Chronic Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Articles

CDP-choline modulates cholinergic signaling and gut microbiota to alleviate DSS-induced inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) represent chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders characterized by a complex and underexplored pathogenic mechanism. Previous research has revealed that IBD patients often have a deficiency of choline and its metabolites, including acetylcholine (ACh) and phosphatidylcholine (PC), within the colon. However, a comprehensive study linking these three substances and their mechanistic implications in IBD remains lacking. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanism of cytidine diphosphate (CDP)-choline (citicoline), an intermediate product of choline metabolism, in a mouse model of IBD induced by dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS). The results demonstrated that CDP-choline effectively alleviated colonic inflammation and deficiencies in choline, ACh, and PC by increasing the raw material. Further detection showed that CDP-choline also increased the ACh content by altering the expression of high-affinity choline transporter (ChT1) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in DSS-induced mice colon. Moreover, CDP-choline increased the expression of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) and activated the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP), leading to reduced colon macrophage activation and proinflammatory M1 polarization in IBD mice, thus reducing the levels of TNF-α and IL-6. In addition, CDP-choline reduced intestinal ecological imbalance and increased the content of hexanoic acid in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in mice. In conclusion, this study elucidates the ability of CDP-choline to mitigate DSS-induced colon inflammation by addressing choline and its metabolites deficiencies, activating the CAP, and regulating the composition of the intestinal microbiome and SCFAs content, providing a potential prophylactic and therapeutic approach for IBD.

A Multidimensional Strategy: Ways to Combat Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome with Hiatus Hernia and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in A Young Adult Female

Cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a chronic idiopathic functional gastrointestinal disorder characterised by intermittent episodes of severe nausea and vomiting with symptoms-free intervals in between. CVS is seen in various age groups with a prevalence of 1.9%. Numerous psychosocial, physical and infectious stressors have been attributed as a trigger of CVS. Often, a co-existing organic and psychiatric comorbidities mask the disorder, and an absence of diagnostic investigation causes a delay in diagnosis and makes it challenging to treat.

Review–Vibrational spectroscopy‐aided diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

AbstractBackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a group of chronic gastrointestinal disorders characterised by complex and multifaceted pathologies. The pursuit of non‐invasive, accurate and rapid diagnostic methods and therapeutic monitoring tools has led to the emergence of Raman spectroscopy (RS) as a promising analytical technique in the field of IBD. RS offers molecular specificity with the potential to uncover valuable insights of the pathophysiology of IBD, posing it as a rapidly growing field of interest in both research and clinical settings.MainThis comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of the current state of research in the field of IBD‐RS, with an emphasis on its potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic monitoring capabilities. We explore the molecular characterisation of bodily fluids including blood, urine and saliva and the ability of RS to rapidly determine the underpinning biochemical changes in their composition. The review also highlights recent studies and advances, that have employed RS to differentiate between healthy and diseased states, classify the IBD subtypes, identify candidate biomarkers and to monitor the therapeutic response to treatment in the form of mucosal healing. Additionally, we comment on the challenges and limitations associated with current research as well as with the clinical translation of RS for IBD diagnosis.ConclusionsAs the field of vibrational spectroscopies continues to evolve particularly in the broader IBD context, to aid the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, this review serves as a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers alike, examining the potential of Raman‐based spectroscopy and the emerging technologies to advance the understanding and triaging of IBD. Ultimately, the integration of RS into everyday clinical practice holds promise for more effective management of IBDs, addressing the major unmet need in the fields of gastroenterology and of clinical medicine as a whole.

Protective Application of Chinese Herbal Compounds and Formulae in Intestinal Inflammation in Humans and Animals.

Intestinal inflammation is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder with uncertain pathophysiology and causation that has significantly impacted both the physical and mental health of both people and animals. An increasing body of research has demonstrated the critical role of cellular signaling pathways in initiating and managing intestinal inflammation. This review focuses on the interactions of three cellular signaling pathways (TLR4/NF-κB, PI3K-AKT, MAPKs) with immunity and gut microbiota to explain the possible pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation. Traditional medicinal drugs frequently have drawbacks and negative side effects. This paper also summarizes the pharmacological mechanism and application of Chinese herbal compounds (Berberine, Sanguinarine, Astragalus polysaccharide, Curcumin, and Cannabinoids) and formulae (Wumei Wan, Gegen-Qinlian decoction, Banxia xiexin decoction) against intestinal inflammation. We show that the herbal compounds and formulae may influence the interactions among cell signaling pathways, immune function, and gut microbiota in humans and animals, exerting their immunomodulatory capacity and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. This demonstrates their strong potential to improve gut inflammation. We aim to promote herbal medicine and apply it to multispecies animals to achieve better health.

Prevalence of Hepatobiliary Manifestations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A GRADE Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of more than 1.7 Million Patients.

Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] comprises an immune-mediated group of chronic gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with IBD may experience extraintestinal manifestations, such as hepatobiliary complications. This meta-analysis aims to assess the prevalence of different hepatic manifestations in IBD patients. For this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched until July 20, 2022, by specifying keywords for IBD, hepatic manifestations, and study type. Full texts of cohort studies in English that examined the prevalence of different hepatic manifestations were included in this study. The primary outcome was the overall prevalence of hepatic manifestations in IBD patients. For the statistical analysis, a proportion by random effect model meta-analysis was performed. The registration number for the protocol of this study in PROSPERO is CRD42022369595. From the 4421 articles retrieved from the primary search, 118 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. After a pooled analysis of 1 729 128 patients, the overall prevalence of hepatic manifestations was 3.49% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.31-3.68%; I2: 99.55%). The pooled prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in 228 216 patients was 26.1% [95% CI: 22.1-30.2%; I2: 99.018%]. After pooled analysis of 9642 patients, the prevalence of primary sclerosing cholangitis was 1.67% [95% CI: 1.47-1.88%; I2: 99.10%]. The pooled prevalence of biliary stones was 4.1% [95% CI: 3.6-4.7%; I2: 97.43%]. Autoimmune hepatitis (0.51% [95% CI: 0.26-0.75%]; I2: 85.36%) and portal vein thrombosis (0.21% [95% CI: 0.08-0.33%]; I2: 97.95%) are considered as rare manifestations. This study summarizes the prevalence and importance of different hepatic manifestations in IBD patients. These findings are crucial for the management of extraintestinal manifestations, especially hepatic manifestations, in IBD patients.

The minichromosome maintenance complex drives esophageal basal zone hyperplasia.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by food antigen-driven eosinophilic inflammation and hyperproliferation of esophageal mucosa. By utilizing a large-scale, proteomic screen of esophageal biopsies, we aimed to uncover molecular drivers of the disease. Proteomic analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry identified 402 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) that correlated with the EoE transcriptome. Immune cell-related proteins were among the most highly upregulated DEPs in EoE compared with controls, whereas proteins linked to epithelial differentiation were primarily downregulated. Notably, in the inflamed esophageal tissue, all 6 subunits of the minichromosome maintenance (MCM) complex, a DNA helicase essential for genomic DNA replication, were significantly upregulated at the gene and protein levels. Furthermore, treating esophageal epithelial cells with a known inhibitor of the MCM complex (ciprofloxacin) blocked esophageal epithelial proliferation. In a murine model of EoE driven by overexpression of IL-13, ciprofloxacin treatment decreased basal zone thickness and reduced dilated intercellular spaces by blocking the transition of epithelial cells through the S-phase of the cell cycle. Collectively, a broad-spectrum proteomic screen has identified the involvement of the MCM complex in EoE and has highlighted MCM inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents for the disease.

Capsulated Cellular Nanosponges for the Treatment of Experimental Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal tract disorder characterized by uncontrolled inflammatory responses to the disrupted intestinal epithelial barrier and gut microbiome dysbiosis. Currently available small-molecule immunosuppressive agents and anticytokine biologics show limited potency, mainly due to the complexity of the inflammatory network involved in IBD. Here, we develop an oral formulation of macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles capsulated in enteric polymer-coated gelatin capsules (denoted "cp-MΦ-NPs") for IBD treatment. The capsules protect the nanoparticles from gastric degradation and allow for targeted delivery to the colon. At the inflamed colon, cp-MΦ-NPs act as macrophage decoys that bind and neutralize pro-inflammatory cytokines. The in vivo treatment efficacy of cp-MΦ-NPs is tested in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. In both prophylactic and delayed treatment regimens, the oral delivery of cp-MΦ-NPs significantly alleviates IBD severity, reflected by reduced intestinal inflammation and intestinal barrier restoration. Overall, cp-MΦ-NPs provide a biomimetic nanomedicine strategy for the treatment of IBD.

The Diagnostic Utility of Volatile Organic Compounds in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Volatile organic compounds [VOCs] show promise as potential biomarkers of for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, two chronic, idiopathic, gastrointestinal disorders with diagnostic and management challenges. Non-invasive biomarkers aid early diagnosis and management. In this study we review studies of diagnostic accuracy of VOCs in inflammatory bowel disease. A systematic search was carried out on the Pubmed and Scopus databases; with 16 studies reviewed and meta-analysis carried out on 10. Meta-analysis of 696 inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] cases against 605 controls revealed a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 87% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79 - 0.92) and 83% [95% CI, 0.73 - 0.90], respectively. Area under the curve [AUC] was 0.92. VOCs perform very well as non-invasive biomarkers of IBD, with much scope for future improvement and research.

Synthesis of some Curcumin derivatives of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory (NSAIDs) Prodrugs for Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is the most prevalent chronic gastrointestinal disorder in children and adolescents. IBD is a collection of recurrent and remitting inflammatory gastrointestinal illnesses that mostly includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Amino salicylates, corticosteroids, and biological agents are drugs that are now utilized to treat inflammatory bowel disorders. The research envisaged and plan of work to be carried out can be summarized as adetailed review of curcumin derivatives, synthesis of compound and their derivatives, physio-chemical properties, structure elucidation, and biological evaluation of synthesized compounds for anti-inflammatory potential. Prodrugs are synthesized by conjugation of NSAID derivatives with some curcumin derivatives by the reflux in different solvents in the presence of thionyl chloride as an acid catalyst.The synthetic compounds YK-01 and YK-02 were obtained in a series. The FTIR, NMRspectroscopy, and other physiochemical properties have characterized the structure of the synthesized prodrugs. The anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized compounds was tested in a carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema model, and it was discovered that the prodrugs treated compound (YK-02) showed decreased inflammation and paw oedema volume, as well as a better activity than synthesized prodrugs (YK-01).

Contribution of MicroRNAs in the Development of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder defined by disturbances in bowel habits and abdominal pain, in the absence of known organic pathology that affects between 5 to 10% of healthy populations. Despite improvements in detection and treatment, the pathogenesis of IBS has not been clarified. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of IBS through increased intestinal permeability, inflammation, and modulation of visceral hyperalgesia, and they may have the potential to be used as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Here, we have summarized the recent advances about the role of miRNAs in the development of IBS symptoms and the possibility to use them as therapeutic targets to mitigate symptoms in IBS.

Diagnosing and treating appendicitis in rabbits

Background: Appendicitis in rabbits is rarely described but is part of the differential diagnosis of acute and chronic gastrointestinal disorders in rabbits, and should be suspected as a priority in cases of hyperthermia. Imaging such as ultrasound or CT scan are essential for the diagnosis and should be included systematically in the exploration of gastrointestinal stasis syndrome. Treatment of such cases can be medical and/or surgical. It is important that practitioners understand the pathology, know when to suspect it and that they are able to select appropriate diagnostics to guide therapeutic management of these cases.Aim of the article: This article reviews cases of appendicitis in rabbits described in the literature and provides clinicians with the most up‐to‐date information on this condition.

Systematic analyses of GWAS summary statistics from UK Biobank identified novel susceptibility loci and genes for upper gastrointestinal diseases.

In recent decades, upper gastrointestinal (GI) diseases have been highly prevalent worldwide. Although genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified thousands of susceptibility loci, only a few of them were conducted for chronic upper GI disorders, and most of them were underpowered and with small sample sizes. Additionally, for the known loci, only a tiny fraction of heritability can be explained and the underlying mechanisms and related genes remain unclear. In this study, we conducted a multi-trait analysis by the MTAG software and a two-stage transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) with UTMOST and FUSION for seven upper GI diseases (oesophagitis, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, other diseases of oesophagus, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastritis and duodenitis and other diseases of stomach and duodenum) based on summary GWAS statistics from UK Biobank. In the MTAG analysis, we identified 7 loci associated with these upper GI diseases, including 3 novel ones at 4p12 (rs10029980), 12q13.13 (rs4759317) and 18p11.32 (rs4797954). In the TWAS analysis, we revealed 5 susceptibility genes in known loci and identified 12 novel potential susceptibility genes, including HOXC9 at 12q13.13. Further functional annotations and colocalization analysis indicated that rs4759317 (A>G) driven the association for GWAS signals and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) simultaneously at 12q13.13. The identified variant acted by decreasing the expression of HOXC9 to affect the risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. This study provided insights into the genetic nature of upper GI diseases.

Role of in vitamin D in irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting 10%-22% of adults. Its development is closely related to the gut microbiota, and the inflammatory and immune responses triggered by the gut microbiota can lead to IBS. Vitamin D (VD) effectively treats IBS with fewer side effects by improving gut microbiota, immune regulation, and anti-inflammatory effects. In the future, it is necessary to carry out epidemiological studies on the relationship between VD and IBS, clinical studies on the efficacy of supplementing VD to improve IBS, and animal studies on the mechanism of VD improving IBS. Therefore, this paper discussed the relationship between VD and IBS.

Intestinal Microbiota and miRNA in IBD: A Narrative Review about Discoveries and Perspectives for the Future.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) and comprises a chronic gastrointestinal tract disorder characterized by hyperactive and dysregulated immune responses to environmental factors, including gut microbiota and dietary components. An imbalance of the intestinal microbiota may contribute to the development and/or worsening of the inflammatory process. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been associated with various physiological processes, such as cell development and proliferation, apoptosis, and cancer. In addition, they play an important role in inflammatory processes, acting in the regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways. Differences in the profiles of miRNAs may represent a useful tool in the diagnosis of UC and CD and as a prognostic marker in both diseases. The relationship between miRNAs and the intestinal microbiota is not completely elucidated, but recently this topic has gained prominence and has become the target of several studies that demonstrate the role of miRNAs in the modulation of the intestinal microbiota and induction of dysbiosis; the microbiota, in turn, can regulate the expression of miRNAs and, consequently, alter the intestinal homeostasis. Therefore, this review aims to describe the interaction between the intestinal microbiota and miRNAs in IBD, recent discoveries, and perspectives for the future.

Efficacy of Rifaximin in Diarrhoea Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome is a common chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain associated with altered bowel habit of either diarrhoea, constipation or both. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial and incompletely understood.The role of gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of IBS is supported by various evidences.These are differences in mucosal and faecal microbiota between patients with IBS and healthy individuals,development of post-infectious IBS and the efficacy of some probiotics and nonsystemic antibiotics such as Rifaximin. Previous study showed resetting microbial diversity via Rifaximin use may lead to a decrease in bacterial fermentation and a reduction in the clinical symptoms of IBS. This study is designed to assess efficacy of Rifaximin in diarrhoea predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Rifaximin in diarrhoea predominant irritable bowel syndrome patient. Materials and Methods: This quasi experimental study was conducted on patients aged 18-55 years with IBS-D in department of Gastroenterology, BSMMU during the period of September, 2020 to August, 2021. Results: There was significant improvement on abdominal pain(p <0.001), abdominal bloating(p =0.001) and satisfaction with bowel movement( p<0.001) in Rifaximin group at 4th week from baseline and most of which sustained upto 12th week of study. The total IBS-SSS at baseline (328.7 ±13.7) decreased to (231.5±14.2) at 12th week of study in Rifaximin group which was significant (p <o.oo1). In placebo group IBS-SSS also gradually decreased from baseline (323.4±17.29) to 12th week (269.3±16.2) but statistically not significant. IBS-QOL score at baseline in Rifaximin group was 64±5.2 and in placebo group was 63.4±5.1. Total IBS-QOL score was increased with time in both Rifaximin and placebo group but none was significant. Conclusion: Rifaximin was more effective than placebo in controlling abdominal pain, abdominal bloating and dissatisfaction with bowel movement after 12th week of study. IBS QOL score was also increased in both groups. Medicine Today 2023 Vol.35(1): 44-48

Hematological changes in IBS patients with intestinal parasites

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder with an estimated prevalence of 10% around the globe. (IBS) is a common characterized by recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort associated with altered bowel habit. Humans and animals gut contain intestinal parasites live in, and the intestinal wall is preferred for most of these parasites. Human intestine contaminated by many parasites, the most common of them are intestinal worms, Giardia, blastocyst and others. Method: The current study was conducted on 76 Iraqi participants suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and the diagnosis is made by the consultant physician, according to clinical signs and laboratory diagnosis (blood test (WBC, NEU, LYM, Hb), during the period from November 2021 to March 2022. Blood The sample (2 ml) was drawn intravenously with a sterile injection and then emptied in a plastic tubes containing EDTA anticoagulant and a complete blood count(CBC) test was performed. A stool sample was taken and examined under a microscope to see if the sample contained parasites or not. Result: We have noticed the presence of different types of parasites in 54 samples with irritable bowel syndrome, the most prominent of them Blastocyst hominis and Entamoeba histolytica and 22 samples that do not contain parasites, after the laboratory diagnosis , the result was that: the ratio of white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte (LYM) increased, but decrease occurred in the ratio of Hb for the IBS patient infected with parasite. Conclusion: This study proved that the highest rate of parasite infection was for Blastocystis hominis and the lowest percentage for Teania saginata which also affects the hematological parameters in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

The Chronic and Acute Toxicity of Traditional Medicines Containing Terminalia chebula

Terminalia chebula, the main ingredient of Altan Arur 5, has been used for many years in traditional medicine. This medicine is more effective than other drugs and is used to treat chronic gastritis and gastrointestinal disorders such as peptic ulcers and esophageal reflux. Other ingredients of Altan Arur 5 are Punica granatum (pomegranate), tulip seeds, black balm, and excreta of Trogopterus xanthipes. The main ingredients of T. chebula are antibacterial and analgesic in traditional medicine. Despite having been used for many years and although many studies have been conducted on the beneficial effects of this medicine and its ingredients, the toxicity of Altan Arur 5 has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to study the toxicity of Altan Arur 5 to ensure that it is safe to use. Acute and chronic toxicity of Altan Arur 5 were assessed in 10 Kunming mice and 8 Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively, in different doses. In the acute toxicity study, Altan Arur 5 was orally administered to Kunming mice in doses of 12 g/kg, 24 g/kg, and 48 g/kg for 14 days. In the chronic toxicity study, it was orally administered to Sprague-Dawley rats in doses of 1.25 g/kg, 2.5 g/kg, and 5 g/kg for 12 weeks. No significant differences were observed in the relative organ weights for mice treated with Altan Arur 5 compared with those in the control group. Furthermore, no macro- or microstructural changes were noted in the organs of any group. Our toxicity testing revealed that the traditional medicine Altan Arur 5 has no toxic effects in vivo.

Advanced Nanomedicine: Redefining Therapeutic Paradigms for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic and recurrent gastrointestinal inflammatory disorder with a variety of painful clinical manifestations and an increased risk of cancerization or death, has become an emerging challenge to global healthcare due to its rapidly increasing incidence. At present, there is no efficient cure against IBD because of the elusive etiology and pathogenesis of IBD. Therefore, the development of alternative therapeutic strategies with positive clinical efficacy and reduced side effects is urgently needed. In recent years, the great prosperity of nanomedicine promoted by a variety of advanced nanomaterials is redefining more attractive and promising therapeutic strategies for IBD owing to their advantages in the physiological stability, bioavailability, and targeting of inflammatory sites. In this review, firstly the basic characteristics of healthy and inflammatory intestinal microenvironments are presented. Then, different administration routes and targeting strategies of nanotherapeutics for IBD treatment are reviewed. Subsequently, a specific focus is placed on the introduction of nanotherapeutic treatments based on different IBD pathogenesis. Finally, some future challenges and perspectives of the currently developed nanomedicines for IBD treatment are provided. It is believed that the above topics will attract researchers from various fields including medicine, biological sciences, materials, chemistry and pharmaceutics.

Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C): Effects of Different Nutritional Patterns on Intestinal Dysbiosis and Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain associated with defecation or a change in bowel habits. The pathogenesis of IBS is not completely clear, but it is known to be multifactorial and complex. Endogenous and exogenous factors such as abnormal GI motility, low-grade inflammation, increased epithelial permeability and visceral hypersensitivity, but diet and psychosocial aspects are also recognized as important actors. Furthermore, the interaction between diet and gut microbiota has gained interest as a potential contributor to the pathophysiology of IBS. To date, there is no specific diet for IBS with constipation (IBS-C); however, many studies show that fiber intake, especially soluble fiber such as inulin, could have a positive effect on symptoms. This review aims to evaluate the effects of some nutritional components such as fibers but also functional foods, prebiotics, probiotics and symbiotics on symptoms and microbiota in IBS-C subjects.

Immunoepigenetic Regulation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Current Insights into Novel Epigenetic Modulations of the Systemic Immune Response.

The immune system and environmental factors are involved in various diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), through their effect on genetics, which modulates immune cells. IBD encompasses two main phenotypes, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, which are manifested as chronic and systemic relapse-remitting gastrointestinal tract disorders with rising global incidence and prevalence. The pathophysiology of IBD is complex and not fully understood. Epigenetic research has resulted in valuable information for unraveling the etiology of this immune-mediated disease. Thus, the main objective of the present review is to summarize the current findings on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in IBD to shed light on their potential clinical relevance. This review focuses on the latest evidence regarding peripheral blood mononuclear cells and epigenetic changes in histone modification, DNA methylation, and telomere shortening in IBD. The various identified epigenetic DNA profiles with clinical value in IBD could be used as biomarkers for more accurately predicting disease development, treatment response, and therapy-related adverse events. Ultimately, the information presented here could be of potential relevance for future clinical practice in developing more efficient and precise medicine to improve the quality of life for patients with IBD.