title: The TNBS-induced colitis animal model: An overview.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite recent advances the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease remains incompletely understood. A variety of animal models have been utilized in an effort to provide further insights and develop more therapeutic options. In order to simulate, to an extent, the pathogenesis and the clinical course of the disease, TNBS induced colitis is often used. Various approaches for inducing TNBS -colitis have been described in the literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In this review, we sought to present the animal model of TNBS induced colitis and outline the pathogenesis, pathophysiology, clinical course and pathological characteristics of the model. Furthermore, we describe the differences among those protocols regarding types of animals and colitis induction.
  
  
  METHODS
  The MEDLINE database was thoroughly searched using the keywords: TNBS, colitis, Crohn's disease, animal model. Two investigators independently reviewed the abstracts and appropriate articles were included in this review. Additional articles were gathered and evaluated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The aim of this study was to thoroughly present an updated review of the TNBS-induced colitis protocols that are implemented by researchers.
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Laiko Hospital, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Efstathios
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Antoniou
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Laiko Hospital, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Georgios Antonios
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Margonis
authors.affiliation: 1st Department of Surgery, Laiko Hospital, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Anastasios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Angelou
authors.affiliation: 1st Department of Surgery, Laiko Hospital, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Anastasia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pikouli
authors.affiliation: CT-MRI Department, Larissa General Hospital, Larissa, 41221, Greece.
authors.forename: Paraskevi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Argiri
authors.affiliation: 1st Department of Surgery, Laiko Hospital, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Karavokyros
authors.affiliation: Experimental-Research Center, ELPEN, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Apostolos
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Papalois
authors.affiliation: 1st Department of Surgery, Laiko Hospital, University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Emmanouil
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pikoulis
keywords: Animal model; Colitis; Crohn's disease; TNBS