Resolving intestinal fibrosis through regenerative medicine

Abstract

Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, known collectively as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), are lifelong gastrointestinal disorders that commonly present at a young age and are increasing in incidence and prevalence. Fibrosis is a common and incurable complication of IBD. When fibrotic complications occur, patients often have to undergo disfiguring surgery. Thus, research has focused on regenerative therapies as a means to prevent and treat established fibrosis. Both cell and non-cell therapies (exosomes) have anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties. This review discusses these emerging therapeutics and their potential to treat intestinal fibrosis.