Liu HJ, Wu MC, Gau SY. Role of gut microbiota and mesenteric adipose tissue in the pathology of Crohn’s disease: Potential therapeutic targets. World J Gastroenterol 2025; 31(13): 102291 [DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v31.i13.102291]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Shuo-Yan Gau, MD, Department and Graduate Institute of Business Administration, National Taiwan University, No. 1 Roosevelt Rd, Taipei 106319, Taiwan. sixsamurai.shien15@gmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Gastroenterol. Apr 7, 2025; 31(13): 102291 Published online Apr 7, 2025. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v31.i13.102291
Role of gut microbiota and mesenteric adipose tissue in the pathology of Crohn’s disease: Potential therapeutic targets
Han-Jung Liu, Meng-Che Wu, Shuo-Yan Gau
Han-Jung Liu, Meng-Che Wu, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
Meng-Che Wu, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan
Meng-Che Wu, Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan
Shuo-Yan Gau, Department and Graduate Institute of Business Administration, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106319, Taiwan
Co-corresponding authors: Meng-Che Wu and Shuo-Yan Gau.
Author contributions: Gau SY and Liu HJ conceived and designed the study; Liu HJ, Wu MC, and Gau SY wrote the first draft of the manuscript; Liu HJ, Gau SY, and Wu MC critically revised the manuscript for important intellectual content; All authors read and approved the final manuscript. When designating corresponding authors for a research paper, we believe it is essential to recognize individuals who have played a critical role in guiding and overseeing the study. In this case, both Dr. Gau and Dr. Wu have made significant intellectual contributions and provided crucial leadership throughout the research process. Dr. Wu contributed his expertise in the field of inflammatory bowel disease treatment, ensuring the accuracy of cited references and refining the clinical framework of the manuscript. Dr. Gau structured the overall direction of the writing and alongside Dr. Wu mentored Dr. Liu in drafting and revising the manuscript. Given their equal involvement in directing the research and guiding the team, assigning them as co-corresponding authors ensures appropriate recognition of their contributions and facilitates efficient communication with editors, reviewers, and readers. Furthermore, this designation acknowledges their shared responsibility in addressing post-publication inquiries.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Shuo-Yan Gau, MD, Department and Graduate Institute of Business Administration, National Taiwan University, No. 1 Roosevelt Rd, Taipei 106319, Taiwan. sixsamurai.shien15@gmail.com
Received: October 14, 2024 Revised: March 1, 2025 Accepted: March 11, 2025 Published online: April 7, 2025 Processing time: 170 Days and 10.9 Hours
Abstract
This editorial comments on the article by Wu et al in the World Journal of Gastroenterology. The article explored the relationship between mesenteric adipose tissue, creeping fat, inflammation, and gut microbiota in Crohn’s disease (CD). We discussed three key aspects of the interaction between gut microbiota and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): The physiological functions of the gut microbiota, the potential role of probiotics in IBD treatment; and the effect of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in combating IBD. IBD, comprising CD and ulcerative colitis (UC), is influenced by the gut microbiota. Changes in gut microbiota composition disrupt intestinal function and promote chronic inflammation, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Probiotics have demonstrated some efficacy in inducing remission in UC, though their effectiveness in CD is still debated. FMT shows promise in treating IBD, especially UC, by restoring gut microbiota diversity and inducing clinical remission. As for CD, FMT has potential, but more studies are needed to confirm its long-term effectiveness and safety. Dietary approaches may help manage IBD symptoms or disease activity, but patient adherence is crucial. Clinicians and researchers must recognize the importance of the gut microbiota and the need for personalized therapies targeting microbial imbalances.
Core Tip: This editorial highlighted the role of the gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), focusing on the potential of probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and dietary strategies in managing IBD. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in IBD. Probiotics show potential in ulcerative colitis, but further research is needed for Crohn’s disease. Fecal microbiota transplantation offers promise for ulcerative colitis, and personalized therapies targeting microbial imbalances may improve IBD management. Dietary approaches can aid in managing IBD symptoms, but patient adherence is essential. Clinicians and researchers should focus on the gut microbiota and personalized therapies for IBD.
