Molecular and cellular biomarkers in Crohn's disease: from pathogenesis to clinical application

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Early and accurate diagnosis remains challenging due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease and overlapping symptoms with other gastrointestinal disorders. Current diagnostic approaches rely on a combination of clinical presentation, endoscopic findings, histological examination, and imaging studies, which can be invasive and time-consuming. The identification of reliable biomarkers could significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the need for invasive procedures. This review examines currently used biomarkers, including C-reactive protein, fecal calprotectin, and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies, while exploring emerging potential biomarkers such as microRNA panels, metabolomic signatures, and novel inflammatory mediators. Recent advances in genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have revealed promising biomarker candidates that could enhance diagnostic precision and enable personalized treatment approaches. Understanding the performance characteristics and clinical utility of these biomarkers is crucial for their implementation in routine clinical practice and improved patient outcomes.