Inflammatory pouch disease: The spectrum of pouchitis

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis(IPAA) is the operation of choice for medically refractory ulcerative colitis(UC), for UC with dysplasia, and for familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP). IPAA can be a treatment option for selected patients with Crohn's colitis without perianal and/or small bowel disease. The term "pouchitis" refers to nonspecific inflammation of the pouch and is a common complication in patients with IPAA; it occurs more often in UC patients than in FAP patients. This suggests that the pathogenetic background of UC may contribute significantly to the development of pouchitis. The symptoms of pouchitis are many, and can include increased bowel frequency, urgency, tenesmus, incontinence, nocturnal seepage, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps, and pelvic discomfort. The diagnosis of pouchitis is based on the presence of symptoms together with endoscopic and histological evidence of inflammation of the pouch. However, "pouchitis" is a general term representing a wide spectrum of diseases and conditions, which can emerge in the pouch. Based on the etiology we can sub-divide pouchitis into 2 groups: idiopathic and secondary. In idiopathic pouchitis the etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear, while in secondary pouchitis there is an association with a specific causative or pathogenetic factor. Secondary pouchitis can occur in up to 30% of cases and can be classified as infectious, ischemic, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs-induced, collagenous, autoimmuneassociated, or Crohn's disease. Sometimes, cuffitis or irritable pouch syndrome can be misdiagnosed as pouchitis. Furthermore, idiopathic pouchitis itself can be sub-classified into types based on the clinical pattern, presentation, and responsiveness to antibiotic treatment. Treatment differs among the various forms of pouchitis. Therefore, it is important to establish the correct diagnosis in order to select the appropriatetreatment and further management. In this editorial, we present the spectrum of pouchitis and the specific features related to the diagnosis and treatment of the various forms.

Fecal microbiota in pouchitis and ulcerative colitis

AIM To investigate the changes in microbiota in feces of patients with ulcerative colitis(UC) and pouchitis using genomic technology.METHODS Fecal samples were obtained from UC patients with or without an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis(IPAA) procedure, as well as healthy controls. The touchdown polymerase chain reaction technique was used to amplify the whole V3 region of the 16 S r RNA gene, which was transcribed from DNA extracted from fecal samples. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to separate the amplicons. The band profiles and similarity indices were analyzed digitally. The predominant microbiota in different groups was confirmed by sequencing the 16 S rR NA gene. RESULTS Microbial biodiversity in the healthy controls was significantly higher compared with the UC groups(P < 0.001) and IPAA groups(P < 0.001). Compared with healthy controls, the UC patients in remission and those in the mildly active stage, the predominant species in patients with moderately and severely active UC changed obviously. In addition, the proportion of the dominant microbiota, which was negatively correlated with the disease activity of UC(r =-6.591, P < 0.01),was decreased in pouchitis patients. The numbers of two types of bacteria, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Eubacterium rectale, were reduced in UC. Patients with pouchitis had an altered microbiota composition compared with UC patients. The microbiota from pouchitis patients was less diverse than that from severely active UC patients. Sequencing results showed that similar microbiota, such as Clostridium perfringens, were shared in both UC and pouchitis.CONCLUSION Less diverse fecal microbiota was present in patients with UC and pouchitis. Increased C. perfringens in feces suggest its role in the exacerbation of UC and pouchitis.

Diversion colitis and pouchitis: A mini-review

Diversion colitis is characterized by inflammation of the mucosa in the defunctioned segment of the colon after colostomy or ileostomy. Similar to diversion colitis, diversion pouchitis is an inflammatory disorder occurring in the ileal pouch, resulting from the exclusion of the fecal stream and a subsequent lack of nutrients from luminal bacteria. Although the vast majority of patients with surgically-diverted gastrointestinal tracts remain asymptomatic, it has been reported that diversion colitis and pouchitis might occur in almost all patients with diversion. Surgical closure of the stoma, with reestablishment of gut continuity, is the only curative intervention available for patients with diversion disease. Pharmacologic treatments using short-chain fatty acids, mesalamine, or corticosteroids are reportedly effective for those who are not candidates for surgical reestablishment; however, there are no established assessment criteria for determining the severity of diversion colitis, and no management strategies to date. Therefore, in this mini-review, we summarize and review various recently-reported treatments for diversion disease. We are hopeful that the information summarized here will assist physicians who treat patients with diversion colitis and pouchitis, leading to better case management.

Defensin expression in chronic pouchitis in patients with ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis coli

AIM. Pouchitis develops in ileoanal pouches in up to 50% of patients with ulcerative colitis during the first 10 years after pouch surgery while being rare in patients after proctocolectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis coil （FAP） syndrome. Defensins are major components of the innate immune system and play a significant role in gastrointestinal microbial homeostasis. Pouch defensin and cytokine expression were correlated with states of pouch inflammation to study their role in pouchitis.METHODS： Patients with ulcerative colitis and FAP syndrome were stratified into groups with pouches after surgery, pouches without or with pouchitis. Biopsies from terminal ileum from a healthy intestine or from normal terminal ileum of patients with ulcerative colitis served as controls, mRNA from pouches and controls was analysed for defensin and cytokine expression.RESULTS： Expression of defensins was increased in all pouches immediately after surgery, compared to ileum of controls. Initially, pouches in ulcerative colitis revealed higher defensin expression than FAP pouches. Defensin expression declined in both patient groups and increased again slightly in pouchitis in patients with ulcerative colitis. FAP pouches without pouchitis had strong expression of β-defensin hBD-1, while all other defensins remained at low levels. Cytokine expression in ulcerative colitis pouches was high, while FAP pouches showed moderately elevated cytokines only after surgery.CONCLUSION： Development of pouchitis correlates with decreased defensin expression in ulcerative colitis in addition to high expression of cytokines. The low incidence of pouchitis in FAP pouches correlates with increased expression of hBD-1 β- defensin in association with low cytokine levels.

Role of intestinal flora imbalance in pathogenesis of pouchitis

Objective: To discuss the role of intestinal flora imbalance in the pathogenesis of pouchitis. Methods: The puochitis rat model was established and the faeces sample and the mucous membrane sample were collected regularly, in which the bacterial nucleic acids were extracted for quantitative analysis of the intestinal flora in the samples through using the real-time quantitative PCR technique and high energy sequencing technology. Results: The disorder phenomenon of the intestinal flora appeared at the 7th day of the experiment, and the pouchitis was presented at the 21 th day of the experiment. At the 31 th day of the experiment, compared to control group and non-pouchitis group, the quantity of Bifidobacterium and the Lactobacillusof the pouchitis model rats in the mucous membrane sample and the faeces sample were significantly decreased(P<0.05), and the Bacteroidetes, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and 桛 Clostridium leptum subgroup in the mucous membrane of pouchitis were significantly decreased(P<0.05). The Clostridium coccoides group was the main flora in the mucous membrane of pouchitis, the bacterial diversity of non-puochitis group and control group was significantly higher than that of the puochitis group(P<0.05). Conclusions: The intestinal flora imbalance is one of the factors that cause the incidence of the pouhitis; this study provides a clue of the pathogenesis and treatment direction of the intestinal inflammatory disease.

Combined carriership of TLR9 -1237C and CD14 -260T alleles enhances the risk of developing chronic relapsing pouchitis

AIM： To investigate the single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） in genes involved in bacterial recognition and the susceptibility to pouchitis or pouchitis severity. METHODS： Analyses of CD14 -260C〉T, CARD15/ NOD2 3020insC, Toll-like receptor （TLR）4 ＋896A〉G, TLR9 -1237T〉C, TLR9＋2848G〉A, and IRAKM ＋ 22148G〉A SNPs were performed in 157 ileal-pouch anal anastomosis （IPAA） patients （79 patients who did not develop pouchitis, 43 infrequent pouchitis patients, 35 chronic relapsing pouchitis patients） and 224 Italian Caucasian healthy controls. RESULTS： No significant differences were found in SNP frequencies between controls and IPAA patients. However, a significant difference in carriership frequency of the TLRg-1237C allele was found between the infrequent pouchitis and chronic relapsing pouchitis groups [P = 0.028, odd＇s ratio （OR） = 3.2, 95%CI = 1.2-8.6]. This allele uniquely represented a 4-locus TLR9 haplotype comprising both studied TLR9 SNPs in Caucasians. Carrier trait analysis revealed an enhanced combined carriership of the alleles TLR9 -1237C and CD14 -260T in the chronic relapsing pouchitis and infrequent pouchitis group （P = 0.018, OR = 4.1, 95%CI = 1.4 -12.3）. There is no evidence that the SNPs predispose to the need for IPAA surgery. The significant increase of the combined carriershoip of the CD14-260T and TLR9-1237C alleles in the chronic relapsing pouchitis group suggests that these markers identift a subgroup of IPAA patients with a rish of developing chronic or refractory pouchitis.

Possible role of human cytomegalovirus in pouchitis after proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with ulcerative colitis

AIM: To detect the presence of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) proteins and genes on the ileal pouch of patients with ulcerative colitis who have undergone proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (iPAA). METHODS: immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR sequencing methods were utilized to test the presence of HCMV in pouch specimens taken from 34 patients in 86 endoscopies. RESULTS: HCMV genes and proteins were detected in samples from 12 (35.2%) patients. The rate of detection was significant in the endoscopies from patients diagnosed with pouchitis (5 of 12, 41.6%), according to the Japanese classification of pouchitis, in comparison to patients with normal pouch (7 of 62, 11.2%; P = 0.021). in all patients with pouchitis in which the HCMV was detected, it was the first episode of pouchitis. The virus was not detected in previous biopsies taken in normal endoscopies of these patients. During the follow- up, HCMV was detected in one patient with recurrent pouchitis and in 3 patients whose pouchitis episodes improved but whose positive endoscopic findings persisted. CONCLUSION: HCMV can take part in the inflammatory process of the pouch in some patients with ulcerative colitis who have undergone proctocolectomy with iPAA.

Antibiotics and probiotics in chronic pouchitis:A comparative proteomic approach

AIM:To profile protein expression in mucosal biopsies from patients with chronic refractory pouchitis following antibiotic or probiotic treatment,using a comparative proteomic approach. METHODS:Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry were used to characterize the changes related to antibiotic therapy in the protein expression profiles of biopsy samples from patients with chronic refractory pouchitis.The same proteomic approach was applied to identify differentially expressed proteins in the non-inflamed pouch before and after probiotic administration. RESULTS:In the first set of 2D gels,26 different proteins with at least 2-fold changes in their expression levels between the pouchitis condition and antibiotic-induced remission were identified.In the second set of analysis,the comparison between mucosal biopsy proteomes in the normal and probiotic-treated pouch resulted in 17 significantly differently expressed proteins.Of these,8 exhibited the same pattern of deregulation as in the pouchitis/pouch remission group. CONCLUSION:For the first time,2D protein maps of mucosal biopsies from patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were provided,and differentially expressed proteins following antibiotic/probiotic treatment were identified.

Successful treatment of severe pouchitis with rebamipide refractory to antibiotics and corticosteroids:A case report

The antibiotics, metronidazole and ciprofloxacin, are the first-line treatment for pouchitis. Patients who do not respond to antibiotics or conventional medications represent a major challenge to therapy. In this report, we have described a successful treatment of severe refractory pouchitis with a novel agent, rebamipide, known to promote epithelial cell regeneration and angiogenesis. A 27-year-old male with ileo-anal pouch surgery presented with worsening anal pain, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The patient was diagnosed to have pouchitis and was given metronidazole together with betamethasone enema （3.95 rag/dose）. However, despite this intensive therapy, the patient did not improve. On endoscopy, ulceration and inflammation were seen in the ileal pouch together with contact bleeding and mucous discharge. The patient was treated with rebamipide enema （150 rag/close） twice a clay for 8 wk without additional drug therapy. Two weeks after the rebamipide therapy, stool frequency started to decrease and fecal hemoglobin became negative at the 4^th wk. At the end of the therapy, endoscopy revealed that ulcers in the ileal pouch had healed with no obvious inflammation. The effect of rebamipide enema was dramatic and was maintained throughout the ll-mo follow-up. The patient continued to be in remission. No adverse effects were observed during the treatment or the follow-up period. The sustained response seen in this case with severe and refractory pouchitis indicates that agents, which promote epithelial cell growth, angiogenesis and mucosal tissue regeneration, are potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of refractory colorectal lesions.

Diffuse gastroduodenitis and pouchitis associated with ulcerative colitis

We experienced a very rare case of ulcerative colitis (UC) accompanied with analogous lesions in the stomach, duodenum, and ileal J -pouch. Ileal J-pouch anal anastomosis was performed on a 29-year old woman in 1996. Six years later, she was admitted again to our hospital because of epigastralgia, nausea, watery diarrhea and low fever. Based on the results of endoscopic examination, we diagnosed it as pouchitis. Moreover, on hypotonic duodenography, expansion of the duodenal bulb and the descending portion were poor. Kerckring folds disappeared with typical lead-pipe appearance. The pathogenesis of the gastric and duodenal lesion in this patient was similar to that of the colonic lesions of UC. For the gastroduodenal lesions in this patient, symptomatic remission was obtained following administration of crushed mesalazine tablets (1500 mg/d) for 14 d with continuous administration of omeprazole. Firstly we used ciprofloxacin to treat pouchitis. On the fifth day, she got a fever because of catheter infection. In the catheter culture, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected. Therefore we changed ciprofloxacin to vancomycin hydrochloride (Vancomycin?). Vancomycin was very effective, and the stool frequency dramatically improved in three days. Now she continues to take mesalazine, but her condition is stable and there has been no recurrence of pouchitis.

Infliximab for the treatment of pouchitis

Pouchitis is not a rare complication that develops after an ileal-pouch anastomosis, performed after colectomy in patients refractory to treatment or with complicated ulcerative colitis. This condition may become chronic and unresponsive to medical therapies, including corticosteroids, antibiotics and probiotics. The advent of biological therapies(tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors) has changed the course of these complications. In particular, in these cases, infliximab(IFX) may represent a safe and effective therapy in order to avoid the subsequent operation for a permanent ileostomy. This article reviews the therapeutic effects of one of the most widely used anti-tumor necrosis factor-α molecules, IFX, for the treatment of complicated pouchitis(refractory to conventional treatment and/or fistulizing).

Relationship between pouch microbiota and pouchitis following restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis(IPAA)has become the surgical treatment of choice for many patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis(UC)and familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP).UC patients with IPAA(UC-IPAA)are,nevertheless,susceptible to inflammatory and noninflammatory sequelae such as pouchitis,which is only rarely noted in FAP patients with IPAA.Pouchitis is the most frequent long-term complication of UC-IPAA patients,with a cumulative prevalence of up to 50%.Although the aetiology of pouchitis remains unclear,accumulating evidence suggests that a dysbiosis of the pouch microbiota and an abnormal mucosal immune response are implicated in its pathogenesis.Studies using culture and molecular techniques have detected a dysbiosis of the pouch microbiota in patients with pouchitis.Risk factors,genetic associations,and serological markers suggest that interactions between the host immune response and the pouch microbiota underlie the aetiology of this idiopathic inflammatory condition.This systematic review focuses on the dysbiosis of the microbiota that inhabit the pouch in UC and FAP patients and its interaction with the mucosal immune system.A metaanalysis was not attempted due to the highly heterogeneous microbiota composition and the different detection methods used by the various studies.Although no specific bacterial species,genus,or family has as yet been identified as pathogenic,there is evidence that a dysbiosis characterized by decreased gut microbiota diversity in UC-IPAA patients may,in genetically predisposed subjects,lead to aberrant mucosal immune regulation triggering an inflammatory process.

Pouchitis and pre-pouch ileitis developed after restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis:A case report

We report a case of pouchitis and pre-pouch ileitis, and inflammation in the neo-terminal ileum proximal to the pouch, developed after restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. A 35-year old female presented with fever and abdominal pain five weeks after ileostomy closure following proctocolectomy. Computed tomography showed collection of feces in the pouch and proximal ileum. A drainage tube was placed in the pouch perianally, and purulent feces were discharged. With antibiotic treatment, her symptoms disappeared, but two weeks later, she repeatedly developed fever and abdominal pain along with anal bleeding. Pouchscopy showed mucosal inflammation in both the pouch and the pre-pouch ileum. The mucosal cytokine production was elevated in the pouch and pre-pouch ileum. With antibiotic and corticosteroid therapy, her symptoms were improved along with improvement of endoscopic inflammation and decrease of mucosal cytokine production. The fecal stasis with bacterial overgrowth is the major pathogenesis of pouchitis and pre-pouch ileitis in our case.

Lactobacillus acidophilus alleviates pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in rats

AIM To assess the therapeutic potential of Lactobacillus acidophilus(LA) for the treatment of pouchitis in a rat model.METHODS Sprague Dawley rats underwent proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis followed by administration of dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) to induce pouchitis. Rats with pouchitis were randomly divided into three groups: no intervention(NI), normal saline(NS, 3 m L/d normal saline for 7 d), and LA(3 m L/d LA at 1× 1010 colony-forming units for 7 d). General body condition was recorded and pouch specimens were obtained for histological examination. m RNA expression levels of interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α were determined by RT-PCR. Zonula occludens protein 1(ZO-1) levels were measured by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS LA reduced weight loss associated with pouchitis(P < 0.05) and improved the symptoms of pouchitis in rats. Compared with the NI and NS groups, rats in the LAgroup showed earlier disappearance of hematochezia(6.17 ± 0.75, 6.50 ± 0.55, 3.17 ± 0.75, P < 0.05) and higher fecal scores(2.67 ± 0.48, 2.50 ± 0.51, 4.42 ± 0.50, respectively, P < 0.05). Histological scores were also lower in the LA group compared with the other two groups(7.17 ± 0.98, 8.00 ± 0.89, 4.00 ± 0.89, respectively, P < 0.05). m RNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were significantly reduced, while IL-10 m RNA levels were significantly increased in the LA group(P < 0.05, respectively). ZO-1 protein levels were also significantly increased after administration of LA(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION LA alleviates pouchitis induced by DSS after ileal pouchanal anastomosis by decreasing pro-inflammatory factors and increasing anti-inflammatory factors, and restoring ZO-1 expression in the mucosa.

Secondary pouchitis in a post-operative patient with ulcerative colitis,successfully treated by salvage surgery

We report a case of secondary pouchitis, defined as a mucosal inflammatory lesion in the ileal reservoir provoked by pouch-related complication following total colectomy and pouch anal anastomosis, which was successfully treated by salvage surgery. A 20-year-old woman with ulcerative colitis developed acute severe bloody diarrhea following proctocolectomy, ileal pouchanal anastomosis and diverting ileostomy. She was diagnosed as having a secondary pouchitis mainly caused by a peripouch abscess and partly concerned with the abnormal pouch formation. The remnantrectum and ileal pouch were excised and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and diverting ileostomy were constructed.The postoperative course was uneventful with no sign of pouchitis. Salvage surgery may be indicated to treat secondary pouchitis when caused by surgery-related complications.

Effectiveness of vedolizumab treatment in two different anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha refractory pouchitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Refractory pouchitis is a common cause of pouch failure,which may require surgical excision of the pouch or permanent diversion.We aimed to show the effect of vedolizumab on treatment of the patient with refractory pouchitis.CASE SUMMARY A 32-year-old male with pancolonic ulcerative colitis since the age of 25 with primary failure of infliximab and mesalamine and intolerance of azathioprine,underwent a total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in 2012.He developed chronic diarrhea in 2014,which was watery,30 per day and accompanied with blood and mucus affecting his quality of life.CONCLUSION Vedolizumab is safe and effective in the management of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha refractory pouchitis.

The pathogenesis of primary pouchitis following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: a review of current hypotheses

Primary pouchitis is a common complication of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis following proctocolectomy in patients treated for ulcerative colitis (UC), but is un-usual for those treated for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). While a number of theories as to the pathogenesis of this inflammatory condition have been proposed, no single one has been wholly satis-factory. Much research has been devoted to investi-gating a link between the pathogenic factors involved in UC, but not FAP, and those underlying pouchitis. The contribution of sulfate-producing bacteria has also been explored. The role of other intraluminal factors, such as short chain fatty acids and unconju-gated bile salts, has also been investigated. A unifying theory of a multi-step process might explain the pathogenesis of pouchitis, but further research is re-quired to proof causation. It is likely that pouchitis develops as a result of a combination of genetic, im-munological, microbial and metabolic factors. Future insight into the causes of pouchitis may eventually allow for the development of more effective treat-ments.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic antibioticrefractory ischemic pouchitis

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy(HBOT)has been shown to be efficacious in treating various conditions,including perianal Crohn’s disease.Here we present a case of a 59-year-old male with a history of ulcerative colitis,who underwent a total proctocolectomy and two-stage J-pouch construction.He later developed chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis with endoscopic features of ischemia.At the completion of HOBT-a total of 20 sessions of 100%oxygen at 2.5-3.0 atmospheres absolute for 60-90 minutes per session-a repeat pouchoscopy showed marked improvement of endoscopic mucosal inflammation.HBOT is known to increase tissue oxygenation,reduce tissue hypoxia,alter inflammatory pathways and promote tissue healing.This case demonstrated the therapeutic role of HBOT as well as the possible disease mechanism in chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis.

Oral vancomycin in the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis-associated pouchitis

Introduction Pouchitis is a common complication in those with restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis(IPAA).Some patients may develop chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis and its management can be challenging.Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)has consistently been reported to be a risk factor for chronic pouchitis.Patients with PSC-associated pouchitis and enteritis may represent a unique phenotype[1]that usually does not respond to conventional antibiotics,such as metronidazole and ciprofloxacin.PSC-associated pouchitis has been treated with budesonide[2].

Role of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics in management of inflammatory bowel disease: Current perspectives

Experimental evidence supports the fact that changes in the bowel microflora due to environmental or dietary factors have been investigated as implicating factors in the etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).The amassing knowledge that the inhabited microbiome regulates the gut physiology and immune functions in IBD,has led researchers to explore the effectiveness of prebiotics,probiotics,and synbiotics in treating IBD.This therapeutic approach focuses on restoring the dynamic balance between the microflora and host defense mechanisms in the intestinal mucosa to prevent the onset and persistence of intestinal inflammation.Numerous microbial strains and carbohydrate blends,along with their combinations have been examined in experimental colitis models and clinical trials,and the results indicated that it can be an attractive therapeutic strategy for the suppression of inflammation,remission induction,and relapse prevention in IBD with minimal side effects.Several mechanisms of action of probiotics(for e.g.,Lactobacillus species,and Bifidobacterium species)have been reported such as suppression of pathogen growth by releasing certain antimicrobial mediators(lactic and hydrogen peroxide,acetic acid,and bacteriocins),immunomodulation and initiation of an immune response,enhancement of barrier activity,and suppression of human T-cell proliferation.Prebiotics such as lactulose,lactosucrose,oligofructose,and inulin have been found to induce the growth of certain types of host microflora,resulting in an enriched enteric function.These non-digestible food dietary components have been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α-related cytokines while augmenting interleukin-10 levels.Although proand prebiotics has established their efficacy in healthy subjects,a better understanding of the luminal ecosystem is required to determine which specific bacterial strain or combination of probiotics and prebiotics would prove to be the ideal treatment for IBD.Clinical trials,however,have given some conflicting results,requiring the necessity to cite the more profound clinical effect of these treatments on IBD remission and prevention.The purpose of this review article is to provide the most comprehensive and updated review on the utility of prebiotics,probiotics,and synbiotics in the management of active Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis/pouchitis.