Gut's second brain, milk extract that could ease symptoms of crohn's and colitis, cooking tips

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In the Gut’s ‘Second Brain,’ Key Agents of Health Emerge (3 minute read)

Researchers, including Vassilis Pachnis from the Francis Crick Institute, have discovered that glial cells, particularly hub cells, can sense physical forces and influence neural circuits, triggering muscular contractions in the gut. The gut contains 14 glial subgroups, with potential implications for understanding digestion and treating gastrointestinal disorders. Glia, implicated in pain and immune response, may play a crucial role in conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Targeting glia could alleviate gut pain in inflammatory disorders, as stressed glia contribute to inflammation. The findings, in Science Signaling, highlight glia's significance in enteric neurobiology, showing their partnership with neurons for efficient gut functioning.

Milk extract could ease symptoms of crohn’s and colitis (3 minute read)

An Israeli startup, Exosomm, is gearing up for clinical trials of a natural supplement derived from cow milk to alleviate Crohn's disease and colitis symptoms. The supplement contains exosomes, microRNA-containing capsules found in mothers' milk, known for combating inflammation. Exosomm has developed a method to extract these exosomes from cow milk and incorporate them into food products like yogurt or milkshake powder. Initial trials on mice showed a 90% reduction in gut inflammation. The company, aiming to revolutionize "food as medicine," plans clinical trials on humans, initially focusing on Crohn's and colitis patients. If successful, the product could offer a unique, nutritional approach to managing inflammatory conditions, potentially extending to Type 2 diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Exosomm aims to launch its product in 2025, emphasizing its role in a new era of therapeutic food.

New organoid model could lead to personalized treatments for colon-related diseases (3 minute read)

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina and Cincinnati Children's have developed an advanced model to study the diseased colon, offering potential for personalized treatments of conditions like cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They grew miniature human colons in the lab, incorporating an immune system, improving upon existing organoids. Unlike traditional methods using cells or animal models, these novel colon organoids closely resemble the human colon in both healthy and diseased states. The team overcame a limitation by inducing these organoids to develop early-stage immune cell types found in colon tissue. The model could pave the way for personalized treatments by generating organoids from a patient's blood sample to test potential therapies. The research is detailed in the Nov. 2 issue of Cell Stem Cell.

Vitamin B12 could boost tissue repair, help treat ulcerative colitis (6 minute read)

Researchers from the Institute for Research in Biomedicine in Spain found that vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in tissue regeneration. In a study focusing on ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, vitamin B12 supplementation accelerated tissue repair. The researchers discovered that B12 is involved in cellular reprogramming, a key early stage of tissue repair, by facilitating the production of a methyl donor that modifies DNA and regulatory proteins. The study, published in Nature Metabolism, suggests that B12 supplementation could enhance the efficiency of cell reprogramming and tissue regeneration. This finding may have implications for treating various diseases, and researchers highlight the simplicity, affordability, and safety of B12 supplementation, encouraging further clinical tests. The study also links elevated B12 levels to lower inflammation, emphasizing its potential benefits in resolving and repairing tissue damage. Experts find the research fascinating, with potential applications in regenerative medicine, especially for conditions like ulcerative colitis.

Sandoz launches Hyrimoz formulation for treating Crohn’s disease in Europe (2 minute read)

Sandoz, a major player in generic and biosimilar medicines, has announced the European launch of Hyrimoz HCF, a high concentration formulation of adalimumab. This biosimilar, indicated for various conditions, aims to provide an additional treatment option for those with chronic inflammatory conditions. The release strengthens Sandoz's immunology biosimilar portfolio, which includes Erelzi, Zessly, and Rixathon. Sandoz, committed to enhancing access to biologic medicines sustainably and affordably, emphasizes its global portfolio with eight marketed biosimilars and 25 assets in development. The company has been instrumental in expanding patient access and fostering innovation since introducing the first biosimilar in Europe in 2006.

How Crohn’s Taught Me Strength Outside Of The Weight Room (6 minute read)

Sarah Cowin reflects on a drastic shift in their life after being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, a condition they hadn't anticipated. Once dedicated to fitness, the illness forced them to reassess their identity as they faced severe symptoms and had to scale back their training. The diagnosis brought emotional challenges, leading to a period of poor mental health. Seeking therapy, they turned to social media to document their journey, finding solace in connecting with others facing similar struggles. Despite setbacks, the author is now using their experience to raise awareness and help others cope with chronic illness. They acknowledge the ongoing process of acceptance, emphasizing the importance of respecting their body and viewing the diagnosis as a new challenge rather than an obstacle. Ultimately, the author encourages others facing similar conditions to find positives, see their diagnosis as a new beginning, and embrace the opportunity to rebuild themselves.

6 Cooking Tips to Help Manage Chronic Inflammation, According to Experts (6 minute read)

Nutrition experts and chefs offer tips for safely cooking for individuals with inflammatory conditions during the holiday season. Suggestions include personalized approaches, avoiding cross-contamination, using ingredient alternatives, incorporating anti-inflammatory spices, prioritizing whole foods, and offering diverse menu options. The goal is to make meals enjoyable while considering individual health needs and promoting overall well-being.