Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of chronic diseases of increasing worldwide prevalence characterized by gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation leading to debilitating symptoms and complications. The contribution of the intestinal microbiota to the pathogenesis and etiology of these diseases is an area of active research interest. Here, we discuss key mechanisms underlying the chronic inflammation seen in IBD as well as evidence implicating the intestinal microbiota in the development and potentiation of that inflammation. We also discuss recently published work in areas of interest within the field of microbial involvement in IBD pathogenesis – the importance of proper microecology within the GI tract, the evidence that the intestinal microbiota transduces environmental and genetic risk factors for IBD, and the mechanisms by which microbial products contribute to communication between microbe and host. There is an extensive body of published research on the evidence for microbial involvement in IBD; the goal of this review is to highlight the growing edges of the field where exciting and innovative research is pushing the boundaries of the conceptual framework of the role of the intestinal microbiota in IBD pathogenesis.
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September 2018
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A scanning electron micrograph (digitally altered and colourized, 4000× magnification) depicting a mesenchymal stem cell (orange) encapsulated in a self-assembling peptide hydrogel. In volume 132, issue 17 of Clinical Science, McFetridge et al. discuss the use of hydrogel materials to unlock the potential of stem cell therapy to treat chronic kidney disease. This image was provided by the authors and produced in collaboration with Dr Simon Crawford at the Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, and the Monash Teaching Resource Support Unit.
Review Article|
September 19 2018
The intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases: new insights into complex disease
Katharine G. Harris;
Katharine G. Harris
1Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, U.S.A.
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Eugene B. Chang
1Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, U.S.A.
Correspondence: Eugene B. Chang ([email protected])
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Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
June 21 2018
Revision Received:
August 30 2018
Accepted:
September 04 2018
Online ISSN: 1470-8736
Print ISSN: 0143-5221
© 2018 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society
2018
Clin Sci (Lond) (2018) 132 (18): 2013–2028.
Article history
Received:
June 21 2018
Revision Received:
August 30 2018
Accepted:
September 04 2018
Citation
Katharine G. Harris, Eugene B. Chang; The intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases: new insights into complex disease. Clin Sci (Lond) 28 September 2018; 132 (18): 2013–2028. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/CS20171110
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