Ulcerative Colitis: Advances in Pathogenesis, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Strategies.

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis represents an inflammatory bowel disease with multiple contributing factors, marked by persistent inflammation of the colonic mucosa, which can lead to a reduced life expectancy and an elevated likelihood of requiring colectomy as well as developing colorectal cancer. Despite impacting roughly 5 million individuals worldwide, the intricate mechanisms underlying ulcerative colitis are still inadequately defined, hindering the development of effective treatments. Extra-intestinal complications, including enteropathic arthritis, are also addressed in the context of disease burden and management. This review explores the multifaceted pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis, emphasizing critical factors such as abnormalities in the epithelial barrier, irregular immune responses, the release of inflammatory mediators, and alterations in gut microbiota composition. We also underscore recent advancements in diagnostic biomarkers that improve the accuracy of disease detection and monitoring. Conventional medicinal strategies are reviewed alongside the emergence of biological therapies, notably those that target tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukins, and integrins, which have significantly altered management approaches. Established therapies (eg, 5-aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids) and emerging agents (eg, JAK inhibitors, S1P modulators) are clearly delineated. Combination strategies-such as dual biologic regimens or JAK inhibitors combined with anti-integrin agents-are also discussed in dedicated subsections. We discuss novel therapies that utilize small molecule targeting, particularly those that inhibit Janus kinase (JAK) and modulate sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors, presenting promising avenues for treatment. Additionally, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is evaluated as a therapeutic option, as it shows promise in restoring microbial balance. Collectively, these advances underscore the pivotal roles of immune dysregulation, biologic therapies, and microbiota modulation in reshaping precision management of ulcerative colitis. This synthesis of current knowledge underscores the necessity for continued research to refine therapeutic strategies and improve patient outcomes in ulcerative colitis.