| [ Summary ] |
To date, the pathogenesis and pathology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) typified by ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) remain unclear. However, genetic factors, infection, and immune response abnormalities are considered possible contributors. Additionally, microcirculatory disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract are assumed to play a role in this condition. The gastrointestinal mucosa performs not only digestive and absorptive functions related to diet, but also endocrine functions and participates in the defense and immune mechanism of the body, as well as the development of tolerance, among other such functions. Notably, the microcirculation is actively involved in all these functional mechanisms. It is important to understand the microcirculatory disturbances occurring in patients with IBD, the hemodynamics, and thrombosis caused by inflammatory cells in blood vessels. Treatment including cytoapheresis therapy or anti-adhesion molecule monoclonal antibody that can regulate inflammatory cells in vessels is useful in these patients. |