Title:Applications of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in the Modeling of Human Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
VOLUME: 10 ISSUE: 3
Author(s):Jingquan Liu, Bin Shi, Kai Shi and Hongze Zhang
Affiliation:General Intensive Care Unit Songjiang Hospital Affiliated First People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, NO. 746, Zhongshan Road; Shanghai 201600, China.
Keywords:Induced pluripotent stem cells, inflammatory bowel diseases, intestinal epithelial cell, reprogramming.
Abstract:Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic and involve the gastrointestinal tract; the
two primary IBDs are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Existing treatments for IBD include control
of active inflammation and regulation of immune disorders, and commonly used drugs include
salicylates, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants. At the same time, an in-depth study of IBD
pathogenesis promoted the acceptance of bioimmunotherapy by increasing numbers of people. However, long-term use of
these drugs can cause adverse reactions that are difficult for patients to overcome, with limited efficacy for critically ill
patients. Recent studies have found that stem cell transplantation is a new and effective therapy and IBD treatment, particularly
for refractory cases. Stem cells, especially induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), can differentiate into functional
intestinal epithelia and their use avoids ethical issues arising from embryonic stem cells, providing a new kind of
seed cell for alternative treatments for IBD. This paper reviews iPSCs as a potential new treatment for IBDs in order to
provide an experimental and clinical reference.
