Saturday, February 11, 2012

"Sugar bug" bacteria may curb IBD

(Reuters) UPDATED 2009-08-25
British researchers have modified a bacteria that they say may change the way inflammatory bowel disease is treated. The engineered form of Bacteroides ovatus can be delivered to the gut in pill form, but it can only be activated in the presence of a sugar called xylan. The bacteria secretes a human growth factor called KGF-2 into the cells in the gut that helps promote healing. In animal studies, the mice who received the bacteria pill along with xylan in their drinking water had a reduction in rectal bleeding, weight loss, and inflammation. Researchers say studies on humans should begin in around 18 months.  Read full story >
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