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How Barnacle Groups Could Transform Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment

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Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Bleeding Wounds

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Researchers exploring solutions for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) have drawn surprising inspiration from barnacles.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, typically arise when the immune system mistakenly attacks the intestines, leading to inflammation. Common symptoms encompass diarrhea, significant abdominal pain, weight loss, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

While anti-inflammatory medications like steroids can alleviate symptoms, persistent bleeding may necessitate the use of small metallic clips inserted into the intestine to address the inflammation-induced wounds. However, this procedure carries potential infection risks and may exacerbate the injury.

In pursuit of gentler alternatives, researchers have previously engineered bacteria to generate proteins beneficial for wound healing. Unfortunately, these microorganisms are generally eliminated from the intestines within days and require manual activation with pharmaceuticals, according to Bolin Anne from the Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology in China.

Recently, Ahn and colleagues have genetically modified a benign strain of Escherichia coli that produces protein fragments promoting wound healing upon detecting blood. They also engineered these bacteria to create a type of “cement protein” used by barnacles to adhere to submerged surfaces, envisioned as a “living glue” to fabricate an anti-inflammatory seal over open wounds.

To validate this novel approach, researchers induced intestinal inflammation and scarring in mice. Each subject received either a non-genetically engineered strain, the engineered Escherichia coli, or saline via an anal tube.

After ten days, mice treated with the engineered bacteria exhibited significant weight restoration, and their intestines mirrored the health of uninjured mice. No adverse side effects were recorded in any group.

Similar outcomes were noted when bacteria were administered in tablet form, suggesting potential for oral delivery in human treatment. “This presents a promising, innovative strategy,” states Shaji Sebastian at Hull University in the UK. He indicates that wound healing and inflammation in the mouse intestine is analogous to processes in humans, underscoring the necessity for human trials.

Plans are underway to test this approach in larger animals, including pigs, to assess how long the genetically modified bacteria remain viable in the gut, Ang mentioned. However, due to the necessity for extensive testing to confirm efficacy and safety compared to existing treatments, it may take up to ten years before these solutions could become available in clinics, according to Sebastian.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Common Types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Linked to Harmful Bacteria

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Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation of the colon and rectum lining.

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Toxins from bacteria in contaminated water can destroy immune cells in the colon’s lining. This implies that individuals whose intestines host these bacteria are significantly more likely to develop ulcerative colitis.

This conclusion is derived from a series of studies undertaken with both humans and animals by Shwena Chan and colleagues at Nanjing University, China. If validated, these findings could pave the way for new treatment options.

Ulcerative colitis is one of the primary types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), marked by inflammation of the colon and rectum lining. Symptoms typically fluctuate between periods of remission and flare-ups, sometimes necessitating the removal of the colon in severe cases.

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains unclear, although it is often regarded as an autoimmune disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Chan’s team theorized that immune cells called macrophages might be integral to the condition.

Macrophages are found throughout various body tissues, performing the dual roles of clearing debris and bacteria while regulating local immune responses. They can signal additional immune cell recruitment and initiate inflammation but are equally important in mitigating it.

Researchers discovered that the density of resident macrophage cells was notably reduced in colon tissue from patients with ulcerative colitis compared to those without the condition. Further experimentation demonstrated that depleting macrophages in mice increased their susceptibility to colitis, suggesting that losing macrophage protection leads to colon damage and inflammation.

But what accounts for the lower macrophage levels in ulcerative colitis patients? By analyzing fecal samples, the research team identified a toxin named aerolysin, which significantly harms macrophages while sparing other intestinal cells.

Aerolysin is secreted by several strains of bacteria belonging to the genus Aeromonas, frequently found in freshwater and brackish environments. The strains responsible for producing aerolysin are referred to as MTB (macrophage-toxic bacteria).

In experiments where mice were deliberately infected with MTB, they exhibited greater vulnerability to colitis. Conversely, even after removing the aerolysin gene from the bacteria or neutralizing the toxin with antibodies, the mice did not show increased susceptibilities to the condition.

Ultimately, the research team tested for Aeromonas in stool samples, discovering its presence in 72% of the 79 patients with ulcerative colitis, versus only 12% among 480 individuals without the condition. This test, however, could not confirm if these bacteria were indeed MTB or if they produced aerolysin.

The findings offer a nuanced perspective. Not every case of ulcerative colitis is linked to MTB, and some individuals can carry MTB without developing the disease.

“We cannot assert that MTB is the exclusive cause of ulcerative colitis,” Zhang states. “Ongoing MTB infection can create a hypersensitive environment in the colon, yet not everyone infected will develop colitis.”

“Environmental and genetic factors certainly influence the emergence of colitis,” she adds.

According to Zhang, there are at least three potential approaches for new treatment development. One involves creating drugs to neutralize the toxin; another would focus on vaccines targeting the toxin or the bacteria producing it; while a third approach seeks to eradicate toxin-producing bacteria via phage therapy, which utilizes viruses that selectively kill specific bacteria.

“The leading theory posits that MTB toxin depletes specialized macrophages in the intestinal lining, undermining intestinal immunity,” explains Dr. Martin Kriegel from the University Hospital of Münster, Germany.

He has observed that when the team eradicated all intestinal bacteria in mice and subsequently infected them with MTB, their susceptibility to colitis diminished. This observation indicates that other yet-to-be-identified bacterial species could also play a role.

“Nonetheless, this may represent a crucial, overlooked factor in the multi-step development of ulcerative colitis, especially in China,” Kriegel suggests.

Zhang and her research group intend to conduct more extensive epidemiological studies to substantiate the association between MTB and ulcerative colitis. If MTB infection is confirmed and becomes increasingly prevalent, it may elucidate the rising incidence of IBD.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Treatment Could Be the Most Effective Solution for Easing Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Irritable bowel syndrome may be alleviated by techniques taught in various therapies

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A new approach that alters behaviors in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) could prove to be more effective than traditional treatments. When offered digitally, these methods might also enhance the speed of relief.

IBS is often accompanied by symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. While the underlying cause is not entirely understood, disruptions in gut-brain signaling are thought to play a pivotal role. Factors such as intestinal infections and certain foods can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, sending distress signals to the brain, while psychological stress can trigger the opposite response. Patients with IBS are advised to explore relaxation techniques.

While dietary recommendations and medications, like laxatives, provide relief for some, others continue to struggle with symptoms. Consequently, researchers are investigating innovative alternatives, including fecal transplants. Behavioral therapy, often seen as a last resort by physicians, may actually offer greater benefits than standard care according to a 2020 review. This approach may surpass regular treatment efficacy.

Among the methods is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which empowers individuals to modify their thoughts and behaviors to better cope with and accept their symptoms, and gut-directed hypnotherapy, which induces a trance-like state prior to signaling symptom improvement.

Following the release of more studies, Alexander Ford and his colleagues at the University of Leeds in the UK, some of whom contributed to earlier reviews, conducted a comprehensive review of 67 randomized controlled trials with over 7,000 participants. These trials compared behavioral interventions lasting 4 to 12 weeks against various control groups that received conventional treatments like dietary guidance and laxatives, or those on a waiting list for intervention.

“This represents the most extensive review of behavioral treatments for irritable bowel syndrome in terms of both the number of studies and participants,” stated Perjohan Lindfors from Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.

The findings indicate that CBT and gut-directed hypnotherapy, whether in-person or via apps and the internet, are more beneficial compared to standard treatments when participants evaluated their symptoms pre- and post-treatment.

Rather than typically being provided solely in-person after standard treatments fail, the results imply that behavioral therapies can be utilized much earlier in the process. Ford remarked, “Digital solutions can help expedite the delivery of these treatments.” He further mentioned that such approaches may allow for broader implementation of behavioral therapies. However, before any updates to guidelines can be made, further trials that directly compare digital therapies with traditional treatments are required, which Ford estimates could take another five years.

Additionally, as most participants were unaware of their assigned groups, a portion of the observed benefits may stem from a placebo effect, according to Lindfors. He proposed that trials involving full treatment versus partial treatment could assist in estimating the effect size, assuming all participants genuinely believed they were receiving effective behavioral therapy.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Gluten May Not Be the Culprit Behind Many Cases of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Gluten is a protein found in most types of bread.

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Some individuals believe that gluten can aggravate IBS symptoms, even though they consume proteins from wheat, barley, and rye without experiencing any discomfort.

IBS typically leads to abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Although the exact mechanism remains unclear, many affected individuals claim that gluten and its sources, which include wheat, can worsen their symptoms.

To determine the true triggers of these symptoms, Premysl Bercik and his team at McMaster University in Canada enlisted 28 participants with IBS who reported relief on a gluten-free diet.

Participants followed a gluten-free regimen for three weeks and then assessed their symptoms based on a scale from 0 to 500, averaging a score of 183.

They were then randomly given one of three types of cereal bars: one containing wheat, another with gluten alone, and a third that was free of both. The first two bars included a gluten dose similar to that found in four slices of bread, according to Bercik.

Although participants were informed that the bars may worsen their symptoms, they were unaware of the specific ingredients they contained.

After one week, participants rated the severity of their symptoms again and returned to a gluten-free diet for two weeks to reverse the effects of the bars. The experiment was repeated twice, ensuring each participant tried all three types of bars.

Following the exposure to the placebo bar, participants indicated a symptom increase of 50 points. Conversely, 11 participants reported worsening after consuming the wheat bars compared to 10 after the gluten-only bars.

Bercik notes, “All three challenges elicited symptoms in a comparable proportion of patients.”

While gluten and wheat may trigger IBS for some individuals, the findings indicate that others might be experiencing a nocebo effect.

Commentary accompanying the study by Sigrid Elsenbruch from the University of Duisburg-Essen, noted that participants were cautioned that the bars could worsen their symptoms.

Analysis of stool samples revealed that participants often did not adhere to the bar consumption as instructed. This raises the possibility that they may not have ingested sufficient gluten or wheat to specifically impact their IBS symptoms.

Bercik added that the research team is exploring how gluten and wheat might trigger IBS symptoms in some individuals, potentially by altering gut microbiota.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

What Your Bowel Habits Reveal About Your Health

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As the saying goes, you can’t brush aside the truth, but you can examine it closely—and you definitely should.

Medical professionals have long recognized that the state of our toilets offers valuable insights into our overall health. This wisdom also applies to how frequently we use them.

Discovering the Goldilocks Zone of Bowel Movements

Last year, a team of researchers found a connection between the frequency of bowel movements and long-term health outcomes.

They studied 1,400 healthy adults, excluding those with certain conditions and medications that could alter their stool.

The researchers categorized bowel movement frequency into four groups: constipation (one or two movements per week), low normal (three to six movements per week), high normal (one to three movements per day), and diarrhea.

According to the Bristol Stool Chart—or perhaps suspicious cupcakes—your stool should neither be too hard nor too soft. – Illustration: Lynn Bremner

Within this scale, the team identified a sort of Goldilocks zone.

Ideal bowel movements fall within a high normal range, according to Professor Shawn Gibbons, one of the study’s authors from the Institute of Systems Biology.

“Going every other day is reasonable. Ideally, twice a day is within a safe range,” he explains. “Some people take pride in it; they make a point to go at 10 a.m. every day.”

What Our Stool Reveals About Gut Health

Gibbons’ fascination with our collective bowel habits stems from the increasing understanding of the microorganisms inhabiting our gut.

“Transit time or intestinal motility is a crucial factor in this ecosystem,” he notes.

As stool moves through the intestine, microorganisms utilize available dietary fiber, fermenting it into beneficial fatty acids.

However, if the stool lingers too long, these microorganisms switch to protein, leading to toxin release into the bloodstream.

“Accumulations of toxins, like indoxyl sulfate and trimethylamine, are associated with chronic kidney and cardiovascular diseases,” Gibbons warns.

The average individual produces 3,500-3,800 kilograms (7,700-8,400 pounds) of stool in their lifetime. – Photo credit: Getty

Regular bowel movements lead to similar yet subtly different biological processes.

“Individuals with diarrhea often show elevated levels of systemic inflammation, such as C-reactive protein,” he clarifies. “I noticed a stress marker in the liver that ended up in the bloodstream.”

Of course, there are natural variations in how often people experience bowel movements. Most people recognize when their patterns change, but many healthcare providers aren’t overly concerned.

Gibbons states that the general consensus among clinicians is that unless changes are extreme, treatment may not be necessary.

“However, we argue that variations might be worth investigating,” he says. “Aiming for a consistent schedule of once a day or every other day is important. Deviating from this pattern can raise potential risk factors for chronic illnesses and aging.”

Examining Stool Texture and Consistency

Another way to evaluate your stool is by observing its characteristics. The Bristol Stool Scale serves as a visual guide to assessing stool health and can be quite revealing.

Developed in 1997 as a diagnostic tool, the scale categorizes stool into seven types—from small, hard pellets to watery diarrhea.

In addition to frequency, we should also seek a healthy balance in terms of shape and consistency. A smooth, sausage-like stool that passes easily is considered ideal.

It’s also necessary to notice the effort involved during bowel movements. Stool should not feel like a strenuous ordeal, nor should it feel like it’s happening all at once.

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Emphasizing a Healthy Lifestyle

If you find yourself consistently outside these Goldilocks zones, researchers suggest several strategies.

Gibbons and his colleagues discovered that individuals who fall into the beneficial higher frequency category tend to lead healthier lifestyles.

“They consume more fruits and vegetables, are more physically active, and tend to hydrate better,” he mentions. “These three factors can make a significant difference.”

He also recommends exploring new health trends. “Consider taking dietary fiber supplements or incorporating flaxseed and chia seeds into your meals. These can be quite beneficial.”

Be wary of certain wellness trends as well. Popular weight loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic may offer multiple health benefits, but Gibbons cautions that they can slow intestinal transit time, potentially affecting frequency.

“High-protein diets can also pose risks due to the byproducts generated from protein fermentation. There is considerable evidence suggesting links to type 2 diabetes, particularly in younger individuals.”

So the next time you find yourself on the throne, consider it your personal health assessment.

Meet Our Experts

Professor Shawn Gibbons is an associate professor at the Institute of Systems Biology and leads the Gibbons Lab, which focuses on microbiology, ecology, and medicine. He earned his PhD in Biophysics from the University of Chicago in 2015. His expertise lies in microbial ecology, evolution, complex adaptive systems, bioinformatics, and the human microbiota.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The frequency of bowel movements reflects one’s health status

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We all have to deal with the uncomfortable topic of bowel movements, and the frequency at which we have them can vary greatly from person to person. Recent research suggests that the frequency of our bowel movements may have implications for our long-term health, revealing that there is an ideal amount of poop for a healthy individual.

A study conducted by scientists from the US Systems Biology Institute categorized individuals based on the frequency of their bowel movements:

  1. Constipation (one or two bowel movements per week)
  2. Low to normal (3-6 bowel movements per week)
  3. High normal (1–3 bowel movements per day)
  4. Diarrhea

Research indicates that the “Goldilocks Zone” for bowel movement frequency is having one to two bowel movements per day, which falls within the high normal range. This frequency is associated with the thriving of fiber-fermenting gut bacteria, suggesting that individuals in this zone may have similar gut microbiomes.

To achieve this ideal frequency, individuals are encouraged to adopt a high-fiber diet, ensure proper hydration, and engage in regular exercise. These habits are common among individuals in the Goldilocks Zone for bowel frequency.

The study, published in Cell Report Medicine, examined 1,400 healthy adults and explored the relationship between bowel movement frequency, age, sex, genetics, and gut microbiota. Results revealed that age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) significantly influence bowel movement frequency, with younger individuals, females, and those with lower BMI having more frequent bowel movements.

Irregular bowel movements can lead to issues as stool stagnates in the intestines, causing gut microbes to ferment proteins, potentially releasing harmful toxins into the bloodstream. This can contribute to organ damage and increase the risk of chronic diseases. Individuals with constipation were found to have higher levels of harmful by-products of protein fermentation, while those with diarrhea exhibited patterns indicative of liver damage.

Further research is being conducted to understand the connection between bowel movement frequency and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Dr. Sean Gibbons, the corresponding author of the study, emphasizes the importance of maintaining optimal bowel frequency for overall health and wellness.

Understanding the impact of bowel movements on various bodily systems can help identify early signs of organ damage and inform strategies to improve health and prevent chronic diseases in both healthy and at-risk populations. To learn more about this fascinating topic, visit Dr. Sean Gibbons’ profile.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Adopting a low FODMAP diet may be more effective than medication in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

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Eating less of some types of foods and more of others may ease irritable bowel syndrome

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Two types of diets are more effective at treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) than drugs, a trial has found.

One diet was designed to be low in FODMAPs, a group of carbohydrates similar to sugars found in dairy products, wheat, and certain fruits and vegetables. The second, less common approach used for IBS is an adaptation of a low-carbohydrate diet that is high in fiber and low in other types of carbohydrates, such as sugar and starch.

In a randomized trial, both diets showed better symptom improvement than standard drug treatment after four weeks.

IBS can cause mysterious symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain that increase or decrease over time. The underlying cause of this condition is unknown.

The usual advice is to avoid common triggers such as caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods. Symptomatic treatments such as laxatives for constipation and drug therapy for diarrhea may be given.

If these measures don’t work, you may want to consider cutting back on foods high in FODMAPs. FODMAPs tend not to be digested until they reach the colon, which is why they are thought to cause bloating and diarrhea. This encourages the colon to retain water, and when the molecules are consumed by bacteria, gas is produced and causes bloating.

Sanna Niebacka Researchers from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden wanted to find out how a regular low-FODMAP diet compared to an alternative approach: high in fiber but low in carbohydrates. In practice, this means eating high-fat, high-protein foods such as meat and dairy products, and sources of fiber include nuts, seeds, beans, and vegetables such as cabbage.

The research team asked around 300 people with IBS to use one of three approaches depending on their symptoms: take medication or adopt one of two diets. The diet provided people with free grocery delivery, as well as detailed meal plans and recipes.

After one month, 76% of the low-FODMAP group reported a significant reduction in symptoms, compared with 71% of the low-carbohydrate diet group and 58% of the drug treatment group.

The big surprise was that a low-carbohydrate, high-fiber diet that didn’t exclude FODMAP-containing foods was about as effective as a low-FODMAP approach, Nybacka says. “We can’t answer any questions as to why. It appears that altering carbohydrate content and reducing FODMAP intake may be beneficial.”

but hazel everitt Researchers at the University of Southampton in the UK say the trial would have been more informative if it had lasted longer. “The problem with many of the IBS diets that have been proposed is that they are very difficult to stick to long-term,” she says.

Participants were followed for up to six months, but during the last five months participants who were initially offered drug treatment were also given dietary advice.

Niebacka says one potential problem with the low-carbohydrate, high-fiber diet is that this group of people had slightly elevated blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, you should seek your doctor’s advice before adopting this diet, she says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com