Boosting the hypoxia-induced adaptive response in inflammatory bowel disease: a novel concept of treatment

As cells critically depend on oxygen for function and survival, inadequate cellular oxygenation is a major factor in the pathogenesis of a number of life-threatening diseases. Not surprisingly, cells share adaptive mechanisms to protect them against low-oxygen conditions. The recent discovery of a new family of oxygen-dependent hydroxylases has markedly increased the understanding of these adaptive processes, which in turn has led to the identification of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of conditions associated with enhanced hypoxia, such as a number of vascular and inflammatory diseases. This mini-review focuses on inhibition of hydroxylases as a potential novel treatment option for inflammatory bowel disease. Current knowledge, as well as future directions, are summarized and discussed.