Genetic Influences on the Development of Fibrosis in Crohn's Disease.
Fibrostenotic strictures are an important complication in patients with Crohn's disease (CD), very often necessitating surgery. This fibrotic process develops in a genetically susceptible individual and is influenced by an interplay with environmental, immunological, and disease-related factors. A deeper understanding of the genetic factors driving this fibrostenotic process might help to unravel the pathogenesis, and ultimately lead to development of new, anti-fibrotic therapy. Here, we review the genetic factors that have been associated with the development of fibrosis in patients with CD, as well as their potential pathophysiological mechanism(s). We also hypothesize on clinical implications, if any, and future research directions.
Department of Medicine and Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK; Translational Research in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Bram
B
Verstockt
Laboratory of Complex Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium.
Isabelle
I
Cleynen
Crohn’s disease; NOD2; fibrosis; genetics; stricturing disease