Advancements in IBD Treatment: Microgel Delivery System and Cannabis Show Promise
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), have been linked to an imbalance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
Referenced Article by : By Jeanna D. Smiley on June 21, 2023 — Fact checked by Hannah Flynn
Zhengzhou University's study focuses on developing a microgel delivery system to improve probiotic treatment for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.These chronic inflammatory diseases affect millions in the United States.Challenges in delivering probiotics to the specific intestinal site necessitate innovative solutions.
Link between IBD and Gut Bacteria Imbalance:
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Imbalance of gut bacteria contributes to compromised immune responses and intestinal barrier function.
Traditional IBD treatments involve immunosuppressants with limitations and side effects.
Probiotics' Potential and Delivery Challenges:
Probiotics show promise in improving IBD symptoms. Delivery to the targeted gut site is challenging due to harsh stomach environments.
Previous attempts failed to address tissue damage favoring harmful bacteria.
Microgel Delivery System using Calcium Tungsten Microgels (CTM):
Zhengzhou University researchers utilized CTM as a protective shield for delivering probiotics to the affected gut areas.
CTM aided probiotic colonization and prevented overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
Experiments on colitis mouse models showed promising results.
Results:
The microgel delivery system increased probiotic colonization by 25 times and reduced harmful bacteria by 45 times.
Mice treated with microgel spheres did not exhibit colitis markers.
Future Directions and Caution:
Further studies required to confirm the effectiveness in humans.
Dr. Rudolph Bedford highlights the study's potential while emphasizing the need for human trials and the importance of diet and probiotics in maintaining gut health.
In conclusion, this research provides insights into how cannabis could relieve inflammation in the intestines of individuals with IBD. By uncovering the role of endocannabinoids in controlling the immune response, the study offers a scientific basis for the anecdotal evidence supporting the use of cannabis in IBD symptom management.
Microgel Delivery System:
- Developed by researchers at Zhengzhou University in China.
- Aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of probiotics in treating Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Addresses the challenge of delivering probiotics to the specific site in the intestine where they are needed.
- Uses calcium tungsten microgels (CTM) as a protective shield for probiotics.
- CTM helps probiotics colonize the gut and restore gut microbiome balance.
- Tested in a mouse model of colitis, showing promising results in preventing colitis symptoms.
- Protects probiotics from the harsh environments of the stomach and other parts of the digestive system.
Cannabis Treatment:
- Research led by Professor Beth A. McCormick from the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
- Investigates the use of cannabis in relieving intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- IBD includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Cannabis reported to alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and poor appetite in IBD patients.
- Study reveals the role of endocannabinoids (naturally produced cannabinoids) in controlling inflammation in the intestines.
- Lack or insufficiency of endocannabinoids can lead to uncontrolled inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining.
- Cannabis cannabinoids may provide similar anti-inflammatory effects as endocannabinoids in IBD.
- Scientific understanding of the benefits of cannabis in IBD management is limited.
- Further research and human trials are needed to validate the findings and explore cannabis as a potential treatment for IBD.
