An update on diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Diagnosis of the chronic inflammatory bowel diseases relies upon initial recognition of an inflammatory condition, followed by definitive endoscopic, histological and radiological investigations. Various biomarkers are available to assist with initial elucidation of an inflammatory process: these also have important roles after diagnosis in monitoring and ongoing assessment of progress. Areas covered: Various inflammatory markers, serological tests and genetic analyses may be helpful in predicting the course of disease in the coming months. This review provides an update on the current understanding and knowledge about these markers. It also highlights key gaps and identifies aspects that require further study. Expert commentary: Our current approach to the application of non-invasive biomarkers is rudimentary. Further work is required to elucidate the roles of the various markers.

Application of Proteomics to Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research: Current Status and Future Perspectives

“…In summary, proteomic technologies combined with bioinformatics analysis are very useful yet underexploited tools in exploring complex disease processes such as IBD in terms of delineating its pathophysiology, as well as discovering key biomarkers of disease activity/remission, optimizing risk stratification for tailored individualized treatment, and revealing noninvasive predictors of evolution to CAC. Improved biomarkers remain an unmet need in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) [176]. The use of biomarker panels has higher discriminatory ability than that of single protein markers.…”

Dietary polyphenols in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases

“…Extraintestinal symptoms are common, especially in the eyes, hematologic system, joints, and skin [15]. Moreover, these symptoms may vary from person to person and can reduce normal daily activities, absenteeism, eating disorders, and psychological effects [16].…”

“…Treatment options for the disease include nutrition, medication, or surgical interventions [16]. Recently, drugs such as immunosuppressants, anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α antibodies, and corticosteroids have been used as drug therapy.…”

Identification and diagnosis of Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis in children

“…Stool‐based assessments typically provide more specific indications of gut inflammation. While the presence of faecal white cells is consistent (but of low sensitivity), measurement of faecal calprotectin can give high sensitivity and specificity of the presence of gut inflammation 24 . Calprotectin levels are typically higher in well pre‐schoolers than in older children, and can also be raised with infections, intestinal polyps, irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease and secondary to the ingestion of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.…”