Before revision:  We found that CD involved the Th1 pathway, while UC involved the Th2 pathway.Further analysis on gene networks demonstrated that dyslipidemia, epigenetic modulations and dysbiosis play a key role in CD, while inflammation, angiogenesis and potential carcinogenesis processes are involved in UC. Further, this dysbiosis and dyslipidemia in CD is associated with microbiome population change, suggestive of altered levels of micronutrients. Finally, using extended networks based on metabolomics and protein-protein interactions, we were able to suggest a role for synergistic approach in guiding treatment for CD and UC .
After revision:  Results: We use a Systems and Network Medicine approach to understand the mechanism of actions of genes involved in IBD. From an initial set of genes mined from literature and curated databases, we used the Multi-Steiner Tree algorithm implemented within the CoVex systems medicine platform to expand each disease module by incorporating candidate genes with significant connections to the disease-related seed genes. Such expanded disease modules will identify a larger set of potential targets and drugs. We used the Closeness Centrality algorithm implemented within CoVex to search for newer targets and repurposable drugs. Through a network medicine approach, we provide a mechanistic view of the diseases and point to newer drugs and targets. Conclusion: We demonstrate that the Systems and Network Medicine approach is a powerful way to understand diseases and understand their mechanisms of action .