Evidence for a Potential Role of Metallothioneins in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are a group of chronic, relapsing, immune-mediated disorders of the intestine, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Recent studies underscore the import...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2009-01-01
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| Series: | Mediators of Inflammation |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2009/729172 |
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| Summary: | Inflammatory bowel
diseases (IBDs) are a group of chronic,
relapsing, immune-mediated disorders of the
intestine, including Crohn's disease and
ulcerative colitis. Recent studies underscore
the importance of the damaged epithelial barrier
and the dysregulated innate immune system in
their pathogenesis. Metallothioneins (MTs) are a
family of small proteins with a high and
conserved cysteine content that are rapidly
upregulated in response to an inflammatory
stimulus. Herein, we review the current
knowledge regarding the expression and potential
role of MTs in IBD. MTs exert a central position
in zinc homeostasis, modulate the activation of
the transcription factor nuclear factor
(NF)-𝜅B, and serve as antioxidants. In addition, MTs could be
involved in IBD through their antiapoptotic effects or through
specific immunomodulating extracellular effects. Reports on MT
expression in IBD are contradictory but clearly demonstrate a
deviant MT expression supporting the idea that these aberrations
in IBD require further clarification. |
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| ISSN: | 0962-9351 1466-1861 |