The Strategic Pharma-Academic Research Consortium (SPARC) has awarded over $1.9 million to advance research on autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and Crohn's disease. The funded projects will focus on understanding the root causes of these conditions and developing new treatments.
Researchers found patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis had greater viral diversity than healthy volunteers, suggesting viruses play a role in the diseases. The study suggests that studying the virome may reveal new insights into obesity and diabetes.
Researchers found that cathelicidin protein can prevent intestinal fibrosis and scarring in colitis, potentially sparing patients from repeated surgeries. The study used pre-clinical models of disease and human colonic fibroblasts to demonstrate the anti-fibrotic effects of cathelicidin.
A new study found groups of genes linked to imbalanced gut microbes in patients with IBD, offering a step toward developing targeted treatments. The research also confirmed the impact of antibiotics on gut microbiome imbalance, highlighting the complex interplay between genetics and environment.
The American Gastroenterological Association has released a new clinical decision tool to guide gastroenterologists in assessing and treating patients with Crohn's disease. The tool synthesizes current literature to create a practical algorithm for clinicians, providing a pathway for better quality care.
A retrospective single-center study found that restarting infliximab therapy after a drug holiday is safe and effective for IBD patients. The average duration of infliximab holiday was 15 months. Patients who were in remission at the time infliximab was discontinued showed a 78 percent response rate at one year.
A population-based study found that IBD prevalence rose significantly in children under 18 and adults 18-64 years-old, while elderly patients saw a rise in prevalence despite stable new cases. The study highlights the growing burden of IBD on Ontario's healthcare system.
Researchers have identified chemical changes in DNA that could screen people for Crohn's disease and reveal possible targets for new treatments. These genetic changes can be detected in blood samples, opening the door to a simple test for the condition.
A new study has found a wide range of epigenetic changes in children with Crohn's disease, which may be related to key environmental exposures. The research suggests that these changes could have early implications for clinical management of the disease.
Crohn's and Colitis Canada funds 9 promising research projects exploring genetic, environmental causes, symptoms, and treatment options for these debilitating diseases. The organization aims to improve patient care and quality of life for over 233,000 Canadians affected by Crohn's and colitis.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have identified a protein called HSP70 that helps stabilize NOD2, a key protein involved in Crohn's disease. This finding provides a possible pathway for developing an effective therapy for the inflammatory bowel disease.
A new study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation identifies a specific gene expression profile and microbial community associated with Crohn's disease. Pediatric Crohn's disease patients exhibit altered expression of genes DUOX2 and APOA1, as well as a distinct microbial community.
A new study reveals a connection between necroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. RIPK1 is identified as the molecule that regulates this process, allowing cells to choose whether to live or die.
Infectious disease specialists at Johns Hopkins Children's Center identified a protein called NOD2 that regulates the body's immune response to CMV. The findings offer a new explanation for severe CMV infections in patients with Crohn's disease and may lead to vaccine development.
Researchers have identified specific bacteria that are abnormally increased or decreased when Crohn's disease develops, suggesting potential targets for treatment. The study used biopsies from over 1,700 patients to uncover how microbes contribute to the inflammatory cascade of Crohn's disease.
A multi-institutional study found that newly diagnosed Crohn's disease patients have an imbalance in their intestinal microbial population, with increased levels of harmful bacteria and decreased levels of beneficial bacteria. This imbalance is associated with the development of symptoms and may be exacerbated by antibiotic use.
Researchers found a decrease in classical blood monocytes and an increase in CD14hiHLA-DRdim macrophages, which drive inflammation in the disease. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic targets for Crohn's disease treatment.
The REACT clinical trial found that an accelerated step-care approach can improve the management of Crohn's disease by inducing remission, reducing corticosteroid use, and healing intestinal ulcers. This new strategy involves early introduction of combined immunosuppression in high-risk patients.
Early use of biologic drugs in children with moderate to severe Crohn's disease achieves higher clinical remission rates and normal growth velocity compared to standard treatment. Researchers found that anti-TNF-α therapy is more effective at achieving remission than immunomodulatory drugs.
Researchers found that a subset of immune cells expresses the multidrug transporter MDR1 and are linked to inflammation in Crohn's patients. These cells may play a major role in the development of steroid resistance, suggesting that steroid treatment itself may be responsible for their accumulation.
The new guidelines recommend using anti-TNF-α biologic agents to induce remission in patients with moderately severe Crohn's disease. The guidelines also provide recommendations for maintenance of remission, including the use of thiopurines or anti-TNF-α drugs.
A new study found that thalidomide improves clinical remission in children and adolescents with refractory Crohn disease, with 63.3% achieving remission after 8 weeks of treatment. The drug also showed longer average duration of remission compared to placebo.
A study found nearly 170 significant gene expression changes in patients with pouchitis, increasing to over 1,000 in those progressing to Crohn's-like changes. These alterations involved genes in inflammatory processes and metabolic pathways.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge discovered that specialized intestinal cells called Paneth cells play a major role in inflammation underlying Crohn's disease. The study identifies autophagy as a key mechanism in removing ER-stressed membranes, which are rendered inflammatory by misfolded proteins.
A statistical model accounting for dozens of genes in combination and their interactions helps clarify the genetic factors involved in Crohn's disease. The model improves CD risk predictability by considering cumulative allele scores and genetic interactions.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that probiotic Saccharomuces boulardii does not prevent clinical relapse in patients with Crohn's disease. The one-year follow-up period showed similar rates of relapse between patients treated with S. boulardii or placebo.
A new study reveals that all children with Crohn's disease have a common enterovirus in their intestines, suggesting an important connection between the virus and the chronic inflammatory intestinal disorder. The findings could pave the way for a better understanding of the disease's cause.
University of Cincinnati researchers have discovered biomarkers for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of inflammatory conditions affecting the colon and small intestine. These biomarkers, identified through analysis of human serum specimens from the Department of Defense Serum Repository, may help improve diagnosis and treatmen...
Researchers demonstrated PET/CT's ability to identify lesions along the complete intestinal wall, detecting advanced inflammatory changes and unmasking subepithelial disease activity. The technique showed promise in serially assessing IBD activity, potentially benefiting patients with chronic-remittent conditions.
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation has set a new research agenda for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), prioritizing understanding of environmental factors, genes, bacteria, and epithelial responses. The goal is to develop personalized treatments through comparative effectiveness studies.
Research reveals that a protein called IL-13 plays a crucial role in the development of fibrosis in Crohn's disease. The study found that increased levels of IL-13 lead to excessive collagen synthesis and tissue hardening, causing bowel narrowing and loss of mobility.
Researchers at UCL have identified over 200 gene locations linked to Crohn's Disease, a complex condition with a significant genetic component. The study uses a new method to analyze the human genome and provides evidence that specific clinical sub-groups may carry different risk genes.
A large-scale study of over 34,000 individuals has identified 71 new genetic regions linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), increasing the total number of discovered regions to 163. The findings highlight the complex interplay between the immune system and microbial infections in IBD.
Researchers have identified 71 genetic regions associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), increasing the total number discovered to date to 163. The study reveals that IBD may result from an over-active immune response, which can lead to inflammation and damage in the intestinal tract.
Two studies explored racial disparities in IBD symptoms and therapy, finding that African Americans are more likely to have extra-intestinal manifestations, joint symptoms, and pyoderma gangrenosum. Researchers also reported a higher prevalence of severe fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease among African Americans compared to Caucasians.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that ustekinumab increased clinical response and remission in patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's Disease. The treatment was shown to decrease debilitating symptoms such as diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, and weight loss.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a link between bone marrow and inflammatory bowel diseases, such as colitis and Crohn's. The study suggests that targeting the bone marrow's ability to produce inflammatory cells may help alleviate symptoms of these conditions.
A new study suggests MR enterography as a replacement for small bowel x-rays or CT enterography in pediatric patients with Crohn disease. The procedure accurately detects inflammation in the terminal ileum, right colon, and left colon, with minimal radiation exposure and low side effects.
A large double-blind study found that over 80% of children with moderate to severe Crohn's disease responded to adalimumab within a month. Approximately 34% of patients were in clinical remission after six months, and 28.4% remained in remission after one year.
A clinical trial at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center seeks to cure treatment-resistant Crohn's disease by transplanting matched bone marrow cells from a sibling or unrelated donor. This new approach replaces an abnormal immune response to intestinal bacteria and loss of immune tolerance with a healthy one.
A team of researchers discovered that human alpha-defensin 6 (HD6) forms 'nanonets' around microbial surfaces to disable microbes, providing clues to inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease. The study provides new insights into the body's innate defense system and its role in intestinal health.
Researchers emphasize the need for standard bone age measurement to interpret growth status and improve treatment outcomes for children with Crohn's disease. Up to 80% of patients exhibit compromised growth, and bone age is crucial for predicting remaining growth potential and guiding therapeutic decisions.
New research presents key insights into preventing and treating bowel diseases, which affect millions worldwide. Studies show that dietary additives, hormone replacement therapy, and even high-altitude travel may cause or exacerbate these diseases.
A new study shows that MR enterography outperforms CT enterography in diagnosing fibrosis and detecting active inflammation in pediatric Crohn's patients. The imaging modality offers a radiation-free alternative to traditional CT scans.
A large-scale study shows that introducing sophisticated biologic therapies early in treatment improves response to medication and reduces the need for surgery. Patients treated with biologic therapies earlier were significantly less likely to need steroids and required fewer surgeries related to their Crohn's disease.
Researchers at UCF have developed a novel technique using nanoparticles coated with DNA markers to detect pathogens in human tissue, potentially giving doctors a faster and more accurate tool. The new method is effective at picking up even small amounts of a pathogen and takes hours instead of weeks or months to deliver results.
A study found that patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal disorders receive significant doses of diagnostic radiation. Alternative, radiation-free imaging options are available, but evidence-based guidelines on reducing radiation exposure are still needed.
Researchers have identified a critical mechanism of neuron death in intestinal inflammation that appears relevant to IBD. Blocking the 'pannexins' molecule was shown to prevent gut neuron death in animal models.
A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that patients with mild to moderate Crohn's disease showed significant improvement when taking supplementary CLA. The natural fatty acid has anti-inflammatory properties and may offer a safer alternative to synthetic drugs.
A network approach improved outcomes for children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), increasing remission rates from 55% to 68%. The ImproveCareNow network implemented quality improvement efforts, leading to improvements in care processes and patient outcomes.
A collaborative study identified 5 novel genetic variation regions linked to Crohn's disease in Ashkenazi Jewish individuals, which have a two-to-four times higher prevalence compared to non-Jewish Europeans. These findings could lead to the discovery of new treatments for this debilitating disorder.
A recent study by Mount Sinai School of Medicine identified five novel genetic mutations associated with an increased risk of Crohn's disease in Ashkenazi Jews. These findings provide new insights into the disease's causes and may lead to the development of novel treatment approaches.
A new study has identified five genetic mutations associated with Crohn's disease in Ashkenazi Jews, who are nearly four times more likely to develop the condition. The findings provide insights into the unique risk factors driving this higher prevalence rate.
A global study on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) reveals increasing incidence and prevalence worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The study found that IBD affects individuals in their most productive years of life, resulting in significant healthcare costs.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine received a $6.75 million grant to investigate the role of innate immunity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They discovered a deficit in infection-fighting cells, leading to a buildup of harmful agents in the body.
Scientists at UCL have discovered three new gene regions on chromosome 16 associated with Crohn's Disease, which could lead to personalized treatment and improved understanding of its inheritance. The study used a novel gene mapping approach to analyze genetic information from 1698 patients, replicating results using independent US data.
Researchers found a significant north-south gradient in the association between latitude and incidence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in the US. Vitamin D supplementation may improve clinical activity in patients with Crohn's disease.
A new ultrasound-based diagnostic tool could allow doctors to accurately distinguish between intestinal fibrosis and inflammation, enabling targeted treatment. The method has shown promising results in animal models and pilot human studies, paving the way for a long-term clinical trial.
Researchers identified a gene expression profile that can predict prognosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The study found two subgroups of patients, one with mild disease and the other with treatment-nonresponsive disease, which will help physicians identify those who need aggressive therapies.
Researchers found an association between long-term dietary patterns and the bacteria of the human gut, leading to two distinct enterotypes. These enterotypes were strongly associated with diets rich in meat and fat versus plant material.