How Can a Polymeric Formula Induce Remission in Crohn's Disease Patients?

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Apr 14;22(8):4025. doi: 10.3390/ijms22084025.

Abstract

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease whose prevalence is increasing worldwide. Among medical strategies, dietary therapy with exclusive enteral nutrition is recommended as a first-line option, at least for children, because it induces clinical remission and mucosal healing. Modulen®, a polymeric TGF-β2 enriched formula, has good palatability and is widely used. For the first time in the literature, this review outlines and discusses the clinical outcomes obtained with this therapy, as well as the potential mechanisms of action of its compounds. It can be explained by its TGF-β2 content, but also by its protein and lipid composition. Further well-designed studies are required to improve our knowledge and to optimize therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Crohn’s disease; exclusive enteral nutrition; inflammatory bowel disease; mucosal healing.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Crohn Disease / drug therapy
  • Crohn Disease / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa / drug effects
  • Intestinal Mucosa / pathology
  • Models, Biological
  • Polymers / pharmacology*
  • Remission Induction
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta2 / pharmacology
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta2 / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta2