[Etiology and pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases]

Based on the data presented and numerous others it can be stated that genetic susceptibility as well as environmental influences are generally accepted. It is consensus that we have to deal with a number of patient subpopulations indicating that Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are syndromes and not single disease entities. It is also clear that the enteric flora is of importance which leads to attempts to modulate gut contents. Alternative etiologic concepts such as primary barrier defects or abnormal transport processes in liver and upper intestine should be considered.