[Advances in research on ulcerative colitis].

Abstract

The cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown, and there is no established medical cure for this disease. Recent progress in genome-wide association studies and research to identify the susceptibility gene have gradually determined the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis. Focused target therapy resulted in the development of new therapeutic agents that regulate inflammation and gut immunity, which have been applied in the clinical setting. Epigenetic approaches such as microRNA and DNA methylation show promise for the discovery of novel biomarkers for diagnosis or prognosis and predictive response to medical therapy. Now we are attempting to detect specific epigenetic biomarkers of ulcerative colitis-associated cancer. Total proctocolectomy and J-pouch anal anastomosis remain important options in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. These studies may help us to establish highly reliable surgical indications and indicate prognostic risk factors for postoperative complications, making an important contribution to all colorectal surgeons.

• Authors: Toshimitsu Araki, Yuji Toiyama, Koji Tanaka, Keiichi Uchida, Masato Kusunoki
• Journal: Nihon Geka Gakkai zasshi (Nihon Geka Gakkai Zasshi) Vol. 116 Issue 2 Pg. 104-8 (Mar 2015) ISSN: 0301-4894 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 26050510 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• MicroRNAs

Topics

• Animals
• Colitis, Ulcerative (complications, genetics)
• Colorectal Neoplasms (etiology)
• Epigenesis, Genetic
• Genome, Human
• Genome-Wide Association Study
• Humans
• MicroRNAs (genetics)