Environmental triggers in IBD: a review of progress and evidence
Ananthakrishnan AN, Bernstein CN, Iliopoulos D, Macpherson A, Neurath M, Ali RAR, Vavricka SR, Fiocchi C (2018)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2018
Journal
Book Volume: 15
Pages Range: 39-49
Journal Issue: 1
DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2017.136
Abstract
A number of environmental factors have been associated with the development of IBD. Alteration of the gut microbiota, or dysbiosis, is closely linked to initiation or progression of IBD, but whether dysbiosis is a primary or secondary event is unclear. Nevertheless, early-life events such as birth, breastfeeding and exposure to antibiotics, as well as later childhood events, are considered potential risk factors for IBD. Air pollution, a consequence of the progressive contamination of the environment by countless compounds, is another factor associated with IBD, as particulate matter or other components can alter the host's mucosal defences and trigger immune responses. Hypoxia associated with high altitude is also a factor under investigation as a potential new trigger of IBD flares. A key issue is how to translate environmental factors into mechanisms of IBD, and systems biology is increasingly recognized as a strategic tool to unravel the molecular alterations leading to IBD. Environmental factors add a substantial level of complexity to the understanding of IBD pathogenesis but also promote the fundamental notion that complex diseases such as IBD require complex therapies that go well beyond the current single-agent treatment approach. This Review describes the current conceptualization, evidence, progress and direction surrounding the association of environmental factors with IBD.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Harvard University
United States (USA) (US)
University of Manitoba
Canada (CA)
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
United States (USA) (US)
Inselspital, Universitätsspital Bern
Switzerland (CH)
The National University of Malaysia / Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Malaysia (MY)
Stadtspital Triemli / Triemli Hospital
Switzerland (CH)
Cleveland Clinic
United States (USA) (US)
United States (USA) (US)
University of Manitoba
Canada (CA)
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
United States (USA) (US)
Inselspital, Universitätsspital Bern
Switzerland (CH)
The National University of Malaysia / Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Malaysia (MY)
Stadtspital Triemli / Triemli Hospital
Switzerland (CH)
Cleveland Clinic
United States (USA) (US)
How to cite
APA:
Ananthakrishnan, A.N., Bernstein, C.N., Iliopoulos, D., Macpherson, A., Neurath, M., Ali, R.A.R.,... Fiocchi, C. (2018). Environmental triggers in IBD: a review of progress and evidence. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 15(1), 39-49. https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2017.136
MLA:
Ananthakrishnan, Ashwin N., et al. "Environmental triggers in IBD: a review of progress and evidence." Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology 15.1 (2018): 39-49.
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