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Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute, in collaboration with Imperial College London and UCL, have identified the primary cause of “inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).” According to the researchers’ results, 95% of people who suffer from diseases have a weak point in their DNA.
What is IBD?
IBD is a long-term medical illness that encompasses ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Severe inflammation is present in the “gastrointestinal (GI)” tract in this illness. Ulcers resulting from Crohn’s disease enter the gastrointestinal tract and then affect other body areas, impacting the tract from the anus to the buttocks. Usually, this starts in the upper section of the small and large intestines.
Conversely, “Ulcerative Colitis (UC)” originates in the rectum and extends throughout the colon. This consequently results in discomfort and big intestinal enlargement.
This inflammatory sickness typically develops when immune system cells in the GI tract inadvertently target healthy tissues. Later on, this results in inflammation, which causes UC and Crohn’s disease.
What is Gene Desert and its link with IBD?
A region known as the “Gene Desert” is associated with a number of different illnesses and lacks protein-coding. It’s now known that they have significant regulatory components, despite their prior classification as “non-functional.”
A region of DNA called an enhancer modulates the expression of genes nearby by functioning as volume control. An enhancer active in immune cells called macrophages was shown by scientists to have an impact on IBD.
Enhancer-induced upregulation of ETS2 gene activity was reported in the study published in Nature. An increased risk of this inflammatory disease was discovered to be associated with high ETS2 levels.
According to recent gene editing studies, ETS2 is essential for macrophage inflammatory activity and aids in the pathogenesis of intestinal damage in inflammatory bowel disease.
Future Directions and Treatment
The research group is attempting to directly target macrophages with these medications. As part of this, a synthetic antibody called a “Conjugate” that only attaches to specific cells is made. This method permits lower dosages and is safer. Lee stated that this antibody conjugate has already been developed.
Symptoms of IBD
- Excessive Weight loss
- Tiredness
- Blood in stool
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Chronic Diarrhea
Image Source: India Today
A large percentage of people suffering from IBD in the UK
In a Study report by “Crohn’s & Colitis UK” psychiatrist UK, it is found that nearly twice as many individuals residing in the UK suffer from ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
The concerning figure demonstrates that the treatment for this disease is comparable to cancer and heart disease posing profound influence upon the life of a person and acquire expert care from specialist nurses doctors pharmacists psychologists and dieticians.
Image Source: Crohn’s and Colitis UK
Furthermore, it has been found that at least 7 million people are affected by this disease around the globe. While some steroids might ease the signs of this chronic sickness some patients even undergo surgery that requires removing part of their bowel.
Thus, findings revealed by scientists are a new ray of hope in terms of finding new medication to treat this disease.
The individuals suffering from this illness are suggested not to consume dietary products, spicy and High fiber foods. These foods might trigger the disease making it critical to manage. Diet plays a vital role in managing the symptoms of this chronic sickness. Individuals suffering from suggested to be mindful while snacking and try small portion of snacks while eating out. Furthermore, monitoring what you eat and how it effects the current condition of your disease is necessary to eliminate severe condition.
