Title:Silver and Other Metals in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases
Volume: 22
Issue: 32
Author(s): Krzysztof Siczek, Hubert Zatorski and Jakub Fichna
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal tract, inflammatory bowel diseases, microbiota, nanoparticles, silver.
Abstract: Disturbance in the functioning of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can critically affect
the health and even the life of the whole organism. Several factors, both exo- and endogenous
may contribute to the dysregulation of homeostasis in the digestive system, including
genetic background, ingestion of highly processed food, exposition to environmental pollution
or chronic stress, and changes in gut microflora, to name just a few. An important number of these factors
rely on metals, which often play a dual, stimulatory and inhibitory role in crucial physiological processes.
In this paper, we focus on the structures incorporating silver, copper and other metals as future drugs against
GI diseases. We critically review available literature for their effectiveness and potential application, and discuss
clinical relevance of these findings.
