Marian Bátovský
the pathogenesis of Crohn´s disease (CD) is complex and multifactorial. Besides immunological and environmental factors,
genetic predisposition plays an important role in the susceptibility to the CD. At present, the genetic aetiology of
CD is based on polygenic models of inheritance with environmental stimuli. The search for CD susceptibility genes has
been performed using either a genome-wide screening strategy or a candidate gene approach. The discovery of the
CARD15 gene is a milestone in the history of CD. It will give new insights on the pathogenesis of CD. Other well documented
genes which increase the risk of developing CD are ATG16L1, IL23R, IRGM. Due to its genetic complexity and
heterogeneity it will probably take many years to discover all the CD genes. Based on the results of genetic research,
new treatment strategies can be developed. It may also lead to the development of clinical genetic tests, for example
to confirm the diagnosis in CD-affected patients, or it may provide a screening test in symptomatic individuals. Otherwise,
genotyping in patients diagnosed with CD may be useful as a prognostic test concerning the disease course and
response to therapy.