Illness and grieving, Evotec drug discovery, IBD Monitoring, possible triggers of IBD and more

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It’s Okay To Grieve For All Of The Things Your Illness Has Taken Away From You (3 minute read)

Living with Crohn's disease involves more than managing physical symptoms; it encompasses an unexpected emotional toll. The author reflects on the losses endured, from missed social events to a hindered proposal. The societal stigma around Crohn's makes it challenging, as others often perceive it as a mere stomach issue. Despite the ongoing grief, the writer emphasizes resilience and finding strength to reclaim their narrative. The misunderstood nature of Crohn's adds an extra layer of difficulty. The plea is for understanding and support, urging others to acknowledge the hidden sacrifices and emotional pain endured by those with the disease. Ultimately, the author advocates for holding space for both the losses and the strength exhibited by individuals battling Crohn's disease.

Evotec to advance drug discovery in collaboration with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (2 minute read)

Evotec’s end-to-end integrated research and development platform will be able to advance drug discovery for two drug targets which is why it has joined forces with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.

Revolutionizing IBD Monitoring: The ‘Smart Pill’ and the Role of AI (3 minute read)

Researchers have introduced an innovative 'smart pill' for monitoring inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like colitis and Crohn’s. Developed by MIT and Boston University, this ingestible device, the size of a blueberry, features engineered bacteria and low-power electronics to detect gut inflammation in real-time. It offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional diagnostic methods, transmitting data wirelessly to smartphones or computers. Rice University is also developing a similar smart pill with bacterial biosensors, aiming to reduce reliance on invasive tools. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging in IBD management, aiding in diagnosis, treatment prediction, and early cancer detection. Additionally, microbial biotechnology, integrating biosensors and bacterial cellulose, is revolutionizing disease diagnosis, promising advancements in real-time health tracking and personalized treatment plans. These technologies mark a transformative era in IBD diagnosis and management, emphasizing non-invasiveness and improved patient outcomes.

Possible trigger of chronic inflammatory bowel disease identified (2 minute read)

Vienna researchers discovered a potential trigger for chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn's and colitis, on the surface of intestinal epithelial cells. Changes in the brush border, composed of microvilli, were linked to IBD development. Reduced CDHR5 protein in the intermicrovillar adhesion complex (IMAC) was observed in IBD patients. Mouse models lacking CDHR5 exhibited disorganized microvilli, leading to IBD when the mucus layer became permeable. The study suggests that enhancing IMAC protein production could be a therapeutic approach. Unhealthy, high-fat diets making the mucus layer more permeable may contribute to IBD, especially in those with low CDHR5 production.

Touching a nerve in the fight against chronic pain and diseases (5 minute read)

Researchers are exploring the potential of stimulating the vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve in the human body, to address chronic pain. Stefan Kampusch led the EU-backed AuriMod project, developing a prescription-only wearable device named VIVO. This device aims to "reset" the nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve, providing relief for chronic pain conditions. Preliminary results indicate a 60% reduction in chronic lower back pain within six weeks of treatment. VIVO, a less invasive alternative to existing methods, is currently available in select clinics in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Additionally, another EU-funded project, OPTEL-MED, is investigating vagus-nerve stimulation to ease symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, specifically Crohn's disease. The goal is to create a light-powered implant for vagus-nerve stimulation, offering a minimally invasive solution for improved health.

New molecule targets key protein in autoimmune diseases (2 minute read)

Scientists at Scripps Research developed a small molecule inhibiting SLC15A4, a protein linked to autoimmune diseases like lupus and Crohn's. The compound, FFF-21 and its variant AJ2-30, showed therapeutic effects in mouse models and human cells, reducing inflammation. This breakthrough overcame challenges posed by SLC15A4's complex nature within immune cells. The discovery offers a new tool for studying autoimmune mechanisms and a potential therapy, paving the way for further preclinical trials. The team plans to design improved versions of the drug for continued research and development.

High-fat diets can increase risks for obesity, colon cancer, and IBD (5 minute read)

Researchers at the University of California Riverside found that a high-fat diet, even if plant-based, increases the risk of serious diseases such as colon cancer. The study, published in Scientific Reports, involved feeding mice three different high-fat diets for 24 weeks, revealing concerning changes in gene expression related to obesity, colon cancer, and immune system function. The diets also increased the expression of proteins used by COVID-19 to enter the body. Soybean oil, widely consumed in the U.S. and other countries, showed negative effects on the microbiome and gene expression. Experts recommend small dietary changes for better overall health.

Innovations improve the lives of patients with IBD (2 minute read)

Recent innovations at the Vanderbilt Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Clinic, including point-of-care intestinal ultrasound and functional medicine, are enhancing patient care. IBD, marked by gastrointestinal inflammation, comprises disorders like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Traditional diagnostics involve endoscopy, but a study led by Dr. Baldeep Pabla explored point-of-care ultrasound as a less invasive and efficient alternative, reporting its accuracy in assessing disease activity. Additionally, functional medicine, introduced by Dr. Dawn Beaulieu, adopts a holistic patient-centered approach, identifying triggers and helping patients develop strategies across various life aspects. These innovations aim to improve the lives of IBD patients at Vanderbilt Health One Hundred Oaks.

No one diet can help improve IBD (2 minute read)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, comprises conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Persistent symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, and fatigue. The cause is unclear, involving genes, the microbiome, and environmental factors. Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Dr. Amanda Johnson explained that while diet doesn't cause IBD, it can impact symptoms. No universal diet exists, as it varies based on individual factors. Recommendations include prioritizing fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding ultraprocessed foods, added sugars, and animal fats. Johnson emphasized that diet complements but doesn't replace medical treatment, highlighting immune-suppressing therapies to address inappropriate intestinal responses and reduce inflammation.