The Impacts of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation from Same Sex on the Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis Patients

The Role of the Trace Element Selenium in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

One set of chronic gastrointestinal disorders called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is defined by persistent, non-specific inflammation. Abdominal pain, hematochezia, diarrhea, and other symptoms are among its clinical signs. Currently, managing and treating IBD remains a significant challenge. Patients with IBD frequently have deficits in trace elements. Selenium (Se) is one of the necessary trace elements for normal organismal function. It has several regulatory effects, including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, and defensive properties, via inducing the synthesis of selenoproteins. Patients with IBD have been shown to have lower Se levels in epidemiologic research studies. Several experimental models of IBD suggest that Se or selenoproteins play a key role in microinflammation. We discuss the relationship between Se and IBD in this review, with an emphasis on a summary of potential mechanisms of action and applications of Se in IBD.

The Role of the Microbiome in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis-A Literature Review

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon and rectum. UC's pathogenesis involves colonic epithelial cell abnormalities and mucosal barrier dysfunction, leading to recurrent mucosal inflammation. The purpose of the article is to show the complex interplay between ulcerative colitis and the microbiome. The literature search was conducted using the PubMed database. After a screening process of studies published before October 2023, a total of 136 articles were selected. It has been discovered that there is a fundamental correlation of a robust intestinal microbiota and the preservation of gastrointestinal health. Dysbiosis poses a grave risk to the host organism. It renders the host susceptible to infections and has been linked to the pathogenesis of chronic diseases, with particular relevance to conditions such as ulcerative colitis. Current therapeutic strategies for UC involve medications such as aminosalicylic acids, glucocorticoids, and immunosuppressive agents, although recent breakthroughs in monoclonal antibody therapies have significantly improved UC treatment. Furthermore, modulating the gut microbiome with specific compounds and probiotics holds potential for inflammation reduction, while fecal microbiota transplantation shows promise for alleviating UC symptoms. This review provides an overview of the gut microbiome's role in UC pathogenesis and treatment, emphasizing areas for further research.

Houttuynia cordata thunb. alleviates inflammatory bowel disease by modulating intestinal microenvironment: a research review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex group of chronic intestinal diseases, the cause of which has not yet been clarified, but it is widely believed that the disorder of the intestinal microenvironment and its related functional changes are key factors in the development of the disease. Houttuynia cordata thunb. is a traditional plant with abundant resources and long history of utilization in China, which has attracted widespread attention in recent years due to its potential in the treatment of IBD. However, its development and utilization are limited owing to the aristolochic acid alkaloids contained in it. Therefore, based on the relationship between the intestinal microenvironment and IBD, this article summarizes the potential mechanisms by which the main active ingredients of Houttuynia cordata thunb., such as volatile oils, polysaccharides, and flavonoids, and related traditional Chinese medicine preparations, such as Xiezhuo Jiedu Formula, alleviate IBD by regulating the intestinal microenvironment. At the same time, combined with current reports, the medicinal and edible safety of Houttuynia cordata thunb. is explained for providing ideas for further research and development of Houttuynia chordate thunb. in IBD disease, more treatment options for IBD patients, and more insights into the therapeutic potential of plants with homology of medicine and food in intestinal diseases, and even more diseases.