Role of high-mobility group box 1 protein in inflammatory bowel disease.

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a nuclear non-histone DNA-binding protein. It is released into the extracellular milieu and mediates inflammatory responses, which contribute to the pathogenesis of numerous inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). An online search was performed in PubMed and Web of Science databases for articles providing evidence on the role of HMGB1 in IBD. HMGB1 plays an important role in IBD pathogenesis. Application of HMGB1 antagonists reduced inflammatory reactions and ameliorated colitis in rodent models, which may provide new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of IBD.