Researchers in Germany have found a potential novel biomarker for those who have IBD. With experimentation, they believe it may pave the way for a new possible therapeutic option for those with Crohn’s and Colitis. The KCNN4 channel is known to be involved in inflammatory diseases, and is responsible for epithelial ion transport and intestinal repair. Researchers compared surgical samples from patients who had IBD, diverticulitis, and healthy patients for comparison. After these comparisons, the K+ Channel was determined to be the area of focus.
In experimenting, they wanted to be able to see these intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) in action. The ability to repair this thin layer of gut tissue has a substantial impact on overall gut health. Gaps in this layer are commonly referred to as ‘leaky gut’ and can make symptoms like diarrhea and ulcers worse. After obtaining samples, they were measured to find mRNA-levels of KCNN4 and control K+ channels, and IEC cells to determine the integrity of the barrier. Some samples were then incubated with interferon-γ. The results came as a surprise.
These researchers found that KCNN4 mRNA and protein levels were heightened in the IEC cells of IBD patients, but not diverticulitis patients. This led them to believe that by manipulating the KCNN4 channel, they could speed the healing process in IBD patients. Using this hypothesis, pharmacological KCNN4 channel openers were administered in vitro. What happened next? These channel openers actually stabilized the epithelial gut barrier, protecting it from foreign invaders and inflammation that worsen symptoms.
These incredible finds are paving the way for more advancement in diagnosis and care of IBD. The researchers concluded that since KCNN4 levels are so high in IBD patients, it could serve as an initial biomarker for diagnosis. But it doesn’t just stop there. With such positive results from the KCNN4 openers helping repair gut cells, they hope to be able to produce a drug that can target these KCNN4 channels. This idea is very new, and will need lots more research and testing, but it is an exciting discovery and could be the next drug class to help tackle IBD.
Want to check out the study for yourself? Click HERE & HERE!
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