New Findings May Lead To Development Of Novel Treatments For Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Nov, 2021 - By WMR

A study found new link between specific molecules created by microbiome and the protein that affects gut inflammation.

A team of scientists from the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School and University of Bath discovered the relation between the particular molecules produced by microbiome and the protein that impacts gut inflammation. The research helps to understand the balance of microbes in our intestine associated with immune system of the body and gut health. The study also increases the chances of development of new treatments for managing incapacitating inflammatory diseases of intestine, such as Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis.

A protein called P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is known for its role in reducing the efficiency of cancer treatments. One of the main functions of this protein is to trap and throw out foreign substances that enter into cells. However, recently it was found that P-gp also plays an important role as anti-inflammatory in the intestines and produces molecules called endocannabinoids that reduce inflammation. This new study discovered that a mixture of gut bacteria metabolites influence the P-gp expression. The scientists also found P-gp expression is regulated by a synergistic combination of short-chain fatty acid called as butyrate and three secondary bile acids DCA, UDCA and LCA.

It was found that optimal P-gp expression is observed only when these molecules of acids function together. The study also suggests that various gut bacteria add to combination of metabolite that influences P-gp expression. There is no current study that suggests specific dietary inputs for nurturing the essential balance of microbial to produce particular anti-inflammatory activity. Yet, these findings add another aspect to research studying the link between microbiome and gut inflammation, it indicates the deep connection between the immune system and the gut bacteria. The team hopes that the findings of this study would help to develop new treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases in the future.