ECM remodelling in IBD: innocent bystander or partner in crime? The emerging role of extracellular molecular events in sustaining intestinal inflammation

Introduction IBD, which primarily includes UC and Crohn's disease (CD), is a progressive, chronic and relapsing condition. This debilitating disease is steadily becoming a worldwide medical concern, with increasing prevalence and incidence in both industrialised and developing countries.1 While the exact aetiology of the disease remains unknown, genetic predisposition and various environmental and immunological causes have been identified as contributing factors.2 Generally, IBD is characterised by a dysregulated excessive immune response and tissue damage in the GI tract.3 4 This aberrant and sustained immune response is thought to be mainly facilitated by defects in the function of the intestinal epithelial barrier and in the regulation of mucosal immunity.5 Yet, tissue damage associated with IBD is commonly considered solely a downstream effect and not a contributing factor. This view has led to a concentrated focus on the development of...

Source: Gut - February 3, 2015 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Shimshoni, E., Yablecovitch, D., Baram, L., Dotan, I., Sagi, I. Tags: Crohn's disease, Diarrhoea, Open access Leading article Source Type: research