Inflammatory bowel disease-related colorectal cancer: Past, present and future perspectives

Figure 2 Molecular regulators of development of inflammatory bowel disease-related colorectal cancer. Over the years numerous biological molecules and pathways have been identified that positively or negatively regulate the development of inflammatory bowel disease-related colorectal cancer. Microbial dysbiosis in conjunction with cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-21] and chemokines (atypical chemokine receptor D6) drive intestinal immune response, in turn leading to chronic inflammation, tissue injury, dysplasia and cancer. The negative regulators including cytokines IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β, nuclear factor-κappa beta, Toll-like receptors, along with healthy gut microbiota prevent gut inflammation-mediated tissue injury and promote healing of damaged tissue. NF-κβ: Nuclear factor-κappa beta; TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor-α; TGF-β: Transforming growth factor β; IL: Interleukin; CRC: Colorectal cancer; IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease.