 |
|
Scientists find gene target that may protect against Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
October 27, 2006The discovery by a six-member Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Genetics Consortium of a genetic risk factor for IBD has been reported in Science Express, the online publication of the journal Science. According to one of the Canadian principal investigators, director of the Laboratory in Genetics and Genomic Medicine of Inflammation at the Montreal Heart Institute, Dr. John D. Rioux, "This discovery may lead to a paradigm shift in our thinking from 'genetics of diseases to genetics of health', particularly as concerns Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis." This discovery was, in part, due to the contributions of the gastroenterologists of the Quebec IBD Genetics Consortium led by Dr. Rioux and Dr. Alain Bitton of the McGill University Health Centre.
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, describes two similar yet distinct conditions called Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases affect the digestive system and cause the intestinal tissue to become inflamed, form sores and bleed easily. Symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue and diarrhea.
Crohn's disease may affect the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, and while Crohn's disease can not be cured by drugs or surgery, either may relieve symptoms.
In Canada, an estimated 170,000 Canadian men and women suffer from IBD, most frequently between the ages of 15-25, or 45-55. It is particularly difficult for children and young adults since it often affects a person's self-concept. IBD is found throughout the world. However, it appears to be most common in North America and northern Europe; Canada having one of the highest incidence rates of IBD in the world. (1) In the U.S., more than 1 million Americans have Crohn's or colitis.
Since IBD tends to run in families and is more frequent in certain populations, especially Ashkenazi Jews, scientists have long suspected a significant genetic component. Although previous genetic studies found a link between Crohn's disease and mutations in a gene known as CARD15, those mutations alone are not considered to account for the entire genetic component of disease.
According to senior author Judy H. Cho, M.D., associate professor in the departments of Medicine and Genetics at Yale School of Medicine, the findings highlight a major inflammatory pathway and may change our thinking about disease-associated genetic variation. "This pathway is particularly intriguing because we appear to have identified a gene variant that protects against development of IBD," said Dr. Cho, who is also director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Yale.
While mutations of the gene which codes for a receptor in a major inflammatory pathway are strongly associated with Crohn's disease, surprisingly, Consortium researchers report that one type of mutation may confer significant protection and identify potential targets for drugs therapies for the management of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
To identify additional genes that are associated with IBD, the international team of researchers scanned the genome - some 22,000 - by testing more than 300,000 nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs, in people with Crohn's disease, and a similar number of people without IBD. The scan led to an unexpected discovery.
Although several polymorphisms were associated with a significantly increased risk of developing IBD, one appeared to confer a very strong protection against IBD.
"Of all the SNPs we studied in people with and without IBD, this protective SNP was the most statistically significant finding in our study. So, it took us a bit by surprise," said first author, Richard H. Duerr, M.D., associate professor of medicine and human genetics, University of Pittsburgh. "What it means in terms of improving treatments for IBD patients, we are not sure yet."
Nonetheless, members of the Consortium are attempting to tease out the specific downstream effects of this protective polymorphism. Yet, because IL-23 plays an important role in activating inflammation, including in the organs of the digestive tract, it could be an extremely important target for improving the management of Crohn's disease and other IBDs.
"Recent studies in mice in which the gene for IL-23 was deleted demonstrated that it is essential for triggering chronic intestinal inflammation. Such evidence, combined with the current discovery, suggests therapies that target the IL-23 pathway may lead to more individualized, better-directed therapies for IBDs. In fact, blocking the activity of IL-23 or manipulating its pathway may be an effective way to manage IBD," said Dr. Rioux. "I am confident that the future genetic studies by this collaborative group will continue to improve our understanding of these and other chronic inflammatory diseases," he added.
University of Montreal
In Canada, an estimated 170,000 Canadian men and women suffer from IBD, most frequently between the ages of 15-25, or 45-55. It is particularly difficult for children and young adults since it often affects a person's self-concept. IBD is found throughout the world. However, it appears to be most common in North America and northern Europe; Canada having one of the highest incidence rates of IBD in the world. (1) In the U.S., more than 1 million Americans have Crohn's or colitis.
Since IBD tends to run in families and is more frequent in certain populations, especially Ashkenazi Jews, scientists have long suspected a significant genetic component. Although previous genetic studies found a link between Crohn's disease and mutations in a gene known as CARD15, those mutations alone are not considered to account for the entire genetic component of disease.
According to senior author Judy H. Cho, M.D., associate professor in the departments of Medicine and Genetics at Yale School of Medicine, the findings highlight a major inflammatory pathway and may change our thinking about disease-associated genetic variation. "This pathway is particularly intriguing because we appear to have identified a gene variant that protects against development of IBD," said Dr. Cho, who is also director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at Yale.
While mutations of the gene which codes for a receptor in a major inflammatory pathway are strongly associated with Crohn's disease, surprisingly, Consortium researchers report that one type of mutation may confer significant protection and identify potential targets for drugs therapies for the management of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
To identify additional genes that are associated with IBD, the international team of researchers scanned the genome - some 22,000 - by testing more than 300,000 nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs, in people with Crohn's disease, and a similar number of people without IBD. The scan led to an unexpected discovery.
Although several polymorphisms were associated with a significantly increased risk of developing IBD, one appeared to confer a very strong protection against IBD.
"Of all the SNPs we studied in people with and without IBD, this protective SNP was the most statistically significant finding in our study. So, it took us a bit by surprise," said first author, Richard H. Duerr, M.D., associate professor of medicine and human genetics, University of Pittsburgh. "What it means in terms of improving treatments for IBD patients, we are not sure yet."
Nonetheless, members of the Consortium are attempting to tease out the specific downstream effects of this protective polymorphism. Yet, because IL-23 plays an important role in activating inflammation, including in the organs of the digestive tract, it could be an extremely important target for improving the management of Crohn's disease and other IBDs.
"Recent studies in mice in which the gene for IL-23 was deleted demonstrated that it is essential for triggering chronic intestinal inflammation. Such evidence, combined with the current discovery, suggests therapies that target the IL-23 pathway may lead to more individualized, better-directed therapies for IBDs. In fact, blocking the activity of IL-23 or manipulating its pathway may be an effective way to manage IBD," said Dr. Rioux. "I am confident that the future genetic studies by this collaborative group will continue to improve our understanding of these and other chronic inflammatory diseases," he added.
University of Montreal
Ulcerative Colitis Current Events and Ulcerative Colitis News RSSLargest gene study of childhood IBD identifies 5 new genes
In the largest, most comprehensive genetic analysis of childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), an international research team has identified five new gene regions, including one involved in a biological pathway that helps drive the painful inflammation of the digestive tract that characterizes the disease.
M. D. Anderson redefines screening guidelines for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers
Drawing on years of experience in cancer research and patient care, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center released today the most comprehensive, risk-based screening guidelines publicly available to date for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers.
Probiotic Found to Be Effective Treatment for Colitis In Mice
The probiotic, Bacillus polyfermenticus, can help mice recover from colitis, a new study has found.
Discovery of genetic defect may lead to better treatments for common gut diseases
New findings related to an uncommon genetic disorder may impact the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the most common chronic gastrointestinal illness in children and teens. Two million Americans have IBD which involves inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Oxidized form of a common vitamin may bring relief for ulcerative colitis
New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology finds retinoic acid may alleviate ulcerative colitis and similar irritable bowel diseases.
Promising new target emerges for autoimmune diseases
University of Michigan scientists say they have uncovered a fundamentally new mechanism that holds in check aggressive immune cells that can attack the body's own cells.
Subclinical markers predict relapse in juvenile idiopathic arthritis post methotrexate withdrawal
Elevated levels of the inflammatory biomarkers Myeloid Related Protein (MRP) 8/14 predict an increased risk of relapse following withdrawal of methotrexate (MTX) therapy in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who have achieved inactive disease status.
Electronic Pill Shows Its Smarts by Measuring pH Levels in Digestive Tract
An electronic diagnostic tool called the SmartPill is swallowed by patients in order to take measurements as it travels through the gastrointestinal tract.
Enzyme involved in inflammatory bowel disease discovered at Penn State College of Medicine
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine, working with biochemists, geneticists and clinicians at the University of Bern, Switzerland and in the United Kingdom, have discovered an enzyme that has a key role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
UCLA cancer researchers first to link intestinal inflammation with systemic chromosome damage
UCLA scientists have linked for the first time intestinal inflammation with systemic chromosome damage in mice, a finding that may lead to the early identification and treatment of human inflammatory disorders.
More Ulcerative Colitis Current Events and Ulcerative Colitis News Articles
 |
The First Year: Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (First Year, The) by Jill Sklar (Author), M.D. Manuel Sklar (Foreword) This newly revised edition includes new research and insights to help everyone newly diagnosed with IBD come to terms with their condition and the accompanying lifestyle changes – along with other vital information about IBD. |
 |
What to Eat with IBD: A Comprehensive Nutrition and Recipe Guide for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis by Tracie M Dalessandro MS RD CDN (Author) From a patient who is also a dietitian... Everything you need to know about nutrition and inflammatory bowel disease including healing foods, recipes, supplements and more. At the age of nineteen, author Tracie Dalessandro was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and eventually Crohn's disease. After years of trying to heal, Dalessandro realized the power of using diet in conjunction with traditional medicine to control her inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rather than allowing it to control her. Nutrition became the link between feeling sick and feeling well. What to Eat with IBD: A Comprehensive Nutrition and Recipe Guide for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis is an invaluable resource containing the latest nutrition and diet information for those suffering from IBD.... |
 |
Coping Successfully With Ulcerative Colitis (Overcoming Common Problems) by Peter Cartwright (Author) Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the top layers of the lining of the large intestine. The inflammation usually occurs in the rectum and lower part of the colon, but it may affect the entire colon. The inflammation makes the colon empty frequently, causing diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis occurs most often in people ages 15 to 40, although children and older people sometimes develop the disease. Ulcerative colitis affects men and women equally and appears to run in some families. There are 90,000 sufferers in the UK and 400,000 in the United States. This book covers: Causes Diagnosis Treatments Surgery Living with an ileostomy or a pouch Living with ulcerative colitis, including emotional issues and effects on the family Diet Ulcerative Colitis... |
 |
100 Questions & Answers About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: A Lahey Clinic Guide by Andrew S., M.D. Warner (Author), Amy E., M.D. Barto (Author) Whether you’re a newly diagnosed patient, or a friend or relative of someone suffering with Crohns Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, this book offers help. Completely revised and updated,100 Questions & Answers About Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: A Lahey Clinic Guide, Second Editionprovides authoritative, practical answers to common questions about this condition to help patients and families achieve a greater understanding of all aspects of dealing with Crohns Disease including treatment options, sources of support, and much more. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this disease. |
 |
Colitis & Me: A Story of Recovery by Raman Prasad (Author) Narrative of an individual's successful recovery from inflammatory bowel disease. |
 |
Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Everything You Need to Know (Your Personal Health) by Fred Saibil (Author) Includes the most recent medical research. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes two chronic conditions known as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This has remained for too long the secret illness that no one wants to discuss. Although up to 1,000 per 100,000 North Americans have IBD, no one is completely sure what causes it, and there is no known cure. Dr. Fred Saibil, a renowned expert on IBD, provides concise, up-to-date information on common conditions. He describes the normal gastrointestinal system, and then explains what goes wrong when someone has IBD. Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis also covers: - Signs and symptoms - How the gastrointestinal system works normally and how IBD affects it - Procedures and instruments used to diagnose IBD -... |
 |
Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet by Elaine Gloria Gottschall (Author) |
 |
VSL #3 Capsules (60 caps) by Sigma Tau VSL#3 Capsules for Ulcerative Colitis - 60 ea (Refrigerated Item= MUST be Shipped NEXT DAY AIR) |
 |
Colitiscope: Living With Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis by Andrew Tubesing (Author) More of an adventure story than an encyclopedia, this resource for Crohn’s and colitis patients weaves humor with introspection and information with observation. Written by a sufferer of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the guide shares common tales and insights while also covering symptoms, medications, and procedures, from a uniquely entertaining viewpoint. Humor and frankness are used as a coping method, helping to illustrate and conquer common difficulties brought on by the chronic illness. |
 |
Self Healing Colitis & Crohns by David Klein (Author) This is a new paperback edition of the world's #1 self healing guide book for IBD and IBS health recovery. It explains that IBD is caused by toxic diets and lifestyle stress, and that the body requires a clean-digesting nutritious diet, rest and extra sleep in order to self-heal. This is not a plan for managing IBD and IBS, nor is this a quick-fix gimmick. Rather, this approach removes the causes of disease and promotes lasting health for everyone without medicine by supplying our biological health needs. It is based upon the venerable Natural Hygiene Self-healing System which has led million of people to lasting health. This powerful book covers diet, lifestyle and psychology, presenting the Vegan Diet Healing Plan with correct food combining. This is the only dietary approach which... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |