Causes of Crohn's Disease

Abstract

Crohn’s Disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the small intestine. The causes of Crohn’s Disease are not fully known, but research has shown that the main causes are an immune response due to the overproduction of signaling molecules, environmental factors and lifestyle, and a person’s genetics/microbial environment. A hyper-inflammatory immune response causing immune cells to attack intestinal epithelial cells due to the overproduction of cytokines can result in discomfort for the patient and can even cause perforations in the intestinal epithelial layer. There has also been work that shows a correlation between a person’s diet and the development of Crohn’s Disease. Diets containing high levels of fat and sugar have been shown to negatively affect the small intestine, whereas diets high in fiber have prompted protective effects against Crohn’s Disease. Additionally, smoking has been shown to have adverse effects on the small intestine since the inhaled chemicals can break down the protective mucosal layer, leaving the epithelial cells in the intestine more susceptible to damage and inflammation. Crohn’s Disease has also been found in patients who have decreased biodiversity in the small intestine. Lastly, genetics have been shown to hold a significant link in the prevalence of Crohn’s Disease. In this review, we will discuss the mechanisms behind the key causes of Crohn’s Disease as well as discuss future research into Crohn’s Disease, focusing more on finding biological cures to the disease to prevent it from being passed down.