Mitochondria are important organelles that regulate cellular energy and biosynthesis, as well as maintain the body’s response to environmental stress. Their dynamics and autophagy influence occurrence of cellular function, particularly under stressful conditions. They can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) which is a major contributor to inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis (UC). In this review, we discuss the key effects of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy on the pathogenesis of UC, with a particular focus on the cellular energy metabolism, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and immunoinflammatory activities. The therapeutic efficacy of existing drugs and phytochemicals targeting the mitochondrial pathway are discussed to reveal important insights for developing therapeutic strategies for treating UC. In addition, new molecular checkpoints with therapeutic potential are identified. We show that the integration of mitochondrial biology with the clinical aspects of UC may generate ideas for enhancing the clinical management of UC.

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting millions worldwide. Tofacitinib, an inhibitor of Janus kinase (JAK), has shown considerable potential as an effective treatment option for individuals suffering from moderate to severe UC, aiming to mitigate the risk of colectomy, hospitalization, and disease exacerbation.Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature review from 2012 to 2024 to assess the study landscape of Tofacitinib in UC. Employing the Web of Science Core Collection database (WOSCC) and the bibliometric tool CiteSpace, we performed an bibliometric analysis to delineate disciplinary evolution and identify research hotspots within the UC Tofacitinib domain.Results: Our analysis extracted 406 UC Tofacitinib-related articles from WOSCC, indicating a growing body of literature. The United States and Europe are at the forefront of research maturity, with a significant contribution to the field. Here we show that multidisciplinary research is burgeoning, which is crucial for the advancement of UC Tofacitinib studies. We identified 13 highly cited documents and 10 co-cited documents, highlighting Tofacitinib’s prominence as a small molecule agent. Keyword analysis revealed that the intestinal barrier, clinical response, remission rate, and safety are the central themes of current research.Conclusion: By applying bibliometrics, citation analysis, and knowledge mapping, this study provides a snapshot of the current state and trajectory of Tofacitinib research in UC. We have elucidated the knowledge lineage in this field, offering insights that can inform both ongoing and future research endeavors. Our findings underscore the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in advancing UC therapeutic strategies.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are two chronic conditions previously considered pathologically unrelated. However, accumulating epidemiological evidence suggests that patients with IBD may have an elevated risk. This review systematically analyzes the mechanistic links between IBD and AD, emphasizing the roles of gut microbiota dysbiosis, systemic and neuroinflammation, and glymphatic dysfunction. We propose a putative conceptual framework incorporating the ‘gut–glymphatic axis’ as a potential conduit through which IBD-associated microbial and immune perturbations may influence AD pathology. Key pathways include short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan metabolites, trimethylamine N-oxide, and bile acids, all of which modulate neuroinflammation and amyloid-β clearance. Additionally, circadian disruption and impaired aquaporin-4 polarity in the glymphatic system may represent novel links between intestinal inflammation and neurodegenerative changes. Preclinical animal models suggest that colitis exacerbates AD-like pathology via NLRP3 inflammasome activation, neutrophil infiltration, and microglial dysfunction. Natural bioactive compounds—such as ginsenosides, curcumin, baicalin, berberine, and magnolol—show dual therapeutic potential in both IBD and AD by targeting shared inflammatory and microbiota pathways. However, validated comorbidity models and clinical trials are lacking. This review provides a scientifically grounded basis for future mechanistic studies and integrated interventions for IBD–AD comorbidity.