Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) represent the two major forms of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). UC is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory condition affecting the colon and rectum. Increasing data provide evidence of a complex interplay between components of the innate immune system and environmental factors, notably the microflora of the intestinal mucosa, in the healthy gut. This relationship is dysregulated in UC. Current concepts of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and management of ulcerative colitis are reviewed.