J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.. 116(2): 104-108, 2015

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Feature topic

ADVANCES IN RESEARCH ON ULCERATIVE COLITIS

The cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown, and there is no established medical cure for this disease. Recent progress in genome-wide association studies and research to identify the susceptibility gene have gradually determined the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis. Focused target therapy resulted in the development of new therapeutic agents that regulate inflammation and gut immunity, which have been applied in the clinical setting. Epigenetic approaches such as microRNA and DNA methylation show promise for the discovery of novel biomarkers for diagnosis or prognosis and predictive response to medical therapy. Now we are attempting to detect specific epigenetic biomarkers of ulcerative colitis-associated cancer. Total proctocolectomy and J-pouch anal anastomosis remain important options in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. These studies may help us to establish highly reliable surgical indications and indicate prognostic risk factors for postoperative complications, making an important contribution to all colorectal surgeons.

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