Study chronic inflammatory bowel disease

A research team has uncovered new insights into the disease-causing molecular processes in inflammatory bowel disease.

09/17/2014

Recurrent diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss - these symptoms are associated with chronic inflammatory bowel disease. According to the current state of research, a weakened intestinal barrier leads to these diseases. Researchers were able to show for the first time that the enzyme RIP1 plays a key role in a functioning intestinal barrier that protects the body from the intestinal bacteria.

Epithelial cells form a thin layer in the intestine, which prevents the bacteria of the intestinal flora from entering the body. If intestinal bacteria pass this protective barrier and enter the body, inflammation may occur. The research group found in investigations that a deficiency of the enzyme RIP1 increasingly leads to apoptosis - a type of suicide program of the epithelial cells - which normally occurs, e.g. serves to reduce unnecessary cells. The cell death causes gaps in the intestinal barrier and inflammation of the intestinal mucosa is the result. (Pm)