Is Transmural Healing an Achievable Goal in Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

: In the era of treat-to-target strategies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), transmural healing (TH) is gaining recognition as a promising therapeutic goal. TH has been associated with significantly better long-term outcomes, including reduced rates of hospitalization, surgery, and the need for therapy escalation. Cross-sectional imaging techniques, such as intestinal ultrasound (IUS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography enterography (CTE), offer a comprehensive, non-invasive means to assess this deeper level of healing.

Biobetters and biosimilars in inflammatory bowel disease.

Biological therapies have revolutionized the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Among these, biosimilars and biobetters represent a growing area of therapeutic development. Biosimilars are nearly identical copies of original biologic drugs (reference products) with comparable safety, efficacy, and quality, but they offer the advantage of reduced costs and broader access.

The role of diet in inflammatory bowel disease: A comprehensive review of the literature.

Diet is increasingly recognized as a modifiable factor in the pathogenesis and management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly in mild to moderate cases. While most evidence comes from pediatric studies, adult data, especially randomized controlled trials (RCTs), remain limited. Current guidelines recommend a Mediterranean diet for patients with IBD, avoiding fruits and vegetables during disease flares.

JAK Inhibitors and Risk of Cancer in IBD Patients.

Janus kinase inhibitors, including tofacitinib, filgotinib, and upadacitinib, have emerged as effective therapeutic options for the management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). By targeting the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, these agents modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation. However, concerns regarding the potential risk of malignancy associated with their use have gained significant attention.

Management of Patients with IBD and History of Cancer.

The use of advanced therapies, including biologics and small molecules, has become an established clinical practice for the treatment of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). However, certain patient populations, such as those with a history of cancer, are often excluded from clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of these therapies. This exclusion has historically left clinicians with limited evidence to guide treatment decisions in this high-risk group.

Translational characterization of immune pathways in inflammatory bowel disease: insights for targeted treatments.

Introduction: The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves the dysregulation of multiple inflammatory pathways. The understanding of these mechanisms allows their selective targeting for therapeutic purposes. The discovery of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha's (TNF-α) role in mucosal inflammation ushered an exciting new era of drug development which now comprises agents targeting multiple pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, integrins, and leukocyte trafficking regulators.

Small Bowel Cancer in Crohn's Disease.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that frequently affects the small bowel. Individuals diagnosed with CD are at increased risk of developing bowel cancer compared to the general population. Small bowel cancer is a rare but significant CD complication.

Evaluating the pharmacokinetics of upadacitinib for the treatment of moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease.

Introduction: Janus kinases (JAK) are enzymes involved in signaling pathways that activate the immune system. Upadacitinib, an oral small molecule, is the first JAK inhibitor approved by FDA and EMA for the treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn's disease (CD), following successful phase II and III trials. Compared to other JAK inhibitors, upadacitinib has a high selectivity toward JAK1.

Gut Microbiota Metabolites: Unveiling Their Role in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Fibrosis.

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the intricate interplay between the gut microbiota and host health, specifically in the context of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). The gut microbiota produces a diverse array of metabolites, influencing the host's immune response and tissue homeostasis. Noteworthy metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, and indoles, exert significant effects on intestinal inflammation and fibrosis.