About this Research Topic
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic relapsing intestinal inflammatory condition with a rising global incidence. Approximately 0.2% of the European population currently lives with IBD, which is characterized by a complex etiology involving environmental, genetic, and immune factors. The chronic nature of IBD, coupled with the absence of a permanent cure and the presence of debilitating symptoms, significantly impairs the quality of life for affected individuals. This underscores the urgent need for new biomarkers and the development of long-term effective treatments. While medications play a crucial role, diet is also pivotal in both the development and management of IBD. Despite some epidemiological data and evidence from animal and human studies, further dietary interventions are necessary to provide robust, evidence-based dietary recommendations. Dietary lipids, as essential energy sources, cell membrane components, and signaling molecules, are implicated in chronic intestinal inflammation, including IBD. Diets high in saturated fatty acids (SFA), trans fatty acids (TFA), and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are associated with chronic inflammation and altered microbiota composition, contributing to IBD pathogenesis and progression. Over the past two decades, lipid-mediated signaling has been a focal point in mucosal immunity research. Lipid mediators play a crucial role in resolving inflammation by inhibiting neutrophil migration, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and promoting the clearance of apoptotic cells and microorganisms. Additionally, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced in the gut have garnered scientific interest due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which may positively impact the management of inflammation-related diseases like IBD.
This research topic aims to enhance our understanding of the role of fatty acids and lipid mediators in the development and management of IBD. Specifically, it seeks to answer questions related to the impact of various dietary lipids on IBD pathogenesis, the mechanisms through which lipid mediators influence inflammation resolution, and the potential therapeutic roles of SCFAs. By addressing these questions, the research aims to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective, long-term treatments for IBD.
To gather further insights into the complex interactions between dietary lipids and IBD, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Epidemiological, pre-clinical, and clinical studies on the effect of fatty acids in IBD
- The impact of lipid mediators on the resolution of inflammation in IBD
- Lipid receptors and their role in immune response in IBD
- Exploitation of the role of SCFA in IBD
- Identification of potential molecular mechanisms underlying the above effects on intestinal inflammation
This research topic aims to enhance our understanding of the role of fatty acids and lipid mediators in the development and management of IBD. Specifically, it seeks to answer questions related to the impact of various dietary lipids on IBD pathogenesis, the mechanisms through which lipid mediators influence inflammation resolution, and the potential therapeutic roles of SCFAs. By addressing these questions, the research aims to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective, long-term treatments for IBD.
To gather further insights into the complex interactions between dietary lipids and IBD, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Epidemiological, pre-clinical, and clinical studies on the effect of fatty acids in IBD
- The impact of lipid mediators on the resolution of inflammation in IBD
- Lipid receptors and their role in immune response in IBD
- Exploitation of the role of SCFA in IBD
- Identification of potential molecular mechanisms underlying the above effects on intestinal inflammation
Keywords: fatty acids, lipid mediators, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, IBD, CD, UC, chronic inflammation, dietary lipids, biomarkers, treatment, SCFAs, immune response, epidemiological studies
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
