Abstract |
The pathogenesis and etiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is poorly understood. As a matter of fact, it is not even certain whether either one is a single entity with different forms of clinical manifestations, or whether each one represents a single clearly separable entity. Common features of both diseases are chronic persistence, recurrent exacerbation and remission, the production of autoantibodies, as well as the expression of aberrant HLA-class II molecules on the surface of epithelial cells on the site of inflammation gut. It is likely that these events involve a disturbed immunoregulatory function or autoimmune process. Since the beginning of investigation the cause of IBD, infectious agents (bacteria, virus, mycobacterium paratuberculosis and others) or bacterial products ( endotoxin, peptidoglycans from the bacterial cell wall) have been considered as primary causes. Epidemiological studies showed a marked increase of the incidence rates of IBD in industrial countries leading to the hypothesis, that environmental factors could play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. So far it is clear that the major identified risk factor for IBD is a genetic susceptibility confirmed by studies showing a positive family history.
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Authors | B A Volk, W Gerok |
Journal | Schweizerische Rundschau fur Medizin Praxis = Revue suisse de medecine Praxis
(Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax)
Vol. 81
Issue 26
Pg. 863-5
(Jun 23 1992)
ISSN: 1013-2058 [Print] Switzerland |
Vernacular Title | Neue Erkenntnisse der Pathogenese chronisch-entzündlicher Darmerkrankungen. |
PMID | 1626162
(Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Colitis, Ulcerative
(etiology, genetics, microbiology)
- Crohn Disease
(etiology, genetics, microbiology)
- Humans
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
(etiology, genetics, microbiology)
- Risk Factors
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