What is the origin of ulcerative colitis? Still more questions than answers

Abstract

Despite more than a century of existence as a clinical entity, the true origin of ulcerative colitis still remains elusive. Several factors probably contribute to the development of this condition. Recently discovered technologies have clarified the role of bacterial species, which may account for intestinal dysbiosis, as a factor triggering ulcerative colitis. Genetic susceptibility together with abnormal innate immunoreactivity probably comprise the essential prerequisites for the initiation and perpetuation of ulcerative colitis. Although the genetic background has been more clearly recognised in patients with Crohn's disease than in those with ulcerative colitis, some candidate loci associated with ulcerative colitis have also been intensively studied. Additionally, environmental factors may interfere with inherent predispositions to ulcerative colitis, and either suppress or reinforce them. Whatever the origin, the search for the aetiology of ulcerative colitis must have the same goal: the improvement of treatment and the quality of life in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Inflammatory bowel disease in Nigerians: Still a rare diagnosis?

“…[8,9,14] The risk of UC has also been shown to be lowered by previous appendicectomy. [14] Each of the four patients presented had 5 years or more of symptoms before diagnosis, a problem common to other cases reported from sub-Saharan Africa. [15,16] It is a rampant practice for our patients to patronize varieties of complementary and alternative medical practitioners for any chronic illness and come to the hospital only as the last option.…”

“…The hygiene hypothesis proposes that individuals born into less privileged environments and exposed to certain microbes early in life are at reduced risk of IBD, whereas failure of exposure to old friends predisposes to IBD, the old friends being microbes to which the intestinal immunogenetic systems have become conditioned as commensals during evolution. [9,14] Smoking has an interesting relationship with IBD, with incidence of CD increased in smokers (from thrombogenic and vasculitic effects) while nicotine seems to protect from UC. [8,9,14] The risk of UC has also been shown to be lowered by previous appendicectomy.…”

“…[9,14] Smoking has an interesting relationship with IBD, with incidence of CD increased in smokers (from thrombogenic and vasculitic effects) while nicotine seems to protect from UC. [8,9,14] The risk of UC has also been shown to be lowered by previous appendicectomy. [14] Each of the four patients presented had 5 years or more of symptoms before diagnosis, a problem common to other cases reported from sub-Saharan Africa.…”

Clinical Applications of CAM for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…6,16 The European Consensus stated that psychologic disturbances seem to be a consequence of CD rather than the cause of it or specific to it, and that the "degree of psychological stress correlates with the disease severity, predicts health related quality of life and influences the course of disease." 6 The Consensus statement recommends that physicians thoroughly assess persons with IBD for psychosocial status and functioning, with the use of IBD-specific questionnaires and referral to psychologic and/or psychiatric care if indicated.…”

MEFV gene mutations and its impact on the clinical course in ulcerative colitis patients

“…The incidence of the disease varies from 0.5 to 24.5 per 100,000 inhabitants in relation to the economic situation of a country [1]. Aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologic agents are the most used drugs for the therapy [2,3].…”