Researchers discover protein which may lead to development of Crohn’s

Many people who live with chronic illnesses can attest to the fact that they have been on the same treatment regimen for a number of years. It is a lengthy and challenging process to get a new medication or therapy approved for treating a disease, and sometimes, the one and only option has been around for thirty years or more. This lack of new and innovative treatment options makes a unique discovery very exciting and promising. Such is the case with crohn’s disease. For years, crohn’s, which has no definitive cause nor cure, has been treated by a variety of medications and dietary supplements. Most have been used for quite some time. Now, the discovery of a new protein may change the way the disease is treated, and may eventually lead to a cure.

French researchers conducted a study with mice which led them to conclude that having low levels of a protein (PPAR-gamma) that controls a bacteria defense mechanism in the intestines, may lead to increased infections and the development of crohn’s. They used mice that were bred to have low levels of the protein, finding that they were less able to combat intestinal infection than those mice that had normal levels of PPAR-gamma. According to Reuters, even when samples of colon were taken from people who had been diagnosed with crohn’s, evidence was found that there were low levels of antimicrobial peptides, which are controlled by the protein, PPAR-gamma. So, if lower levels of the protein are responsible for infection, inflammation, and possibly, the development of intestinal disorders, is there a way to increase the protein in our bodies?

Fortunately, the answer is yes, there are many ways to boost the PPAR-gamma protein levels. There are drugs that are currently being used to treat other diseases, which are perfect matches for restoring the protein to adequate levels. Some such medications include diabetes drugs Avandia and Actos. The researchers also note that changing your diet can also heavily influence the development of the protein. Consuming foods that are rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), such as meat and dairy, can help to increase the PPAR-gamma protein levels and also fend off the development of intestinal cancers. The researchers hope that the discovery of this protein and its role in the development and worsening of crohn’s may not only help them manage the disease, but also eventually find a cure. As it stands now, most people take injectable rugs to combat the condition, but most of these stop being effective after a certain period of time. This protein could be the link that explains why certain people develop the disease, and hopefully, provide a way to prevent anyone from living with the disability. If you suffer from crohn’s, you should discuss taking the aforementioned medications, as well as changing your diet to include more CLA-rich foods, with your doctor. Although they may not provide an immediate cure, they may provide some much needed relief.