A specific chemical that may trigger remission in patients with the debilitating disease of ulcerative colitis has been identified by McMaster University researchers.
A specific chemical that may trigger remission in patients with the debilitating disease of ulcerative colitis has been identified by McMaster University researchers.
The team from the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute has found that people in long-term remission of ulcerative colitis have elevated levels of the same chemical, prostaglandin D2, which they previously found to be important in promoting healing and maintaining remission of the condition in laboratory rats.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is characterized by bouts of diarrhea, bleeding per rectum and pain, which remits and relapses. Fulminant colitis is a possibility, which may require colectomy.
Ulcerative colitis is characterized by bouts of diarrhea, bleeding per rectum and pain, which remits and relapses. Fulminant colitis is a possibility, which may require colectomy.
Ulcerative colitis impacts 100,000 Canadians and millions worldwide, but has an unknown cause and limited treatment options. Most people are never cured, and often require surgical removal of the colon.
The discovery may lead to a new treatment for inflammatory bowel disease which would promote production of prostaglandin D2, Wallace said. "It is entirely possible our findings could extend to Crohn's disease as well."
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease or regional enteritis is an inflammatory bowel disease that involves the small intestine and causes abdominal pain, diarrhea and bleeding.
Crohn’s disease or regional enteritis is an inflammatory bowel disease that involves the small intestine and causes abdominal pain, diarrhea and bleeding.
Source-Eurekalert
Smoking Influences Crohn's Disease
A new study in The American Journal of Gastroenterology suggests that smoking may determine which part of the intestinal tract is attacked in those who suffer from Crohn’s disease.
A new study in The American Journal of Gastroenterology suggests that smoking may determine which part of the intestinal tract is attacked in those who suffer from Crohn’s disease.
An Explanation for Crohn's Disease - Maybe
A mutation in the NOD2 gene is present in 25% of patients with Crohn's disease, but it is not precisely known how this mutation influences the disease.
A mutation in the NOD2 gene is present in 25% of patients with Crohn's disease, but it is not precisely known how this mutation influences the disease.
