Those who develop Clostridium difficile along with their Inflammatory Bowel Disease may have a harder time treating it with Vancomycin.
A review study of 101 patients who had an Inflammatory Bowel Disease of one kind or another found that Clostridium difficile was more likely to occur in those treated with the antibiotic vancomycin compared to those treated with another antibiotic, metronidazole or a combination of both. Vancomycin goes by the brand name Vancocin while metronidazole is also known as Flagyl.
The review study showed a recurrence rate of almost 40%(39.4%) in those who took vancomycin compared to 14.5% in those who took metronidazole & 13.3% in those who took a combination of both. No obvious differences were found between patients & the vast majority(89%) were on immunosupressive drugs of some sort. Steroid use does seem to play a role as reinfection rates were approximately twice as high, 32% vs 15.7%, for those receiving a steroidal treatment. Continue reading “Clostridium difficile Recurrence Higher For IBD Patients Treated With Vancomycin” »
“Poo Burger” hoax video reminds us not to believe everything we see on the Internet.
Well it seems that some legit news websites are syndicating a story about a so called Japanese “poo burger”. A video that originated at LiveLeaks(WARNING VIDEO MY BE GROSS TO SOME) has a Japanese scientist named Mitsuyuki Ikeda from a fictitious Okayama Laboratory who has invented a “poo burger” from sewage waste. The concept is that bacteria within sewage waste can be processed & treated to create so called meat steaks. The video has Mr. Ikeda talking nonchalantly about his invention as well as demonstrating it’s virtues & even eating some of it. Continue reading “Japanese Poo Burger Story Leaves A Bad Taste Behind…” »
Plecanatide & Linaclotide are two drugs made by two different companies but both target Irritable Bowel Syndrome in a similar way.
Plecanatide is being developed by Synergy Pharmaceuticals while Linaclotide is being developed by Ironwood Pharmaceuticals. These drugs are targeted towards those with constipation predominant IBS with associated IBS related abdominal pain. Continue reading “Plecanatide & Linaclotide, Similar Experimental Treatments For IBS” »
Research led by Fang Yang at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center has uncovered some interesting information which could lead to new treatments for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases like Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis.
The researchers focused in on proteins that are secreted by the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG bacteria. This bacteria is commonly found in yogurts. The proteins they isolated were given generic names such as p75 & p40. Researchers narrowed their focus to protein ‘p40’. P40 was found to activate the epidermal growth factor receptor which is responsible for sustaining living cells & growing new ones. Activation of this receptor appears to have helped prevent both cell death & inflammation caused by weakening of the intestinal tracts “tight junctions” which prevent microbes & toxins escaping into the bloodstream. Continue reading “Yogurt Protein Could Be Helpful For Inflammatory Bowel Diseases” »
Canadian Researchers from the University of Toronto have narrowed down a key protein which may be partially to blame for triggering Crohn’s Disease.
The proteins in question are known as “nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain proteins” or NOD for short. The study looked specifically at the NOD2 gene which acts as a sort of “bacterial sensor” for the gut. It helps the immune system respond to threats by sending out signaling molecules(cytokines) which trigger an inflammatory response. The cytokines seen in this study are Interleukin(IL) 17 & IL-22. Interleukin 23 has also been linked to Crohn’s Disease. The research suggests that the NOD2 gene miscommunicates with IL-17 & IL-22 impeding the bodies ability to fight off bacterial infection. Continue reading “Immune System Proteins Key In Crohn’s Disease” »
Canadian researchers from the University of Toronto released info on a study that looks at the impact physical abuse as a child plays in developing chronic illnesses like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Fibromyalgia.
“Women who reported they had been physically abused as children have twice the odds of chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivities, and 65 per cent higher odds of fibromyalgia” says lead investigator Professor Esme Fuller-Thomson Continue reading “Abusive Childhood Could Play Part In IBS, Chronic Fatigue & Fibromyalgia” »
Asimadoline may see use in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome sooner thanks to being “fast tracked” by the FDA.
Tioga Pharmaceuticals announced via press release that they have received fast track status from the FDA on their drug Asimadoline. Asamadoline is an agonist which binds to the kappa opioid receptor. The kappa opioid receptors reside in the brain, spinal cord & peripheral nervous system. Asimadoline is targeted to work on the peripheral nervous system, while avoiding the brain due to it’s inability to cross past the blood brain barrier. Clinical trials of Asimadoline show that the drug is helpful with treating pain, discomfort & urgency in those with diarrhea predominant IBS symptoms. Continue reading “Asimadoline IBS Drug Gets Fast Tracked By FDA” »
Researchers[1] have found strong evidence of a link between specific brain behavior & the microbial life forms in the gut. Before we go further into the two experiments that were used, let’s get some terminology out of the way. Continue reading “Swiss Mice, Bacteria & Brain Behavior” »
A recent study suggests kids & teens may not be properly taking medication prescribed to them for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Continue reading “Kids With IBD: Medication, CCFA Webcast & Alternatives” »
Nexvax2 may become a breakthrough for preventing or treating Celiac disease.
The company ImmusanT has released information that their Celiac Disease vaccine “Nexvax2” passed their three week Phase I clinical trial. Phase I trials only test safety, tolerability & bioactivity in humans & are not meant to test how effective the drug or vaccine is. Some patients receiving the vaccine experienced symptoms similar to what they would experience from gluten exposure, which was expected. Continue reading “Celiac Vaccine Showing Promise” »