The role for dickkopf-homolog-1 in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease-associated fistulae.

Background: One of the most challenging conditions in Crohn's disease (CD) patients is the treatment of perianal fistulae. We have recently shown that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role during CD-fistulae development. Dickkopf-homolog 1 (DKK-1) is known to play a key role during EMT.

A role for tumor necrosis factor and bacterial antigens in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease-associated fistulae.

Background: Intestinal fistulae represent a severe complication of Crohn's disease (CD). The authors have demonstrated that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition plays a pivotal role in their pathogenesis. High levels of interleukin-13 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are detected in myofibroblast-like transitional cells covering the fistula tracts.