Li Y, et al. - This study was performed to investigate a relationship between the density of neurons, neuropeptides, as well as enteric glial cells and postoperative recurrence. Following surgery, increased S100-positive enteric glial cells were associated with a high risk of both endoscopic and clinical recurrence. These findings had implications in individualized postoperative prophylaxis for Crohn's disease.

• The authors studied the ileal proximal uninflamed section from ileocolonic sample using immunohistochemistry with antibodies directed against vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP), neuron-specific enolase (NES), and the glial marker protein S100.
• They calculated the density in the submucosa and the relationship of the density of VIP, SP, NES, and S100 and postoperative disease recurrence was evaluated.

• No significant differences were observed between patients with and without postoperative endoscopic recurrence or clinical recurrence for the density of NSE-positive, VIP-positive or SP-positive neurones in the proximal margin.
• Curiously, compared to subjects without disease recurrence, the density of S100-positive enteric glial cells was significantly increased in patients with endoscopic and clinical recurrence (p<0.001).
• As per the outcomes, the density of S100-positive enteric glial cells was independently correlated with postoperative disease recurrence.