The Role of Visceral Adipose Tissue in the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory granulomatous disease, which usually occurs at the end of the ileum and adjacent colon with segmental distribution. The pathogenesis of CD's intestinal lesions is not completely clear, which is related to multiple factors such as heredity, immunity, and environment. Adipose tissue plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CD. Recently, it has been found that visceral adipose tissue (VAT), especially its mesenteric component, i.e. creeping fat, has an impact on the disease course through its immunomodulatory properties. This paper reviews the research progress of VAT in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of CD, in order to provide theoretical basis for clinicians.