Researchers have demonstrated that nanotherapy reduces intestinal inflammation and shrinks lesions in a rodent model of severe Crohn's disease.
"The results were phenomenal. We saw reduction in inflammation based upon reductions in pro-inflammatory immune cells and proteins. The lesion size shrunk dramatically, which gives us hope that with this therapy we can salvage inflammatory tissue and avoid needing to surgically remove segments of the intestine in severe cases of Crohn's disease," Sharma added.
It can lead to intestinal obstruction and perforation, bleeding, abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition leading to growth abnormalities in children.
It is estimated that 70 per cent of patients with Crohn's disease will require surgery during their lifetime and many will require additional surgery.
The team observed that it creates an anti-inflammatory environment that not only keeps the lesion from growing but also reduces its size.
"Before we can translate this work to clinical application, we need to develop a less invasive mode of delivery, such as oral or via endoscopy," Sharma added.
(This story was published from a syndicated feed. Only the headline and picture has been edited by FIT).
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