Crohn's disease can be detected in blood eight years before symptoms show, natural remedies for IBD, future of IBD treatment

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Crohn’s disease can be detected in blood eight years before symptoms show, finds study (2 minute read)

Routine blood tests can reveal signs of Crohn’s disease up to eight years before symptoms appear, and three years prior to ulcerative colitis diagnosis. This suggests an earlier onset of inflammatory bowel diseases, potentially enabling interventions before severe damage occurs. Dr. James Lee's research at the Crick Institute in London analyzed Danish health records, identifying subtle blood changes associated with inflammation years before diagnosis. Early detection offers a window for lifestyle interventions and timely treatment, potentially preventing major surgeries at diagnosis. Refinement of algorithms is the next step to enhance risk identification and explore preventive measures.

The miniature green superhero helping to fight bowel disease (5 minute read)

Scientists in the Algae4IBD project, funded by the EU, are exploring the anti-inflammatory properties of algae to combat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), affecting 2.5 million in Europe and 10 million worldwide. Algae strains show promise in alleviating IBD symptoms, and some seaweed acts as prebiotics, promoting a balanced gut microbiome. The project aims to identify bioactive compounds for pharmaceuticals and food, envisioning algae-enriched products. Meanwhile, iThera Medical, collaborating with EU institutions, is developing a non-invasive diagnostic method for IBD, using multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT), potentially offering a less intrusive alternative to endoscopy.

Natural Remedies for Crohn’s Disease: What to Try, What to Skip (9 minute read)

Managing Crohn’s disease often involves medication, but natural remedies can complement treatment. Scientifically-backed dietary changes, like a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fiber, can help control symptoms during remission. During flares, sticking to bland, easy-to-digest foods is recommended. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and stress management through mindfulness and yoga, may lower flare risks and improve mental health. Adequate sleep and weight management are crucial, and quitting smoking can positively impact Crohn’s progression. While some supplements like curcumin and probiotics show promise, others lack sufficient evidence. Essential oils may aid stress reduction but don't directly treat Crohn’s. Alternative therapies like acupuncture and biofeedback may enhance symptom management. However, prescription medications remain essential, and patients should consult their gastroenterologist before trying natural remedies.

What Are the Radiological Signs of Crohn’s Disease? (3 minute read)

Imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans are vital in detecting signs of Crohn’s disease, a chronic bowel condition causing inflammation along the digestive tract. Endoscopy with biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis, but imaging helps rule out other conditions, assess disease extent, and monitor complications. MRI, using techniques like enteroclysis and enterography, is preferred for visualizing inflammation patches without radiation exposure. CT scans, especially enterography, assess disease activity and complications. Ultrasounds, radiation-free and quick, are effective in identifying Crohn's inflammation around 93% of the time. Barium enemas are less common. While MRI is considered the most accurate, CT scans and ultrasounds offer quicker and cheaper alternatives for evaluating Crohn’s disease.

Charting the future of IBD treatment: From immune modulators to microRNA therapies (4 minute read)

Current treatments, primarily immune-modulating drugs and biologics, often have limited efficacy. New therapies, categorized into anti-TNFα agents, anti-adhesion agents, cytokine inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, S1P receptor modulators, PDE inhibitors, and miR-124 upregulators, show promise in treating moderate-to-severe IBD. Combinations of biologicals and small molecules are explored, but safety and tolerability remain concerns. Fecal microbial transplant (FMT), IL-22 blockers, toll-like receptor activators, and stem cells are also under investigation. Challenges include the need for real-world data on safety and efficacy, compliance issues, and the imperative for precision medicine strategies tailored to individual factors. The study emphasizes the evolving landscape of IBD management and the necessity for ongoing research.

Broccoli sprouts diet protects mice from Crohn's disease, study shows (3 minute read)

A study in mice, published in mSystems, suggests that high-fiber diets, specifically those with broccoli sprouts, may alleviate symptoms and enhance the quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. The research focused on a Crohn's disease mouse model, exploring interactions between the sprout diet, gut microbes, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Younger mice on the broccoli sprout diet exhibited milder symptoms, richer gut microbial communities, and stronger protection against colitis. The study proposes broccoli sprouts as a potential IBD treatment, citing increased levels of the anti-inflammatory metabolite sulforaphane in mice blood as a protective factor against severe symptoms

Clinic implementing innovative approaches for diagnosing and monitoring Inflammatory Bowel Disease (5 minute read)

In Nova Scotia, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects 1.25% of the population, projected to rise to 1 in 60 by 2030. The Nova Scotia Collaborative Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Clinic is preparing for increased demand by expanding its team and adopting innovative diagnostic tools. Dr. Michael Stewart, the clinic's medical co-lead, highlights the importance of addressing psycho-social aspects of IBD. They've introduced non-invasive tests like fecal calprotectin and point-of-care intestinal ultrasound, enhancing timely diagnosis and avoiding invasive procedures. Dr. Stewart is optimistic about the positive impact on patient outcomes and quality of life. The IBD team's experiences are being shared nationally, with survey results on the acceptability of intestinal ultrasound set to be presented at the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology annual meeting in February 2024.

Strong Results Observed for Adalimumab Biosimilar GP2017 for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (3 minute read)

The study led by Cristina Bezzio and colleagues in Italy supports the safety and efficacy of the adalimumab biosimilar GP2017 in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The research, conducted at two IBD centers, involved patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who received GP2017 therapy for at least 6 months. The study demonstrated that GP2017 is as effective as the reference adalimumab drug, both for patients new to adalimumab and those who switched from the originator or other biosimilars. Clinical remission rates were favorable, with 58.6% for new users and 78.8% for originator switchers. Safety profiles were comparable, supporting the feasibility of switching between originators and biosimilars. The study contributes valuable data to the limited information on interchangeability and switches between adalimumab biosimilars. The findings suggest that GP2017 could offer a cost-effective alternative for IBD patients.

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