Pathophysiology of diverticular disease.

Pathophysiology of diverticular disease. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018 May 30;: Authors: Schieffer KM, Kline BP, Yochum GS, Koltun WA Abstract INTRODUCTION: Inflammation of diverticula, or outpouchings of the colonic mucosa and submucosa through the muscularis layer, leads to diverticulitis. The development of diverticular disease, encompassing both diverticulosis and diverticulitis, is a result of genetic predisposition, lifestyle, and environmental factors, including the microbiome. Areas covered: Previous reports implicated genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and colonic dysmotility in diverticular disease. Recent studies have associated specific host immune responses and the microbiome as contributors to diverticulitis. To review pertinent literature describing pathophysiological factors associated with diverticulosis or diverticulitis, we searched the PubMed database (March 2018) for articles considering the role of colonic architecture, genetic predisposition, environment, colonic motility, immune response, and the microbiome. Expert commentary: In the recent years, research into the molecular underpinnings of diverticular disease has enhanced our understanding of diverticular disease pathogenesis. Although acute uncomplicated diverticulitis is treated with broad spectrum antibiotics, evaluation of the microbiome has been limited and requires further comprehensive studies. Evidence suggests that a deregulati...
Source: Expert Review of Gastroenterology and Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol Source Type: research