The role of apoptosis and its potential as a therapeutic target in inflammatory bowel disease associated with colorectal cancer

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a significant global health issue characterized by a complex etiology and high rates of recurrence. IBD increases the risk of acquiring colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC, the third leading cause of cancer worldwide, is becoming increasingly prevalent each year. Treatments targeting IBD and associated CRC do not yield effective results. One of the cell death processes associated with IBD pathogenesis is apoptosis. Although apoptosis helps maintain the intestinal barrier of the gut, excessive apoptosis is linked to the development of IBD and contributes to the growth and progression of CRC. In IBD, pro-apoptotic molecules are elevated, while they decrease in CRC. Therefore, therapies that inhibit pro-apoptotic molecules in IBD and enhance apoptosis in CRC may help prevent IBD and the associated CRC. This article reviews the mechanisms of apoptosis and its involvement in IBD and CRC. It also examines possible therapies, including gene and combination therapies that target apoptosis molecules and their signaling pathways in IBD and CRC.