Pharmacology of Intestinal Inflammation and Repair

Abstract

Chronic inflammation is a common trait in the pathogenesis of several diseases of the gut, including inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease. Control of the inflammatory response is crucial in these pathologies to avoid tissue destruction and loss of intestinal function. Over the last 50 years, the identification of the mechanisms and mediators involved in the acute phase of the inflammatory response, which is characterized by massive leukocyte recruitment, has led to a number of therapeutic options. New drugs targeting inflammatory flares are still under development. However, interest on the other end of the spectrum-the resolution and repair phases-has emerged, as promoting tissue functional repair may maintain remission and counteract the chronicity of the disease. This review aims to discuss the current and future pharmacological approaches to the treatment of chronic intestinal inflammation and the restoration of functional tissues.

Keywords: inflammation; intestine; mucosal repair; therapy.