A major cause of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been discovered, and could be treated with existing drugs.
Researchers have hailed the breakthrough as a ‘massive step forwards’ after finding a pattern in our DNA which is present in 95% of people with the disease.
IBD is an umbrella term for diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are characterised by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Data from Crohn’s & Colitis UK reveals that around half a million people in the UK are living with these conditions, which is around 1 in every 123 people – the second highest rate in the world, after the US.
The researchers, from Francis Crick Institute and University College London (UCL), discovered that when a certain part of the DNA goes wrong, it can cause excessive inflammation of the bowels.
The gene controls white blood cells called macrophages, which release chemicals known as cytokines – a normal response to infection.
However, in people with IBD, macrophages flood the intestines with cytokines, leading to massive inflammation.
Speaking to the BBC, Dr James Lee from the Francis Crick Institute said: ‘This is undoubtedly one of the central pathways that goes wrong for people to get inflammatory bowel disease.
‘It is the process by which one of the most important cells that causes inflammatory bowel disease goes wrong.’
The team also found that existing medications, such as for cancer, were able to reverse the effects in laboratory experiments. However, as they cause side effects in other organs, researchers are trying to figure out how they can deliver them directly to immune cells.
The breakthrough provides IBD sufferers with some hope.
Lauren Golightly, 27, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2018 after suffering stomach cramps, blood in her stools and irregular bowel habits.
She said: ‘Crohn’s has had a huge impact on my life. I’ve had a rocky road since diagnosis, with many hospital admissions, several different medications and even surgery to have a temporary stoma bag.
‘One of the hardest things about having IBD is the uncertainty around it.’
Ms Golightly reveals she still has flare-ups and spends time in hospital.
‘Learning about this research is so exciting and encouraging,’ she said.
‘I am hopeful this could potentially make a difference for myself and so many other hundreds of thousands of people living with IBD.’
Symptoms of IBD
The main symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can include:
- diarrhoea that lasts longer than 4 weeks
- tummy pain
- blood or mucus (clear slime) in your poo
- bleeding from your bottom
- feeling tired all the time
- losing weight without trying
Source: NHS
Dr James Lee added: ‘Using genetics as a starting point, we’ve uncovered a pathway that appears to play a major role in IBD and other inflammatory diseases.
‘Excitingly, we’ve shown that this can be targeted therapeutically, and we’re now working on how to ensure this approach is safe and effective for treating people in the future.’
Co-first author and PhD student Christina Stankey said: ‘IBD and other autoimmune conditions are really complex, with multiple genetic and environmental risk factors, so to find one of the central pathways, and show how this can be switched off with an existing drug, is a massive step forwards.’
The research was published in Nature.
MORE : I’m always drunk — but I haven’t had a drop of alcohol
MORE : Urgent E.coli outbreak warning after more than 100 cases linked to food
MORE : Brain size could have a major impact on autism severity
Get your need-to-know
latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
