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World J Gastroenterol. Jun 14, 2026; 32(22): 118745
Published online Jun 14, 2026. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v32.i22.118745
Published online Jun 14, 2026. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v32.i22.118745
Circadian clock at the interface of mucosal immunity, gut microbiota and epithelial barrier in inflammatory bowel disease
Ke-Xin Yu, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
Zhan-Jun Lu, Department of Gastroenterology, Jintan Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jintan 213200, Jiangsu Province, China
Author contributions: Yu KX conceptualized the study and wrote the original draft; Lu ZJ supervised the study and reviewed and edited the manuscript. Both authors approved the final version to publish.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Zhan-Jun Lu, MD, PhD, Chief Physician, Department of Gastroente
Received: January 12, 2026
Revised: January 31, 2026
Accepted: March 17, 2026
Published online: June 14, 2026
Processing time: 139 Days and 22.4 Hours
Revised: January 31, 2026
Accepted: March 17, 2026
Published online: June 14, 2026
Processing time: 139 Days and 22.4 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Disrupted circadian clock gene networks link mucosal immune imbalance, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and epithelial barrier failure in inflammatory bowel disease. Chronotherapy, particularly behavioral interventions, such as stabilizing sleep-wake schedules and meal timing, is a plausible avenue. However, evidence supporting medication timing in the treatment of IBD remains limited and heterogeneous. Thus, rigorous prospective trials are needed before clinical recommendations can be made.