Environment and invironment in IBDs: partners in crime

IBD are chronic inflammatory disorders of the GI tract of unknown aetiology. Crohn's disease (CD) and UC may present with a variable clinical phenotype, and they run a highly variable disease course with a considerable proportion of patients with CD eventually developing penetrating or stricturing complications.1 The key mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of these diseases is assumed to be a dysregulated immune response to commensal flora in a genetically susceptible host.2 Thus, host genetics, the intestinal microbiota (commensal flora and dysbiosis) and external environmental factors are all thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis and in determining subsequent disease behaviour and outcomes. Genetic and recently microbiota research became a success story leading to a revolution in our understanding of the pathogenesis of IBDs and gave insight into the biology leading to new targeted treatment options. It all began with the identification of NOD2/CARD15...
Source: Gut - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Commentary Source Type: research