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©2013 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. Nov 15, 2013; 4(4): 100-107
Published online Nov 15, 2013. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v4.i4.100
Published online Nov 15, 2013. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v4.i4.100
Fibrogenesis and fibrosis in inflammatory bowel diseases: Good and bad side of same coin?
Mariabeatrice Principi, Floriana Giorgio, Giuseppe Losurdo, Viviana Neve, Antonella Contaldo, Alfredo Di Leo, Enzo Ierardi, Gastroenterology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
Author contributions: Ierardi E, Principi M, Giorgio F and Di Leo A designed the study, revised the manuscript and approved the final version; Losurdo G, Neve V and Contaldo A collected the data.
Correspondence to: Enzo Ierardi, Professor, Gastroenterology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy. enzo.ierardi@fastwebnet.it
Telephone: +39-80-5502577 Fax: +39-80-5593251
Received: June 28, 2013
Revised: September 9, 2013
Accepted: October 16, 2013
Published online: November 15, 2013
Revised: September 9, 2013
Accepted: October 16, 2013
Published online: November 15, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: The present minireview reports an outline of the mechanisms of fibrogenesis in inflammatory bowel diseases. Potential fibrogenetic cells and their characterization are detailed. Recent advances in possible molecular mechanisms are highlighted. Our experience, suggesting the hypothesis of a possible molecular mechanism of mucosal healing, is described. The modalities whereby a deregulation of this molecular pattern may lead to fibrotic strictures in Crohn’s disease are also illustrated. Finally, possible clinical implications are outlined.