Creeping Fat-Derived Free Fatty Acids Induce Hyperplasia of Intestinal Muscularis Propria Muscle Cells: A Novel Link Between Fat and Intestinal Stricture Formation in Crohn's Disease.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

In Crohn's disease, wrapping of mesenteric fat around the bowel wall, so-called "creeping fat," is highly associated with strictures. The strongest contributor to luminal narrowing in strictures is a thickening of the human intestinal muscularis propria (MP). We investigated creeping fat-derived factors and their effect on mechanisms of human intestinal MP smooth muscle cell (HIMC) hyperplasia.

Methods

Free fatty acids (FFAs) in creeping fat or noncreeping mesenteric fat organ cultures were measured via lipidomic mass spectrometry. Primary HIMCs were exposed to FFAs and cell proliferation was assessed. Intracellular FFA metabolism pathways and reactive oxygen species were functionally evaluated. Muscle thickness was investigated in dextran sodium sulfate co

SUBMITTER: Liu W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11846698 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature