Gene implicated in faulty immune response

Research from McGill University Health Centre has shown a link between a gene mutation present in 25% of Crohn's patients and a lack of immune response to mycobacteria. When this connection is fully understood it may lead to new therapies for Crohn's targeting the NOD2 gene involved.

As explained by the lead researcher, Dr. Marcel Behr:

"Now that we have a better understanding of the normal role of NOD2, we think that a mutation in this gene prevents mycobacteria from being properly recognized by the immune system," explained Dr. Behr. "If mycobacteria are not recognized, the body cannot effectively fight them off and then becomes persistently infected."

The full article is published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (full article requires subscription).

Nutrition therapy helps most children

UPI summarises a report in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition that states that 60% of children with Crohn's will enter remission if they take a special nutrient mixture. This is as effective as steroids, and much preferable to the side-effects of long-term steroid use. However, it's a big commitment for the children:

Maintaining remission may require receiving 25 percent-50 percent of caloric intake by nutrition therapy -- sometimes for years, Shamir says. Children experiencing the treatment need the support of physicians, dietitians, psychologists and their families, the study says.

Although the reason that this works is not known, the fact that it works well and without side-effects makes it a great choice for children. Its benefits for adults are not mentioned, but one hopes that those studies are in process.