Genetic Aspects of Micronutrients Important for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are complex diseases whose etiology is associated with genetic and environmental risk factors, among which are diet and gut microbiota. To date, IBD is an incurable disease and the main goal of its treatment is to reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and improve nutritional status and the quality of life. Patients with IBD usually suffer from nutritional deficiency with imbalances of specific micronutrient levels that contribute to the further deterioration of the disease. Therefore, along with medications usually used for IBD treatment, therapeutic strategies also include the supplementation of micronutrients such as vitamin D, folic acid, iron, and zinc. Micronutrient supplementation tailored according to individual needs could help patients to maintain overall health, avoid the triggering of symptoms, and support remission. The identification of individuals’ genotypes associated with the absorption, transport and metabolism of micronutrients can modify future clinical practice in IBD and enable individualized treatment. This review discusses the personalized approach with respect to genetics related to micronutrients commonly used in inflammatory bowel disease treatment.

Nutritional Support: The Use of Antioxidants in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…Proper zinc homeostasis influences the maintenance of the normal structure and the role of the intestinal mucosal [84]. Disruption of this balance can contribute to intestinal dysbiosis, which in turn contributes to the development of IBD, irritable bowel syndrome, or colon cancer [85].…”

Antioxidants as Protection against Reactive Oxidative Stress in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…Deficiencies are more common in patients with IBD than in the general population [81]. In patients with IBD, microelement deficiencies can increase the risk of complications of the disease, as well as hospitalisation [82]. Therefore, screening is recommended, especially during disease exacerbations, to identify possible deficiencies [83].…”

Possible Impact of Vitamin D Status and Supplementation on SARS-CoV-2 Infection Risk and COVID-19 Symptoms in a Cohort of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…Nevertheless, many additional roles have been described for VD, from drug metabolism to the control of the immune response [ 1 , 9 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. In particular, VD can affect the onset and disease activity of IBD by enhancing the mucosal barrier, increasing the differentiation of T cells into Tregs and by affecting gut microbiota [ 1 , 14 ]. Low levels of 25(OH)-VD (the main circulating form) in plasma can increase the likelihood of developing disorders such as cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and infectious diseases [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ].…”

“…In particular, VD can affect the onset and disease activity of IBD by enhancing the mucosal barrier, increasing the differentiation of T cells into Tregs and by affecting gut microbiota [ 1 , 14 ]. Low levels of 25(OH)-VD (the main circulating form) in plasma can increase the likelihood of developing disorders such as cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and infectious diseases [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Some authors have hypothesized that VD may down-regulate ACE-2 receptors and antagonize their binding to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, and therefore may have protective effects against COVID-19 [ 20 , 21 ].…”