Pathophysiology of diverticular disease

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Immunology
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• Diverticulitis is the inflammation of colonic outpouchings (diverticula).
• Diverticular disease development involves genetic, lifestyle, environmental, and microbiome factors.
• Previous research implicated genetics, environment, and colonic dysmotility; recent studies focus on host immune responses and the microbiome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature on pathophysiological factors in diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
• To explore the roles of colonic architecture, genetics, environment, motility, immune response, and microbiome.

Main Methods:

• PubMed database search (up to March 2018).
• Literature review focusing on specific pathophysiological factors.

Main Results:

• Understanding of diverticular disease pathogenesis has improved with molecular research.
• A deregulation of host immune response is linked to both diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
• Microbiome evaluation in diverticulitis is limited and needs more comprehensive studies.

Conclusions:

• Further research into immune pathways may identify therapeutic targets for diverticular disease.
• Investigating these pathways could reveal biomarkers for clinical or surgical decision-making.
• Comprehensive microbiome studies are crucial for understanding and managing diverticulitis.