The role of metal metabolism in inflammatory bowel disease: Pathogenesis, clinical application, and therapeutic targets.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of chronic and recurrent inflammatory disorders of the intestine, mainly including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). These conditions usually present with abdominal pain, diarrhea, hematochezia, and weight loss, and may also lead to systemic complications. The pathogenesis of IBD is not fully understood but involves complex interactions among genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, environmental factors, and intestinal microbiota changes. This review summarizes current knowledge of metal metabolism disorders in patients with IBD, with a focus on iron (Fe), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn), and their associations with IBD. It also examines the role of metal metabolism disorders in IBD pathogenesis and explores potential therapeutic strategies. Approaches such as inhibition of ferroptosis, regulation of copper homeostasis, modulation of calcium channels, and supplementation with magnesium and zinc, as well as adjustment of manganese metabolism, have been proposed to improve outcomes in IBD. In addition, the review highlights potential therapeutic roles of biological agents and nanomaterials, emphasizing their mechanisms through the regulation of metal metabolism.