Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-unclassified is a group of chronic disorders marked by inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Shared triggers include abnormal immune responses, gut microbiota alterations, and environmental factors. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract and features skip lesions, whereas ulcerative colitis involves continuous inflammation starting in the rectum. About half of patients with IBD develop extraintestinal symptoms like arthritis and anemia or complications such as strictures, fistulas, and increased cancer risk, often requiring surgery. IBD impacts approximately 10 million people globally, with significant financial burdens, highlighting the need for effective management strategies.
The complex etiology of IBD involves genetic susceptibility, gut microbiota composition, immune responses, and environmental factors. Treatment strategies targeting the gut microbiota have emerged, with prebiotics showing promise. Prebiotics, indigestible dietary fibers that benefit host microorganisms, may enhance traditional IBD therapies. Unlike probiotics, prebiotics aren’t affected by the acidic GI tract, potentially making them more effective. Current research aims to develop prebiotics that can effectively manage IBD by addressing underlying dysbiosis, offering a potential new frontier in IBD treatment.
Reference: Amin Ariaee, Sabrina Koentgen, Hannah R Wardill, et al. Prebiotic selection influencing inflammatory bowel disease treatment outcomes: a review of the preclinical and clinical evidence. eGastroenterology. 2024;2:e100055.
