Link Found Between Crohn’s & Colitis and Premature Aging

If you suffer from an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s, and you feel as if it has taken a toll on your body – making you feel older than you truly are – there may be a reason for that feeling. A new study, published in Gastroenterology, and conducted by the Steele Children’s Research Center, found that children and young adults with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis have a higher risk of developing pre-mature aging disease, such as osteopenia and osteoporosis. There appears, from the research, that the inflammation has an impact on the Klotho gene, which is involved in the aging process.

Many patients suffering from crohn’s or colitis are likely to begin experiencing other symptoms not automatically attributed to the disease. This research is quite novel in the field and may help to explain many of the unique conditions that present themselves in such young individuals. Fayez K. Ghishan, MD, professor and director of the Steele Center, noted, “Based on our research, it appears that chronic inflammation of the gut causes Klotho to down-regulate – or ‘turn off’ – contributing to premature-aging diseases such as osteopenia, osteoporosis and atherosclerosis, to name a few.”

The study consisted of the examination of inflammation in three mouse models with human inflammatory bowel disease. They found that all three models exhibited a down-regulation of the Klotho gene. Dr. Ghishan stated that “Our results provide the first evidence of the IBD-associated inflammatory process adversely affecting expression of Klotho in the kidneys.” Additionally, “This has profound consequences, including mineral balance, vascular health and aging,” Dr. Ghishan reported.

What does this study mean for those living with crohn’s or colitis? It suggests that if you suffer from an inflammatory bowel disease, it is highly likely that you will develop symptoms of premature aging as well. These additional symptoms may make it even more difficult for you to engage in daily activities or to work. Further, although crohn’s and colitis are both recognized disabilities within social security guidelines, it is possible that premature aging will result in additional disabilities becoming present. If you have been suffering with unique symptoms and wonder if they may be attributed to premature aging, make sure to discuss them with your doctor. Your health professional may be able to diagnose some of your new conditions and you may find that they are contributing to your disability.

This new study is not all bad news, though. With the recognition of inflammation’s role on the Klotho gene, researchers and doctors can now focus on discovering new treatment options. They can isolate the gene and conduct further studies into its impact on the body. This new discovery should open the doors to advanced treatment and diagnosis of the premature aging conditions as well.