare groups and the Bonferroni correction to adjust for multiple comparisons. Results The fluorescent signals (FSSs) for Firmicutes and Eubacterium hallii were lower in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) vs. symptomatic controls (p<.05). FSS for Firmicutes, Lachnospiraceae, Eubacterium hallii and Ruminococcus albus/bromii were lower, whereas the signal for Bacteroides Fragilis was higher in UC vs. symptomatic controls (p<.05). FSS was higher for Bifidobacterium spp., Eubacterium hallii, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes among patients with ulcerative proctitis, compared to extensive colitis (p<.05). In CD, we observed no association with disease location. The DI correlated with faecal-calprotectin in both CD and in UC (p<.001). In terms of treatment escalation and anti-TNF response, differences were observed for some bacterial markers, but none of these associations were statistically significant. Conclusion Our data reveal that the GA-map™ Dysbiosis Test holds the potential to characterize the faecal microbiota composition and to assess the degree of dysbiosis in new-onset IBD. On the other hand, our results cannot demonstrate any proven diagnostic or predictive value of this method to support clinical decision making.

• Garshol, Bjørnar Finnanger; Aamodt, Geir; Madsen, Christian; Vatn, Morten & Bengtson, May-Bente (2020). The effect of nitrogen dioxide on low birth weight in women with inflammatory bowel disease: a Norwegian pregnancy cohort study (MoBa). Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0036-5521. 55(3), p. 272–278. doi: 10.1080/00365521.2020.1726446. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Adverse birth outcomes are more frequent among mothers with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) than non-IBD mothers. In recent studies, air pollution, such as high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), is reckoned as a risk factor for preterm birth in the general population. In this study, we investigated whether IBD mothers are at higher risk of preterm birth when exposed to NO2 compared to non-IBD mothers. Methods: We used information from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). The pregnancy cohort was linked to the Norwegian Medical Birth Registry and air-pollution exposure data available from a subset of the study cohort. The relevant outcome in this study was preterm birth. A total of 16,170 non-IBD and 92 IBD mothers were included in the study. Results: The mean exposure of NO2 during the pregnancy was similar for IBD and non-IBD mothers, 13.7 (6.9) μg/m3 and 13.6 (4.2) μg/m3, respectively. IBD mothers with higher exposure of NO2 in the second and third trimester were at significant risk of preterm birth compared to non-IBD mothers [OR = 1.28 (CI 95%: 1.04–1.59) and OR = 1.23 (95% CI: 1.06–1.43), respectively]. The mean NO2 exposure was significantly higher in IBD mothers with preterm birth than in IBD mothers who delivered at term, at 19.58 (1.57) μg/m3 and 12.89 (6.37) μg/m3, respectively. Conclusions: NO2 exposure influenced the risk of preterm birth in IBD mothers. Higher risk of preterm birth in IBD was associated with higher exposure of NO2, suggesting vulnerability of preterm birth in IBD when exposed to NO2.

• Bengtson, May-Bente; Haugen, Margaretha; Brantsæter, Anne Lise; Aamodt, Geir & Vatn, Morten H (2020). Intake of dairy protein during pregnancy in IBD and risk of SGA in a Norwegian population-based mother and child cohort. BMC Gastroenterology. 20. doi: 10.1186/s12876-020-1182-y. Full text in Research Archive
• Lunder, Aida Kapic; Bakstad, Linda Tøften; Jahnsen, Jørgen; Borthne, Arne Sigmund; Hov, Johannes Espolin Roksund & Vatn, Morten H [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2019). Assessment of Bowel Inflammation and Strictures by Magnetic Resonance Enterography in Long-term Crohn´s Disease. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis. ISSN 1873-9946. 13(5), p. 607–614. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjy208. Full text in Research Archive
• Olbjørn, Christine; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Thiis-Evensen, Espen; Nakstad, Britt; Vatn, Morten H & Jahnsen, Jørgen [Show all 20 contributors for this article] (2019). Fecal microbiota profiles in treatment-naive pediatric inflammatory bowel disease ? associations with disease phenotype, treatment, and outcome. Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology. 12, p. 37–49. doi: 10.2147/CEG.S186235. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: Imbalance in the microbiota, dysbiosis, has been identified in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We explored the fecal microbiota in pediatric patients with treatment-naïve IBD, non-IBD patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and healthy children, its relation to IBD subgroups, and treatment outcomes. Patients and methods: Fecal samples were collected from 235 children below 18 years of age. Eighty children had Crohn’s disease (CD), 27 ulcerative colitis (UC), 3 IBD unclassified, 50 were non-IBD symptomatic patients, and 75 were healthy. The bacterial abundance of 54 predefined DNA markers was measured with a 16S rRNA DNA-based test using GA-Map™ technology at diagnosis and after therapy in IBD patients. Results: Bacterial abundance was similarly reduced in IBD and non-IBD patients in 51 of 54 markers compared to healthy patients (P<0.001). Only Prevotella was more abundant in patients (P<0.01). IBD patients with ileocolitis or total colitis had more Ruminococcus gnavus (P=0.02) than patients with colonic CD or left-sided UC. CD patients with upper gastrointestinal manifestations had higher Veillonella abundance (P<0.01). IBD patients (58%) who received biologic therapy had lower baseline Firmicutes and Mycoplasma hominis abundance (P<0.01) than conventionally treated. High Proteobacteria abundance was associated with stricturing/penetrating CD, surgery (P<0.01), and nonmucosal healing (P<0.03). Low Faecalibacterium prausnitzii abundance was associated with prior antibiotic therapy (P=0.001), surgery (P=0.02), and nonmucosal healing (P<0.03). After therapy, IBD patients had unchanged dysbiosis. Conclusion: Fecal microbiota profiles differentiated IBD and non-IBD symptomatic children from healthy children, but displayed similar dysbiosis in IBD and non-IBD symptomatic patients. Pretreatment fecal microbiota profiles may be of prognostic value and aid in treatment individualization in pediatric IBD as severe dysbiosis was associated with an extensive, complicated phenotype, biologic therapy, and nonmucosal healing. The dysbiosis persisted after therapy, regardless of treatments and mucosal healing.

• Kapica, Aida; Jahnsen, Jørgen; Bakstad, Linda Tøften; Borthne, Arne Sigmund; Hov, Johannes Espolin Roksund & Vatn, Morten H [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2018). Bowel Damage in Patients With Long-term Crohn's Disease, Assessed by Magnetic Resonance Enterography and the Lemann Index. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. ISSN 1542-3565. 16(1), p. 75–82.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2017.06.053. Full text in Research Archive
• Ossum, Alvilde Maria; Palm, Øyvind; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Solberg, Inger Camilla; Vatn, Morten H & Moum, Bjørn [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2018). Peripheral arthritis in patients with long-term inflammatory bowel disease. Results from 20 years of follow-up in the IBSEN study. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0036-5521. p. 1–8. doi: 10.1080/00365521.2018.1518482. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives: Peripheral arthritis and related musculoskeletal manifestations, often classified as peripheral spondyloarthritis, are frequently seen in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Few long-term studies have reported on the prevalence of these conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IBD-related peripheral arthritis and peripheral spondyloarthritis in IBD patients during 20 years of disease course, and to assess whether these conditions were associated with the intestinal IBD severity and activity. Materials and methods: In an inception cohort (the IBSEN study), IBD patients were followed prospectively for 20 years. At the 5 year follow-up the patients underwent a rheumatological examination and at the 20 year follow-up they completed a questionnaire with identical questions. When peripheral arthritis was characteristic and not explained by other specific diagnoses, it was defined as IBDrelated peripheral arthritis. The Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society criteria were used to define peripheral spondyloarthritis, including patients with peripheral arthritis, enthesitis and/ or dactylitis. Results: After 20 years of follow-up, 441 patients were included (296 ulcerative colitis and 145 Crohn’s disease). The prevalence of IBD-related peripheral arthritis was 17.2% and peripheral spondyloarthritis 27.9% during the disease course. IBD severity and activity were not different between those with a history of IBD-related peripheral arthritis or peripheral spondyloarthritis and those without. A higher proportion of women had IBD-related peripheral arthritis and peripheral spondyloarthritis. Conclusion: During 20 years of disease course, more than every sixth patient had suffered from IBDrelated peripheral arthritis and every fourth from peripheral spondyloarthritis.

• Moen, Aina Elisabeth Fossum; Lindstrøm, Jonas Christoffer; Tannæs, Tone Møller; Vatn, Simen Svendsen; Ricanek, Petr & Vatn, Morten H [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2018). The prevalence and transcriptional activity of the mucosal microbiota of ulcerative colitis patients. Scientific Reports. 8:17278. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-35243-4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Active microbes likely have larger impact on gut health status compared to inactive or dormant microbes. We investigate the composition of active and total mucosal microbiota of treatment-naïve ulcerative colitis (UC) patients to determine the microbial picture at the start-up phase of disease, using both a 16S rRNA transcript and gene amplicon sequencing. DNA and RNA were isolated from the same mucosal colonic biopsies. Our aim was to identify active microbial members of the microbiota in early stages of disease and reveal which members are present, but do not act as major players. We demonstrated differences in active and total microbiota of UC patients when comparing inflamed to non-inflamed tissue. Several taxa, among them the Proteobacteria phyla and families therein, revealed lower transcriptional activity despite a high presence. The Bifidobacteriaceae family of the Actinobacteria phylum showed lower abundance in the active microbiota, although no difference in presence was detected. The most abundant microbiota members of the inflamed tissue in UC patients were not the most active. Knowledge of active members of microbiota in UC patients could enhance our understanding of disease etiology. The active microbial community composition did not deviate from the total when comparing UC patients to non-IBD controls.

• Tronstad, Rune Rose; Polushina, Tatiana; Brattbakk, Hans-Richard; Stansberg, Christine; Volkmann, Hilde Løland Von & Hanevik, Kurt [Show all 19 contributors for this article] (2018). Genetic and transcriptional analysis of inflammatory bowel disease-associated pathways in patients with GUCY2C-linked familial diarrhea. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0036-5521. 53(10-11), p. 1264–1273. doi: 10.1080/00365521.2018.1521867. Full text in Research Archive
• Holme, Øyvind; Løberg, Magnus; Kalager, Mette; Bretthauer, Michael; Hernán, Miguel A. & Aas, Eline [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2018). Long-term effectiveness of sigmoidoscopy screening on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in women and men: A randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. ISSN 0003-4819. 168(11), p. 775–782. doi: 10.7326/M17-1441. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: The long-term effects of sigmoidoscopy screening on colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality in women and men are unclear. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of flexible sigmoidoscopy screening after 15 years of follow-up in women and men. Design: Randomized controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00119912) Setting: Oslo and Telemark County, Norway. Participants: Adults aged 50 to 64 years at baseline without prior CRC. Intervention: Screening (between 1999 and 2001) with flexible sigmoidoscopy with and without additional fecal blood testing versus no screening. Participants with positive screening results were offered colonoscopy. Measurements: Age-adjusted CRC incidence and mortality stratified by sex. Results: Of 98 678 persons, 20 552 were randomly assigned to screening and 78 126 to no screening. Adherence rates were 64.7% in women and 61.4% in men. Median follow-up was 14.8 years. The absolute risks for CRC in women were 1.86% in the screening group and 2.05% in the control group (risk difference, −0.19 percentage point [95% CI, −0.49 to 0.11 percentage point]; HR, 0.92 [CI, 0.79 to 1.07]). In men, the corresponding risks were 1.72% and 2.50%, respectively (risk difference, −0.78 percentage point [CI, −1.08 to −0.48 percentage points]; hazard ratio [HR], 0.66 [CI, 0.57 to 0.78]) (P for heterogeneity = 0.004). The absolute risks for death from CRC in women were 0.60% in the screening group and 0.59% in the control group (risk difference, 0.01 percentage point [CI, −0.16 to 0.18 percentage point]; HR, 1.01 [CI, 0.77 to 1.33]). The corresponding risks for death from CRC in men were 0.49% and 0.81%, respectively (risk difference, −0.33 percentage point [CI, −0.49 to −0.16 percentage point]; HR, 0.63 [CI, 0.47 to 0.83]) (P for heterogeneity = 0.014). Limitation: Follow-up through national registries. Conclusion: Offering sigmoidoscopy screening in Norway reduced CRC incidence and mortality in men but had little or no effect in women.

• Myklebust-Hansen, Thea; Aamodt, Geir; Haugen, Margaretha; Brantsæter, Anne Lise; Vatn, Morten H & Bengtson, May-Bente (2018). Dietary Patterns in women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Results from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. ISSN 1078-0998. 24(1), p. 12–24. doi: 10.1093/ibd/izx006. Full text in Research Archive
• Klepp, Pasquale Catherine; Kisiel, John; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Røseth, Arne; Andersen, Solveig Norheim & Vatn, Morten H [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2018). Multi-target stool DNA test in the surveillance of inflammatory bowel disease: a cross-sectional cohort study. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0036-5521. 53(3), p. 273–278. doi: 10.1080/00365521.2018.1424935. Full text in Research Archive
• Klepp, Pasquale Catherine; Tollisen, Anita; Røseth, Arne; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Andersen, Solveig Norheim & Vatn, Morten H [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2018). Real-life chromoendoscopy for dysplasia surveillance in ulcerative colitis. World Journal of Gastroenterology (WJG). ISSN 1007-9327. 24(35), p. 4069–4076. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i35.4069. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  AIM: To evaluate the use of chromoendoscopy for surveillance of ulcerative colitis in a real-life community hospital setting. METHODS: Patients with extensive ulcerative colitis, having disease duration of more than 8 years and who presented between the years of 1999 to 2013, were offered enrolment in this single cohort prospective study. All participants underwent standard bowel preparation with sodium phosphate and chromoendoscopy. Two expert endoscopists, novice to chromoendoscopy, evaluated each segment of the colon with standard-definition colonoscopes after spray application of 0.4% indigo carmine. All observed lesions were recorded and evaluated before being removed and/or biopsied. In addition, nontargeted biopsies were taken from each segment of the colon. The dysplasia detection rate and dysplasia detection yield were ascertained. RESULTS: A total of 21 neoplastic lesions (2 carcinomas, 4 of high-grade dysplasia and 15 of low-grade dysplasia) and 27 nondysplastic lesions were detected in 16 of the total 67 patients (70% male; median disease duration: 17 years; median age at diagnosis: 25 years; 92% aminosalicylate-treated). The dysplasia detection rate was 10.5% (7/67 patients). The dysplasia detection yield was 20.8% (10/48) for targeted biopsies and 3.5% (11/318) for nontargeted biopsies. The sensitivity and specificity for the macroscopic evaluation of neoplasia using chromoendoscopy were 48% [95% confidence interval (CI): 26%-70%] and 96% (95%CI: 93%-98%), respectively. The positive predictive and negative predictive values were 42% (95%CI: 27%-59%) and 97% (95%CI: 95%-98%), respectively. A total of 19/21 dysplastic lesions were detected in mucosa with histologic inflammation. CONCLUSION: Chromoendoscopy seems to be of value for dysplasia surveillance of ulcerative colitis in a community hospital setting. The yield of non-targeted biopsies is negligible.

• Olbjørn, Christine; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Thiis-Evensen, Espen; Nakstad, Britt; Vatn, Morten H & Perminow, Gøri Margrete (2017). Serological markers in diagnosis of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease and as predictors for early tumor necrosis factor blocker therapy. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0036-5521. 52(4), p. 414–419. doi: 10.1080/00365521.2016.1259653. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: To describe the prevalence of serological markers in newly diagnosed treatment naïve pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), their utility in differentiating Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and symptomatic non-IBD patients and whether serological markers are associated with early TNF blocker treatment. Material and methods: Ninety-six children and adolescents < 18 years, 58 with IBD and 38 symptomatic non-IBD controls were included. At diagnosis and after 1-2 years, serological antibodies (anti–Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA), perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (pANCA), flagellin expressed by Clostridial phylum (anti-CBir), outer membrane porin of Escherichia coli (anti-OmpC), Pseudomonas fluorescens associated sequence (anti-I2)), CRP, ESR, and fecal calprotectin were analyzed. The choice of treatment was made at the discretion of the treating pediatrician. Results: Of the IBD patients 20 (36%) and 26 (47%) were positive for ASCA and pANCA compared to 3(8%), p<0.01 and 10 (27%), p=0.04 of the controls. Thirteen (72%) of UC patients were pANCA positive, versus 13 (35%) of CD patients (p<0.01). None of the UC patients was ASCA positive versus 20 (54%) of CD patients (p<0.0001). Compared to conventionally treated patients, the 18 (49%) TNF blocker treated CD patients had higher presence of ASCA (p<0.01) lower presence of pANCA (p=0.02) and higher levels of fecal calprotectin, CRP and ESR at diagnosis. In multivariate analyses ASCA and pANCA status, but not CRP, ESR or calprotectin, were independently associated with early TNF blocker treatment. Conclusions: ASCA and pANCA status were associated with having IBD and with early TNF blocker treatment in CD.

• Bengtson, May-Bente; Martin, Christopher F; Aamodt, Geir; Vatn, Morten H & Mahadevan, Uma (2017). Inadequate Gestational Weight Gain Predicts Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Mothers with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results from a Prospective US Pregnancy Cohort. Digestive Diseases and Sciences. ISSN 0163-2116. 62(8), p. 2063–2069. doi: 10.1007/s10620-017-4547-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Malnutrition and weight loss are common features of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Aim To explore the impact of inadequate gestational weight gain (GWG) on adverse outcomes among IBD mothers in the prospective US pregnancy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Neonatal Outcomes (PIANO) cohort. Methods The PIANO cohort comprises 559 and 363 pregnant mothers with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), respectively, enrolled between 2006 and 2014. The mothers were followed during and after pregnancy to ascertain medication, measurement of disease activity and complications during pregnancy and at delivery. Inadequate GWG was based on US Institute of Medicine recommendations. The associations between inadequate GWG and adverse pregnancy outcomes in maternal IBD were analyzed, adjusted for diabetes, hypertension, smoking, maternal age, education, and disease activity. Results Maternal CD and UC with inadequate GWG had a 2.5-fold increased risk of preterm birth (OR 2.5, CI 1.3, 4.9 and OR 2.5, CI 1.2, 5.6). Furthermore, an increased risk of intrauterine growth restriction and a trend for small for gestational age were demonstrated in CD but not in UC (OR 3.3, CI 1.1, 10.0, OR 4.5, CI 0.8, 24.3, p = 0.08). Flares increased risk of inadequate GWG (OR 1.6, CI 1.2, 2.3, p = 0.002) but did not change the associations between inadequate GWG and adverse pregnancy outcomes in our models. Conclusion The US PIANO cohort demonstrated that inadequate GWG was a strong independent predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes in IBD mothers. Keywords IBD Inadequate gestational weight gain Adverse pregnancy outcome PIANO cohort Disease activity

• Vesterhus, Mette; Holm, Anders; Hov, Johannes Espolin Roksund; Nygård, Ståle; Schrumpf, Erik & Melum, Espen [Show all 23 contributors for this article] (2017). Novel serum and bile protein markers predict primary sclerosing cholangitis disease severity and prognosis. Journal of Hepatology. ISSN 0168-8278. 66(6), p. 1214–1222. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.01.019. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background & Aims Prognostic biomarkers are lacking in primary sclerosing cholangitis, hampering patient care and the development of therapy. We aimed to identify novel protein biomarkers of disease severity and prognosis in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Methods Using a bead-based array targeting 63 proteins, we profiled a derivation panel of Norwegian endoscopic retrograde cholangiography bile samples (55 PSC, 20 disease controls) and a Finnish validation panel (34 PSC, 10 disease controls). Selected identified proteins were measured in serum from two Norwegian PSC cohorts (n = 167 [1992–2006] and n = 138 [2008–2012]), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 96) and healthy controls (n = 100). Results In the bile derivation panel, the levels of 14 proteins were different between PSC patients and controls (p <0.05); all were confirmed in the validation panel. Twenty-four proteins in the bile derivation panel were significantly (p <0.05) different between PSC patients with mild compared to severe cholangiographic changes (modified Amsterdam criteria); this was replicated for 18 proteins in the validation panel. Interleukin (IL)-8, matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)9/lipocalin (LCN)2-complex, S100A8/9, S100A12 and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH)2 in the bile were associated with both a PSC diagnosis and grade of cholangiographic changes. Stratifying PSC patients according to tertiles of serum IL-8, but not MMP9/LCN2 and S100A12, provided excellent discrimination for transplant-free survival both in the serum derivation and validation cohort. Furthermore, IL-8 was associated with transplant-free survival in multivariable analyses in both serum panels independently of age and disease duration, indicating an independent influence on PSC progression. However, the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF®) test and Mayo risk score proved to be stronger predictors of transplant-free survival. Conclusions Based on assaying of biliary proteins, we have identified novel biliary and serum biomarkers as indicators of severity and prognosis in PSC. Lay summary Prognostic biomarkers are lacking in primary sclerosing cholangitis, hampering patient care and the development of therapy. We have identified inflammatory proteins including calprotectin and IL-8 as important indicators of disease severity and prognosis in bile and serum from patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis.

• Bengtson, May-Bente; Aamodt, Geir; Mahadevan, Uma & Vatn, Morten H (2017). Inadequate Gestational Weight Gain, the Hidden Link Between Maternal IBD and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Results from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. ISSN 1078-0998. 23(7), p. 1225–1233. doi: 10.1097/MIB.0000000000001123. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are in general prone to weight loss. We explored the risk of inadequate gestational weight gain (GWG), and the impact of GWG on adverse pregnancy outcomes, among mothers with IBD in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Methods The MoBa with 95,200 mothers enrolled from 1999 to 2008, comprised 217 mothers with ulcerative colitis and 166 with Crohn's disease. Demographics were ascertained through a basic questionnaire before the first ultrasound visit and an IBD history and disease activity during pregnancy through a questionnaire mailed out in 2013. Inadequate GWG was based on the US Institute of Medicine recommendations. The associations between IBD and inadequate GWG or adverse pregnancy outcomes were explored, adjusted for diabetes, hypertension, smoking, maternal age, education, and disease activity. Results Mothers with Crohn's disease (34.3%) and ulcerative colitis (26.7%) were more frequently exposed to inadequate GWG compared with non-IBD mothers (19.4%) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42–2.86 and aOR = 1.46, 95% CI, 1.04–2.05, respectively). Mothers with IBD with inadequate GWG (exposed) had a 2-fold risk of small for gestational age infants compared with exposed non-IBD mothers (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI, 1.13–3.29). Exposed mothers with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis had a several-fold increased risk of small for gestational age compared with nonexposed IBD mothers (aOR = 4.5, 95% CI, 1.3–16.2, aOR = 5.5, 95% CI, 1.6–18.5). Disease activity was associated with reduced GWG (<13 kg compared with >17.5 kg) (aOR = 3.34, 95% CI, 1.33–8.38). Conclusions Inadequate GWG should be considered as a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes or as a marker of disease activity. IBD, gestational weight gain, MoBa, adverse pregnancy outcomes This article has been accepted and has been published by Oxford University Press.

• Hov, Johannes Espolin Roksund; Boberg, Kirsten Muri; Taraldsrud, Eli; Vesterhus, Mette; Boyadzhieva, Maria & Solberg, Inger Camilla [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2017). Antineutrophil antibodies define clinical and genetic subgroups in primary sclerosing cholangitis. Liver international (Print). ISSN 1478-3223. 37(3), p. 458–465. doi: 10.1111/liv.13238. Full text in Research Archive
• Kapica, Aida; Hov, Johannes Espolin Roksund; Borthne, Arne Sigmund; Gleditsch, Jostein; Johannesen, Glenn & Tveit, Knut [Show all 19 contributors for this article] (2016). Prevalence of Sclerosing Cholangitis Detected by Magnetic Resonance Cholangiography in Patients With Long-term Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Gastroenterology. ISSN 0016-5085. 151(4), p. 660–669. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2016.06.021. Full text in Research Archive
• Moen, Aina Elisabeth Fossum; Tannæs, Tone Møller; Vatn, Simen Svendsen; Ricanek, Petr; Vatn, Morten H & Jahnsen, Jørgen [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2016). Simultaneous purification of DNA and RNA from microbiota in a single colonic mucosal biopsy. BMC Research Notes. 9(328). doi: 10.1186/s13104-016-2110-7. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Nucleic acid purification methods are of importance when performing microbiota studies and especially when analysing the intestinal microbiota as we here find a wide range of different microbes. Various considerations must be taken to lyse the microbial cell wall of each microbe. In the present article, we compare several tissue lysis steps and commercial purification kits, to achieve a joint RNA and DNA purification protocol for the purpose of investigating the microbiota and the microbiota-host interactions in a single colonic mucosal tissue sample. Results A further optimised tissue homogenisation and lysis protocol comprising mechanical bead beating, lysis buffer replacement and enzymatic treatment, in combination with the AllPrep DNA/RNA Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) resulted in efficient and simultaneous purification of microbial and human RNA and DNA from a single mucosal colonic tissue sample. Conclusions The present work provides a unique possibility to study RNA and DNA from the same mucosal biopsy sample, making a direct comparison between metabolically active microbes and total microbial DNA. The protocol also offers an opportunity to investigate other members of a microbiota such as viruses, fungi and micro-eukaryotes, and moreover the possibility to extract data on microbiota and host interactions from one single mucosal biopsy.

• Ventham, NT; Kennedy, NA; Adams, AT; Kalla, R; Heath, S & O'Leary, KR [Show all 107 contributors for this article] (2016). Integrative epigenome-wide analysis demonstrates that DNA methylation may mediate genetic risk in inflammatory bowel disease. Nature Communications. 7. doi: 10.1038/ncomms13507. Full text in Research Archive
• Kevans, David; Tyler, Andrea D.; Holm, Kristian; Jørgensen, Kristin Kaasen; Vatn, Morten H & Karlsen, Tom Hemming [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2016). Characterization of Intestinal Microbiota in Ulcerative Colitis Patients with and without Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis. ISSN 1873-9946. 10(3), p. 330–337. doi: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjv204. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatn, Morten H & Sandvik, Arne Kristian (2015). Inflammatory bowel disease. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0036-5521. 50(6), p. 748–762. doi: 10.3109/00365521.2015.1033000. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Scandinavian researchers have contributed to the present understanding of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Important epidemiological data and family risk factors have been reported from all the Nordic countries, original twin studies mainly from Denmark and Sweden, and relationships to cancer and surgery mostly from Sweden. In collaboration with the industry, development of medical compounds was for a long time in the front line of international research, and the Scandinavian countries participated in the clinical breakthrough of biologic treatment. At present, many Nordic centers are working in the forefront of IBD research. An increasing number of young investigators have entered the scene along with the extended distribution of University clinics and research laboratories in these countries. This presentation of IBD gives a brief overview in the fields of clinical epidemiology and molecular biology. Many areas are covered by International collaborations with partners from Nordic centers. IBD was a topic focused by the founders of Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. After 50 years one may state that the journal’s history reflects important pieces of scientific knowledge within these diseases. The early scope of Johannes Myren for IBD was shown through his work in the original World Association of Gastroenterology (OMG), and after 50 years we can clearly support the view that global perspectives in IBD are increasingly important.

• Ricanek, Petr; Lunde, Lisa Kristina; Frye, Stephan Alfons; Støen, Mari; Nygård, Ståle & Morth, Jens Preben [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2015). Reduced expression of aquaporins in human intestinal mucosa in early stage inflammatory bowel disease. Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology. 8, p. 49–67. doi: 10.2147/CEG.S70119. Full text in Research Archive
• Bengtson, May-Bente; Aamodt, Geir; Vatn, Morten H & Harris, Jennifer (2015). Co-occurrence of IBS and symptoms of anxiety or depression, among Norwegian twins, is influenced by both heredity and intrauterine growth. BMC Gastroenterology. 15(1). doi: 10.1186/s12876-015-0237-y. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Environmental and genetic factors contribute to variation in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), anxiety and depression. Comorbidity between these disorders is high. A previous investigation of our population-based twin cohort revealed that low birth weight increased the risk for development of IBS, with environmental influences in utero as the most relevant contributing factor. We hypothesise that both intrauterine and genetic factors influence the co-occurrence of IBS and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methods A postal questionnaire sent to 12700 Norwegian twins born between 1967 and 1979 comprised a checklist of 31 illnesses and symptoms, including IBS and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The influence of genetic factors and intrauterine growth on comorbidity between these disorders were analysed in the full sample and compared to those based on only monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs discordant for IBS (95 pairs) in birth weight group < 2500 g and ≥ 2500 g. Results In the co-twin analyses restricted growth (birth weight < 2500 g) was significantly associated with anxiety and depression (average birth weight difference of 181.0 g (p <0.0001) and 249.9 g (p < 0.0001), respectively). The analysis of the full sample revealed that IBS was significantly associated with symptoms of anxiety (adjusted OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.9, 3.3) and depression (adjusted OR = 2.3. 95% CI: 1.8, 3.0). Analyses of MZ pairs discordant for IBS indicated significant associations between IBS and symptoms of anxiety (OR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.3, 10.5) and between IBS and symptoms of depression (OR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.7, 9.9) only in the birth weight group below 2500 g. Conclusion Our findings suggest that genetic factors partly explain the association between IBS and symptoms of anxiety and depression. In the low range of birth weight (<2500 g), restricted fetal growth seems to be a common contributing factor to the co-occurrence between these disorders.

• Casén, C.; Vebø, H. C.; Sekelja, Monika; Hegge, Finn Terje; Karlsson, Magdalena Kauczynska & Ciemniejewska, E. [Show all 17 contributors for this article] (2015). Deviations in human gut microbiota: A novel diagnostic test for determining dysbiosis in patients with IBS or IBD. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. ISSN 0269-2813. 42(1), p. 71–83. doi: 10.1111/apt.13236. Full text in Research Archive
• Beisner, Julia; Teltschik, Zora; Ostaff, Maureen J.; Tiemessen, Machteld M; Staal, Frank J. T. & Wang, Guoxing [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2014). TCF-1-mediated Wnt signaling regulates Paneth cell innate immune defense effectors HD-5 and -6: Implications for Crohn's disease. American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. 307(5), p. G487–G498. doi: 10.1152/ajpgi.00347.2013. Full text in Research Archive
• Solberg, Inger Camilla; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Vatn, Morten H; Moum, Bjørn; Lygren, Idar & Jahnsen, Jørgen [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2014). Risk matrix for prediction of advanced disease in a population-based study of patients with Crohn's Disease (the IBSEN Study). Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. ISSN 1078-0998. 20(1), p. 60–68. doi: 10.1097/01.MIB.0000436956.78220.67. Full text in Research Archive
• Block, M; Jørgensen, Kristin Kaasen; Øresland, Tom; Lindholm, E; Grzyb, Krzysztof & Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2014). Colectomy for patients with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis - What next? Journal of Crohn's and Colitis. ISSN 1873-9946. 8(5), p. 421–430. doi: 10.1016/j.crohns.2013.10.008. Full text in Research Archive
• Olbjørn, Christine; Nakstad, Britt; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Thiis-Evensen, Espen; Vatn, Morten H & Perminow, Gøri Margrete (2014). Early anti-TNF treatment in pediatric Crohn's disease. Predictors of clinical outcome in a population-based cohort of newly diagnosed patients. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0036-5521. 49(12), p. 1425–1431. doi: 10.3109/00365521.2014.966316. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: Pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD) is often debilitating, with upper gastrointestinal involvement and complications over time. Treatment with TNF blockers can induce and maintain remission. We wanted to evaluate the outcome of patients medically treated for CD to investigate whether clinical, endoscopic and biochemical factors at diagnosis are associated with the early initiation of treatment with the TNF blocker infliximab. Materials and Methods: Patients aged <18 years, diagnosed with CD were characterized according to the Porto criteria, with endoscopy, MRI and biochemical tests before individual treatment. They were followed prospectively until a prescheduled examination within two years. Results: Thirty-six pediatric patients were included, 18 (50%) received infliximab. Infliximab treated patients had shorter disease duration, more upper gastrointestinal involvement (p=0.03) and higher median CRP (28 versus 7.5 mg/l, p=0.02), ESR (32 versus 18 mm/h, p=0.01) and fecal calprotectin (1506 versus 501 mg/kg, p= 0.01) levels. Infliximab treatment was well tolerated, and 15 /18 of patients achieved clinical remission. At follow up 11/17 in the infliximab group and 8/13 in the non-infliximab group achieved ileocolonic mucosal healing. A majority in the infliximab group had a marked reduction of CD specific upper gastrointestinal lesions but persistence of unspecific upper GI inflammation at follow-up. Conclusion: High levels of inflammatory markers and upper gastrointestinal lesions were associated with initiation of infliximab treatment. A substantial proportion of patients still had unspecific lesions in the upper GI regardless of treatment. Future studies must clarify the prognostic role of persistent upper gastrointestinal-involvement despite mucosal healing in the ileocolon.

• Cetinkaya, Raziye; Vatn, Morten H; Aabakken, Lars; Bergestuen, Deidi Ann & Thiis-Evensen, Espen (2014). Survival and prognostic factors in well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0036-5521. 49(6), p. 734–741. doi: 10.3109/00365521.2014.903432. Full text in Research Archive
• Thorkildsen, Lill-Therese; Nwosu, Felix; Avershina, Ekaterina; Ricanek, Petr; Perminow, Gøri Margrete & Brackmann, Stephan [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2013). Dominant Fecal Microbiota in Newly Diagnosed Untreated Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients. Gastroenterology Research and Practice. ISSN 1687-6121. doi: 10.1155/2013/636785. Full text in Research Archive
• Rogler, Gerhard; Aldeguer, Xavier; Kruis, Wolfgang; Lasson, Anders; Mittmann, Ulrich & Nally, Ken [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2013). Concept for a rapid point-of-care calprotectin diagnostic test for diagnosis and disease activity monitoring in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Expert clinical opinion. Journal - Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada. ISSN 1197-4982. 7(8), p. 670–677. doi: 10.1016/j.crohns.2013.02.014. Full text in Research Archive
• Liu, Jimmy Z.; Hov, Johannes Espolin Roksund; Folseraas, Trine; Ellinghaus, E; Rushbrook, SM & Doncheva, NT [Show all 84 contributors for this article] (2013). Dense genotyping of immune-related disease regions identifies nine new risk loci for primary sclerosing cholangitis. Nature Genetics. ISSN 1061-4036. 45(6), p. 670–675. doi: 10.1038/ng.2616. Full text in Research Archive
• Nwosu, Felix; Thorkildsen, Lill-Therese; Avershina, Ekaterina; Ricanek, Petr; Perminow, Gøri Margrete & Brackmann, Stephan [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2013). Age-Dependent Fecal Bacterial Correlation to Inflammatory Bowel Disease for Newly Diagnosed Untreated Children. Gastroenterology Research and Practice. ISSN 1687-6121. doi: 10.1155/2013/302398. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The knowledge about correlation patterns between the fecal microbiota and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)—comprising the two subforms Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC)—for newly diagnosed untreated children is limited. To address this knowledge gap, a selection of faecal specimens (CD, n = 27 and UC, n = 16) and non-IBD controls (n = 30) children (age < 18 years) was analysed utilising bacterial small subunit (SSU) rRNA. We found, surprising age dependence for the fecal microbiota correlating to IBD.The most pronounced patternswere that E. coli was positively (R 2= 0.16, P = 0.05) and Bacteroidetes, negatively (R 2 = 0.15, P = 0.05) correlated to age for CD patients. For UC, we found an apparent opposite age-related disease correlation for both Bacteroides and Escherichia. In addition, there was an overrepresentation of Haemophilus for the UC children. From our results we propose a model where the aetiology of IBD is related to an on-going immunological development in children requiring different age-dependent bacterial stimuli. The impact of our findings could be a better age stratification for understanding and treating IBD in children.

• Ellinghaus, David; Zhang, Hu; Zeissig, Sebastian; Lipinski, Simone; Till, Andreas & Jiang, Tao [Show all 61 contributors for this article] (2013). Association between variants of PRDM1 and NDP52 and Crohn's Disease, based on exome sequencing and functional studies. Gastroenterology. ISSN 0016-5085. 145(2), p. 339–347. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2013.04.040. Full text in Research Archive
• Pollheimer, Jürgen; Bodin, Johanna; Sundnes, Olav; Bekkeheien, Reidunn C; Skånland, Sigrid Strand & Sponheim, Jon [Show all 16 contributors for this article] (2013). Interleukin-33 drives a proinflammatory endothelial activation that selectively targets nonquiescent cells. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. ISSN 1079-5642. 33(2), p. e47–e55. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.112.253427. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugland, Trude; Veenstra, Marijke; Vatn, Morten H & Wahl, Astrid Klopstad (2013). Improvement in Stress, General Self-Efficacy, and HealthRelated Quality of Life following Patient Education for Patientswith Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Pilot Study. Nursing Research and Practice. ISSN 2090-1429. 2013. doi: 10.1155/2013/695820. Full text in Research Archive
• Ellinghaus, David; Folseraas, Trine; Holm, Kristian; Ellinghaus, Eva; Melum, Espen & Balschun, Tobias [Show all 37 contributors for this article] (2013). Genome-wide association analysis in Primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis identifies risk loci at GPR35 and TCF4. Hepatology. ISSN 0270-9139. 58(3), p. 1074–1083. doi: 10.1002/hep.25977. Full text in Research Archive
• Rolny, Peter & Vatn, Morten H (2013). Cyclosporine in patients with severe steroid refractory ulcerative colitis in the era of infliximab. Review article. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0036-5521. 48(2), p. 131–135. doi: 10.3109/00365521.2012.733954. Full text in Research Archive
• Ng, Siew C.; Bernstein, Charles N.; Vatn, Morten H; Lakatos, Peter Laszlo; Jr, Edward V. Loftus & Tysk, Curt [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2013). Geographical variability and environmental risk factors in inflammatory bowel disease. Gut. ISSN 0017-5749. 62(4), p. 630–649. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2012-303661. Full text in Research Archive
• Aamodt, Geir; Bengtson, May-Bente & Vatn, Morten H (2013). Can temperature explain the latitudinal gradient of ulcerative colitis? Cohort of Norway. BMC Public Health. 13. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-530. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Incidence and prevalence of ulcerative colitis follow a north–south (latitudinal) gradient and increases northwards at the northern hemisphere or southwards at the southern hemisphere. The disease has increased during the last decades. The temporal trend has been explained by the hygiene hypothesis, but few parallel explanations exist for the spatial variability. Many factors are linked to latitude such as climate. Our purpose was to investigate the association between variables governing the climate and prospectively identified patients. Methods In this study, we used a subset of the population-based Cohort of Norway (n = 80412) where 370 prevalent cases of ulcerative colitis were identified through self-reported medication. The meteorological and climatic variables temperature, precipitation, and altitude were recorded from weather stations of the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. Summer temperature was used to capture environmental temperature. Results Summer temperature was significantly related to the prevalence of ulcerative colitis. For each one-degree increase in temperature the odds for ulcerative colitis decreased with about 9% (95% CI: 3%-15%). None of the other climatic factors were significantly associated to the risk of ulcerative colitis. Contextual variables did not change the association to the prevalence of ulcerative colitis. Conclusions The present results show that the prevalence of ulcerative colitis is associated to summer temperature. Our speculation is that summer temperature works as an instrumental variable for the effect of microbial species richness on the development of ulcerative colitis. Environmental temperature is one of the main forces governing microbial species richness and the microbial composition of the commensal gut flora is known to be an important part in the process leading to ulcerative colitis.

• Jørgensen, Kristin Kaasen; Lindstrøm, Lina; Småstuen, Milada Cvancarova; Karlsen, Tom Hemming; Castedal, Maria & Friman, Styrbjörn [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2013). Immunosuppression after liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis influences activity of inflammatory bowel disease. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. ISSN 1542-3565. 11(5), p. 517–523. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2012.12.027. Full text in Research Archive
• Jørgensen, Kristin Kaasen; Lindstrom, Lina; Cvancarova, Milada; Castedal, Maria; Friman, Styrbjörn & Schrumpf, Erik [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2012). Colorectal neoplasia in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis undergoing liver transplantation: a Nordic multicenter study. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0036-5521. 47(8-9), p. 1021–1029. doi: 10.3109/00365521.2012.685754. Full text in Research Archive
• Berstad, Paula Marianna; Thiis-Evensen, Espen; Vatn, Morten H & Almendingen, Kari (2012). Fatty Acids in Habitual Diet, Plasma Phospholipids, and Tumour and Normal Colonic Biopsies in Young Colorectal Cancer Patients. Journal of Oncology. ISSN 1687-8450. doi: 10.1155/2012/254801. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Fatty acid metabolism is altered in colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to investigate incorporation of dietary n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into plasma phospholipids (PLs), tumour tissue, and normal mucosa in young CRC patients. We also aimed to study differences in PUFA composition between tumour and normal mucosa, and PUFA status associated with cancer stage. Sixty-five CRC patients younger than 55 years were included in a multicenter study. We assessed dietary fatty acid composition by food-frequency questionnaire. Fatty acid composition in plasma PL (n = 65) and tumour and normal colonic biopsies (n = 32) were analysed by gas chromatography. We observed a significant correlation for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) between dietary intake and concentration in plasma PL (weight%) (r = 0.42; P = 0.001), but not for any n-6 PUFA. Tissue concentrations of arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA (weight%) were 1.7–2.5 times higher in tumour than normal mucosa (P ≤ 0.001). Concentrations of n-3 and n-6 PUFA in plasma PL and tissues were not related to Duke’s stage, although patients with more severe cancer stage reported higher intake of n-3 PUFA. In conclusion, we found accumulation of the longchained n-3 and n-6 PUFA in tumour tissue in young CRC patients

• Jørgensen, Kristin Kaasen; Grzyb, Krzysztof; Lundin, Knut E A; Clausen, Ole Petter Fraas; Aamodt, Geir & Schrumpf, Erik [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2012). Inflammatory bowel disease in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis: clinical characterization in liver transplanted and non transplanted pateints. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. ISSN 1078-0998. 18(3), p. 536–545. doi: 10.1002/ibd.21699. Full text in Research Archive
• Ricanek, Petr; Lothe, Sheba Maria; Frye, Stephan Alfons; Rydning, Andreas; Vatn, Morten H & Tønjum, Tone (2012). Gut bacterial profile in patients newly diagnosed with treatment-naïve Crohn's disease. Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology. 5, p. 173–186. doi: 10.2147/CEG.S33858. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to define the composition of the gut bacterial flora in Norwegian patients with early stage Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: By using a nonselective metagenomics approach, the general bacterial composition in mucosal biopsies from the ileum and the colon of five subjects, four patients with different phenotypes of CD, and one noninflammatory bowel disease control, was characterized. After partial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing, BLAST homology searches for species identification and phylogenetic analysis were performed. RESULTS: An overall biodiversity of 106 different bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was detected in the cloned libraries. Nearly all OTUs belonged to the phylae Bacteroidetes (42% in CD, 71% in the control) or Firmicutes (42% in CD, 28% in the control), except for some OTUs that belonged to the phylum Proteobacteria (15% in CD, 0% in the control) and a few OTUs that could not be assigned to a phylum (2% in CD, 1% in the control). CONCLUSION: Based on the high incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Norway, this pilot study represents a relevant determination of the gut microbiota in Norwegian patients compared to previous findings in other countries. The bacterial profile of Norwegian CD patients was found to be similar to that of CD patients in other countries. The findings do not support a particular bacterial composition as a predominant causative factor for the high incidence of IBD that exists in some countries.

• Rudi, Knut; Ricanek, Petr; Tannæs, Tone; Perminov, G; Brackmann, Stephan & Vatn, Morten H (2012). Analysing tap-water from households of patients with inflammatory bowels disease in Norway. In Hoorfar, Jeffrey (Eds.), Case studies in food safety and authenticity. Woodhead Publishing Limited. ISSN 9780857094124. p. 130–137. Full text in Research Archive
• Høivik, Marte; Moum, Bjørn; Solberg, Inger Camilla; Småstuen, Milada C; Høie, Ole Ingebreth & Vatn, Morten H [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2011). Health-related quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis after a 10-year disease course: results from the IBSEN study. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. ISSN 1078-0998. 18(8), p. 1540–1549. doi: 10.1002/ibd.21863. Full text in Research Archive
• Baumgart, Daniel C.; Bernstein, Charles N.; Abbas, Zaigham; Colombel, Jean F.; Day, Andrew S. & D'Haens, Geert [Show all 18 contributors for this article] (2011). IBD Around the world: Comparing the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment: Proceedings of the World Digestive Health Day 2010 - Inflammatory bowel disease task force meeting. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. ISSN 1078-0998. 17(2), p. 639–644. doi: 10.1002/ibd.21409. Full text in Research Archive
• Anderson, Carl A.; Boucher, Gabrielle; Lees, Charlie W.; Franke, Andre; D'Amato, Mauro & Taylor, Kent D. [Show all 55 contributors for this article] (2011). Meta-analysis identifies 29 additional ulcerative colitis risk loci, increasing the number of confirmed associations to 47. Nature Genetics. ISSN 1061-4036. 43(3), p. 246–U94. doi: 10.1038/ng.764. Full text in Research Archive
• Ågesen, Trude Holmeide; Berg, Marianne; Clancy, Trevor; Thiis-Evensen, Espen; Cekaite, Lina & Lind, Guro Elisabeth [Show all 16 contributors for this article] (2011). CLC and IFNAR1 are differentially expressed and a global immunity score is distinct between early- and late-onset colorectal cancer. Genes and Immunity. ISSN 1466-4879. 12(8), p. 653–662. doi: 10.1038/gene.2011.43. Full text in Research Archive
• Ricanek, Petr; Brackmann, Stephan; Perminow, Gøri Margrete; Lyckander, Lars Gustav; Sponheim, Jon & Holme, Øyvind [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2011). Evaluation of disease activity in IBD at the time of diagnosis by the use of clinical, biochemical, and fecal markers. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0036-5521. 46(9), p. 1081–1091. doi: 10.3109/00365521.2011.584897. Full text in Research Archive
• Bengtson, May-Bente; Aamodt, Geir; Vatn, Morten H & Harris, Jennifer (2010). Concordance for IBD among twins compared to ordinary siblings - A Norwegian population-based study. Journal - Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada. ISSN 1197-4982. 4(3), p. 312–318. doi: 10.1016/j.crohns.2009.12.008. Full text in Research Archive
• Sponheim, Jon; Pollheimer, Jürgen; Olsen, Trine; Balogh, Eva Johanna; Hammarström, Clara & Loos, Tamara [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2010). Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Associated Interleukin-33 Is Preferentially Expressed in Ulceration-Associated Myofibroblasts. American Journal of Pathology. ISSN 0002-9440. 177(6), p. 2804–2815. doi: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.100378. Full text in Research Archive
• Bergestuen, Deidi Ann; Edvardsen, Thor; Aakhus, Svend; Ueland, Thor; Øie, Erik & Vatn, Morten H [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2010). Activin A in Carcinoid Heart Disease: A Possible Role in Diagnosis and Pathogenesis. Neuroendocrinology. ISSN 0028-3835. 92(3), p. 168–177. doi: 10.1159/000318014. Full text in Research Archive
• Bengtson, May-Bente; Solberg, Inger Camilla; Aamodt, Geir; Jahnsen, Jørgen; Moum, Bjørn & Vatn, Morten H (2010). Relationships between inflammatory bowel disease and perinatal factors: Both maternal and paternal disease are related to preterm birth of offspring. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. ISSN 1078-0998. 16(5), p. 847–855. doi: 10.1002/ibd.21120. Full text in Research Archive
• Perminow, Gøri; Beisner, Julia; Koslowski, Maureen; Lyckander, Lars Gustav; Stange, Eduard & Vatn, Morten H [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2010). Defective Paneth Cell-Mediated Host Defense in Pediatric Ileal Crohn's Disease. American Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0002-9270. 105(2), p. 452–459. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2009.643. Full text in Research Archive
• Berg, Marianne; Ågesen, Trude Holmeide; Thiis-Evensen, Espen; Merok, Marianne Aarstad; Teixeira, Manuel & Vatn, Morten H [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2010). Distinct high resolution genome profiles of early onset and late onset colorectal cancer integrated with gene expression data identify candidate susceptibility loci. Molecular Cancer. 9. doi: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-100. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Estimates suggest that up to 30% of colorectal cancers (CRC) may develop due to an increased genetic risk. The mean age at diagnosis for CRC is about 70 years. Time of disease onset 20 years younger than the mean age is assumed to be indicative of genetic susceptibility. We have compared high resolution tumor genome copy number variation (CNV) (Roche NimbleGen, 385 000 oligo CGH array) in microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors from two age groups, including 23 young at onset patients without known hereditary syndromes and with a median age of 44 years (range: 28-53) and 17 elderly patients with median age 79 years (range: 69-87). Our aim was to identify differences in the tumor genomes between these groups and pinpoint potential susceptibility loci. Integration analysis of CNV and genome wide mRNA expression data, available for the same tumors, was performed to identify a restricted candidate gene list. Results The total fraction of the genome with aberrant copy number, the overall genomic profile and the TP53 mutation spectrum were similar between the two age groups. However, both the number of chromosomal aberrations and the number of breakpoints differed significantly between the groups. Gains of 2q35, 10q21.3-22.1, 10q22.3 and 19q13.2-13.31 and losses from 1p31.3, 1q21.1, 2q21.2, 4p16.1-q28.3, 10p11.1 and 19p12, positions that in total contain more than 500 genes, were found significantly more often in the early onset group as compared to the late onset group. Integration analysis revealed a covariation of DNA copy number at these sites and mRNA expression for 107 of the genes. Seven of these genes, CLC, EIF4E, LTBP4, PLA2G12A, PPAT, RG9MTD2, and ZNF574, had significantly different mRNA expression comparing median expression levels across the transcriptome between the two groups. Conclusions Ten genomic loci, containing more than 500 protein coding genes, are identified as more often altered in tumors from early onset versus late onset CRC. Integration of genome and transcriptome data identifies seven novel candidate genes with the potential to identify an increased risk for CRC.

• Brackmann, Stephan; Aamodt, Geir; Andersen, Solveig Norheim; Roald, Borghild; Langmark, Frøydis & Clausen, Ole Petter Fraas [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2010). Widespread But Not Localized Neoplasia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Worsens the Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. ISSN 1078-0998. 16(3), p. 474–481. doi: 10.1002/ibd.21053. Full text in Research Archive
• Hov, Johannes Espolin Roksund; Keitel, V; Lærdahl, Jon Kristen; Spomer, L; Ellinghaus, E & ElSharawy, A [Show all 36 contributors for this article] (2010). Mutational Characterization of the Bile Acid Receptor TGR5 in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. PLOS ONE. 5(8). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012403. Full text in Research Archive
• Ricanek, Petr; Lothe, Sheba Maria; Szpinda, Irena; Jorde, Anne Tomine; Brackmann, Stephan & Perminow, Gøri [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2010). Paucity of mycobacteria in mucosal bowel biopsies from adults and children with early inflammatory bowel disease. Journal - Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada. ISSN 1197-4982. 4(5), p. 561–566. doi: 10.1016/j.crohns.2010.05.003. Full text in Research Archive
• Franke, Andre; Balschun, Tobias; Sina, Christina; Ellinghaus, David; Hasler, Robert & Mayr, Gabriele [Show all 27 contributors for this article] (2010). Genome-wide association study for ulcerative colitis identifies risk loci at 7q22 and 22q13 (IL17REL). Nature Genetics. ISSN 1061-4036. 42(4), p. 292–294. doi: 10.1038/ng.553. Full text in Research Archive
• Berg, Marianne; Danielsen, Stine Aske; Ahlquist, Terje Cruickshank; Merok, Marianne Aarstad; Ågesen, Trude Holmeide & Vatn, Morten H [Show all 17 contributors for this article] (2010). DNA Sequence Profiles of the Colorectal Cancer Critical Gene Set KRAS-BRAF-PIK3CA-PTEN-TP53 Related to Age at Disease Onset. PLOS ONE. 5(11). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013978. Full text in Research Archive
• Finanger, Gøri Margrete; Reikvam, Dag Henrik; Lyckander, LG; Brandtzæg, Per; Vatn, Morten H & Carlsen, Hege Synnøve (2009). Increased Number and Activation of Colonic Macrophages in Pediatric Patients with Untreated Crohn's Disease. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. ISSN 1078-0998. 15(9), p. 1368–1378. doi: 10.1002/ibd.20916. Full text in Research Archive
• Bergestuen, Deidi Ann; Aabakken, Lars; Holm, K; Vatn, Morten H & Thiis-Evensen, Espen (2009). Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors: Prognostic factors and survival. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0036-5521. 44(9), p. 1084–1091. doi: 10.1080/00365520903082432. Full text in Research Archive
• Vatn, Morten H (2009). Natural history and complications of IBD. Current Gastroenterology Reports. ISSN 1522-8037. 11(6), p. 481–487. Full text in Research Archive
• Holme, Öyvind; Thiis-Evensen, Espen & Vatn, Morten H (2009). Treatment of fulminant ulcerative colitis with cyclosporine A. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0036-5521. 44(11), p. 1310–1314. doi: 10.3109/00365520903222673. Full text in Research Archive
• Solberg, Inger Camilla; Lygren, Idar; Cvancarova, Milada; Jahnsen, Jørgen; Stray, N. & Sauar, J. [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2009). Predictive Value of Serologic Markers in a Population-based Norwegian Cohort with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. ISSN 1078-0998. 15(3), p. 406–414. doi: 10.1002/ibd.20781. Full text in Research Archive

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• Lunder, Aida Kapic; T, Linda Bakstad; Kapica, Aida; Jahnsen, Jørgen; Hov, Johannes Espolin Roksund & Borthne, Arne Sigmund [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2018). Assessment of Inflammation by Magnetic Resonance Enterography in Long-term Crohn´s Disease. Full text in Research Archive
• Moen, Aina Elisabeth Fossum; Lindstrøm, Jonas Christoffer; Tannæs, Tone Møller; Vatn, Simen Svendsen; Vatn, Morten H & Jahnsen, Jørgen [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2018). Microbial expression in biopsies from ulcerative colitis at the time of diagnosis: bacterial activity is unrelated to abundancy. Full text in Research Archive
• Lunder, Aida Kapic; Jahnsen, Jørgen; T, Linda Bakstad; Borthne, Arne Sigmund; Hov, Johannes Espolin Roksund & Vatn, Morten H [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2017). Long-term Crohn's Disease Assessed by Magnetic Resonance Enterography and Lemann Index: Disease Extent and Bowel Damage in a Population Based Cohort. Full text in Research Archive
• Bernhoft, Aksel; Berstad, Arnold; Eggesbø, Merete Åse; Garborg, Kjetil Kjeldstad; Harstad, Odd Magne & Holst-Jensen, Arne [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2017). Tarmens viktige mikrober. Del III: Kan avføring brukes som behandling mot sykdommer? Forskning.no. ISSN 1891-635X. Full text in Research Archive
• Bernhoft, Aksel; Berstad, Arnold; Eggesbø, Merete Åse; Garborg, Kjetil Kjeldstad; Harstad, Odd Magne & Holst-Jensen, Arne [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2017). Tarmens viktige mikrober. Del I: Tarmens viktige mikrober har stor betydning for helsen. Forskning.no. ISSN 1891-635X. Full text in Research Archive
• Bernhoft, Aksel; Berstad, Arnold; Eggesbø, Merete Åse; Garborg, Kjetil Kjeldstad; Harstad, Odd Magne & Holst-Jensen, Arne [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2017). Tarmens viktige mikrober. Del II: Disse sykdommene kan kobles til det som bor i tarmen. Forskning.no. ISSN 1891-635X. Full text in Research Archive
• Moen, Aina Elisabeth Fossum; Lindstrøm, Jonas Christoffer; Tannæs, Tone Møller; Vatn, Simen Svendsen; Ricanek, Petr & Vatn, Morten H [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2017). The most active members of the inflamed mucosal-associated microbiota are not the most abundant in ulcerative colitis patients. Full text in Research Archive
• Bernhoft, Aksel; Midtvedt, Tore; Eggesbø, Merete Åse; Aas, Anne-Marie; Berstad, Arnold & Harstad, Odd Magne [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2017). Tarmens viktige mikrober - hvordan mater vi dem, og hva gjør de med oss? Årbok 2016 Det Norske Videnskaps-Akademi. Novus Forlag. ISSN 9788270998883. p. 438–453. Full text in Research Archive
• Moen, Aina Elisabeth Fossum; Tannæs, Tone Møller; Kennedy, Nicholas A; Rudi, Knut; Vatn, Morten H & Jahnsen, Jørgen (2015). Comparison of 16S rDNA and rRNA datasets for characterization of the mucosal microbiota in patients with ulcerative colitis. Full text in Research Archive
• Moen, Aina Elisabeth Fossum; Tannæs, Tone Møller; Kennedy, NA; Rudi, Knut; Vatn, Morten H & Jahnsen, Jørgen [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2015). Comparison of 16S rDNA and rRNA datasets for characterization of the mucosal microbiota in patients with ulcerative colitis. Full text in Research Archive
• Negard, Anne; Redalen, Kathrine Røe; Jahnsen, Jørgen; Færden, Arne Engebret; Ree, Anne Hansen & Vatn, Morten H (2014). Crohns disease and secondary malignancy: Morphological findings with MRI and CT and how novel functional MR sequences can improve diagnostics. Full text in Research Archive
• Brackmann, Stephan; Pretorius, Maria E.; Klepp, Pasquale Catherine; Clausen, Ole Petter Fraas; Andersen, Solveig Norheim & Vatn, Morten H [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2013). The distribution of chromosomal and microsatellite instability in colorectal cancers related to inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of Clinical Oncology. ISSN 0732-183X. 31(15). Full text in Research Archive
• Bergestuen, Deidi Ann; Edvardsen, Thor; Aakhus, Svend; Ueland, Thor; Øie, Erik & Vatn, Morten H [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2012). Activin A in Carcinoid Heart Disease: A Possible Role in Diagnosis and Pathogenesis. Pancreas. ISSN 0885-3177. 41(2), p. 339–339. Full text in Research Archive
• Isaksen, M; Vebo, H; Sekelja, M; Rudi, Knut & Vatn, Morten H (2012). GA-map (TM) IBD Test - Potential New Tool for IBD Prediction and Management. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. ISSN 1078-0998. Full text in Research Archive
• Ricanek, Petr; Rydning, Andreas; Vatn, Morten H & Tønjum, Tone (2011). Considered "negative" for MAP, these results would be very "positive" for tuberculoid leprosy Reply. Journal - Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada. ISSN 1197-4982. 5(4), p. 374–374. doi: 10.1016/j.crohns.2011.04.007. Full text in Research Archive
• Solberg, Inger Camilla; Småstuen, Milada C; Vatn, Morten H & Moum, Bjørn (2010). Risk matrix model for prediction of 5-year outcome of disease in a population based study of Crohn's disease patients.The IBSEN Study. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. ISSN 0036-5521. 45, p. 71–71. Full text in Research Archive
• Olbjørn, C.; Vatn, Morten H; Lyckander, LG & Perminow, Gøri (2010). EARLY USE OF INFLIXIMAB IN TREATMENT-NAIVE PEDIATRIC CROHNS DISEASE. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition - JPGN. ISSN 0277-2116. 50, p. E109–E109. Full text in Research Archive
• Aamodt, Geir & Vatn, Morten H (2009). Spatiotemporal trends of incidence rates of ulcerative colities and Crohn's disease. Epidemiology. ISSN 1044-3983. 20(6), p. S110–S110. doi: 10.1097/01.ede.0000362383.36927.88. Full text in Research Archive
• Sponheim, Jon; Haraldsen, Guttorm; Vatn, Morten H & Torsvik, Harald (2012). Inerleukin-33 in inflammation and wound repair : an experimental study with special reference to endothelial cells and myofibroblats. Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive
• Finanger, Gøri Margrete; Perminow, Gøri & Vatn, Morten H (2010). IBD in children, Epidemiology and Mucosal Immunopathology, Inflammatory Bowel South Eastern Norway-II (IBSEN-II). Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive
• Henriksen, May-Bente & Vatn, Morten H (2010). Chronic intestinal diseases - IBD and IBS are family affairs. Universitetet i Oslo. ISSN 9788280724960. Full text in Research Archive

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