Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the leading gut chronic inflammation disorders, especially prevalent in Western countries. Recent research suggests that mitochondria play a crucial role in IBD development and progression to the more severe disease-colorectal cancer (CRC). In this review, we focus on the role of mitochondrial mutations and dysfunctions in IBD and CRC. In addition, main mitochondria-related molecular pathways involved in IBD to CRC transition are discussed. Additionally, recent publications dedicated to mitochondria-targeted therapeutic approaches to cure IBD and prevent CRC progression are discussed.
Keywords: chronic inflammation; colorectal cancer; inflammatory bowel diseases; mitochondrial dysfunction; mitochondrial mutations.