New Developments in Crohn's Disease Treatments Columbia SC

Stem cell transplants

Stem cell transplants are emerging as an exciting new therapy for Crohn's disease. Stem cells are naturally present in the intestines and throughout the body. They inhibit inflammation and secrete substances that stimulate tissue repair.

One type of stem cell, called Mesanchymal stem cells, can differentiate into multiple cell varieties. Since they are not limited to growing new cells in only one organ or structure, such as the heart or lungs, they are extremely beneficial for transplantation.

Think of a stem cell transplant as the restart function on your computer. It reboots your immune system when it is not working so you essentially start over. When Mesanchymal stem cells are transplanted into Crohn's patients, they modulate the immune response, inhibit inflammation, and induce remission.

Learn more about the importance of stem cell research here .

Pineapple extract

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, however, pineapple stems are showing promise for keeping Crohn's at bay. Pineapple stems contain bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme. Bromelain works by reducing the production of two other proteins--chemokines and cytokines--that have a pro-inflammatory affect. In a study at Duke University, the use of bromelain with Crohn's patients has provided encouraging early results.

Genetic targets

Researchers continue to identify genes implicated in Crohn's diseases, providing potential targets for potential new drug therapies. Genes interact with other genes along common biological pathways, and scientists have found a particular pathway, called Interleukin 12, which has cell receptors known to be associated with Crohn's disease...

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