Genetic and Epigenetic Factors in Ulcerative Colitis: A Narrative Literature Review
Lavinia Caba, Andreea Florea, Petru Cianga, Vasile Drug, Roxana Popescu, Cătălina Mihai, Cristian-Gabriel Ciobanu, Vlad Victor Iacob, Laura Florea, Eusebiu Vlad Gorduza
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease whose incidence is steadily growing worldwide. The interactions between host genetic susceptibility, gut microbiota and environmental factors determine the onset and relapsing evolution of ulcerative colitis, making it a multifactorial disorder. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted to synthesize the available literature on the genes and mechanisms related to ulcerative colitis. RESULTS: The most important independent risk factor is genetics and the candidate genes are associated with inflammation, immune regulation and epithelial permeability. Multiple GWAS have already identified candidate genes and their polymorphisms implicated in ulcerative colitis pathogenesis. Genetic susceptibility is conferred by predisposing variants influencing disease onset and progression, as well as by epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, microRNAs). CONCLUSIONS: This review summarizes the interactions between the functional products encoded by genes linked to ulcerative colitis and immunological factors revealing their common mechanisms.