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Ulcerative colitis pathophysiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Usama Talib, BSc, MD [2]

Overview

Overview

Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation of the mucosa which is diffuse and primarily confined to the colon. The disease can extend proximally in a continuous, circular and uniform manner. Various factors influencing the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis including intestinal micro bacteria, genetics, immunological abnormalities, and environmental factors.[1][2][3]

Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology

  • Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation of the mucosa which is diffuse and primarily confined to the colon.
  • The disease can extend proximally in a continuous, circular and uniform manner.
  • Various factors influencing the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis include:[1][2][3]
    • Intestinal Micro bacteria
    • Genetics
    • Immunological abnormalities
    • Environmental factors

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis includes:[4][1][1][5]

  • Dysregulation of cytokine function
  • Immunological abnormalities lead to:
    • Damage of the epithelium, characterized by:
      • Abnormal production of mucus
      • Abnormalities in the repair of epithelium
    • The inflammation extends by the help of the flora of the intestine.
    • Many cells also infiltrate the lamina propria. These may include:
    • Inability to control inflammatory response by regulation of immune system.
  • Ulcerative colitis is considered to be caused by:
    • Th2 and Th9
    • It is associated with excessive production of
      • IL-13
      • IL-5 and
      • IL-9
References

References

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