Update of gut gas metabolism in ulcerative colitis.

Xiaohan Zhang, Xiuli Zhang, Yunsheng Yang

Expert review of gastroenterology & hepatology 2024 Jul

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Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, nonspecific inflammatory disease of the intestine. The intestinal microbiota is essential in the occurrence and development of UC. Gut gases are produced via bacterial fermentation or chemical interactions, which can reveal altered intestinal microbiota, abnormal cellular metabolism, and inflammation responses. Recent studies have demonstrated that UC patients have an altered gut gas metabolism. In this review, we integrate gut gas metabolism advances in UC and discuss intestinal gases' clinical values as new biomarkers or therapeutic targets for UC, providing the foundation for further research. Literature regarding gut gas metabolism and its significance in UC from inception to October 2023 was searched on the MEDLINE database and references from relevant articles were investigated. Depending on their type, concentration, and volume, gut gases can induce or alleviate clinical symptoms and regulate intestinal motility, inflammatory responses, immune function, and oxidative stress, significantly impacting UC. Gut gases may function as new biomarkers and provide potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets for UC.

Citation

Xiaohan Zhang, Xiuli Zhang, Yunsheng Yang. Update of gut gas metabolism in ulcerative colitis. Expert review of gastroenterology & hepatology. 2024 Jul;18(7):339-349