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World J Gastroenterol. Mar 28, 2014; 20(12): 3223-3230
Published online Mar 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i12.3223
Trefoil factors in inflammatory bowel disease
Luise Aamann, Else Marie Vestergaard, Henning Grønbæk
Luise Aamann, Henning Grønbæk, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
Else Marie Vestergaard, Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
Author contributions: All the authors contributed to this manuscript.
Correspondence to: Henning Grønbæk, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade 44, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark. henngroe@rm.dk
Telephone: +45-2167-9281   Fax: +45-7846-2820
Received: September 26, 2013
Revised: January 24, 2014
Accepted: February 20, 2014
Published online: March 28, 2014
Processing time: 181 Days and 14 Hours
Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which comprises ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The trefoil factors 1, 2, and 3 (TFF1-3) are a family of peptides that play important roles in the protection and repair of epithelial surfaces, including the gastrointestinal tract. TFFs may be involved in IBD pathogenesis and are a potential treatment option. In the present review, we describe the TFF family and their potential role in IBD by summarizing the current knowledge of their expression, possible function and pharmacological role in IBD.

Keywords: Trefoil factors; Inflammatory bowel disease; Ulcerative colitis; Crohn’s disease; Inflammation

Core tip: Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are characterized by mucosal inflammation. The trefoil factor (TFF) family consists of three peptides, TFF1, TFF2 and TFF3, and all are widely distributed in the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. The TFFs facilitate a significant role not only in mucosal repair but also in protecting mucous epithelia from a variety of insults. This review describes the trefoil factor family and the role of the peptide family in relation to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and we summarize the current knowledge of their expression, possible function and potential pharmacological role in IBD.