Causes and Mechanisms of Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most prevalent inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) in Jewish and Caucasian populations, affecting as many as one in 250 individuals. Nevertheless, the underlying causes of both disorders are not yet fully understood and remain unknown. However, current evidence suggests that the exaggerated inflammatory response, more commonly referred to as IBD, is believed to arise from dysregulation of the gastrointestinal (GI) immune system in genetically predisposed individuals who are exposed to environmental triggers. Recent advances have identified multiple IBD susceptibility genes; however, only a few environmental determinants of IBD have been consistently identified. The difficulty in understanding the etiology of IBD is in part due to the complex interactions between genes and the environment. Additionally, autoimmune mechanisms are believed to play a role in the development of IBDs, but the target antigens and the underlying pathways have not been sufficiently characterized and identified. IBD is commonly referred to as an “idiopathic disease;” a disease with an unknown cause (Health &Medicine, 2016; Sartor, 2006). This paper examines the possible causes of IBD, specifically highlighting Crohn’s disease