Peptides that mimic ‘good cholesterol’ reverse inflammatory bowel disease in mice

FINDINGSPeptides that mimic  the function of HDL cholesterol, which has been dubbed “good cholesterol,” can treat the underlying inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, according to new research in mice. The same work revealed new details on how IBD can develop and what other types of drugs may wo rk to treat the disease.BACKGROUNDThe most common types of IBD, a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract, are Crohn ’s disease and ulcerative colitis. There are few effective treatments for IBD, and a majority of patients will eventually need surgery, according to previous studies. Researchers already knew that people with IBD have lower levels of ApoA-I, the main protein component of HDL, in their colons compa red to healthy people.  ApoA-I also is known to ease inflammation and act as an antioxidant — which can prevent cell damage — elsewhere in the body.METHODUCLA researchers studied mice that had been genetically engineered to develop molecular changes, inflammation and symptoms similar to that seen in people with Crohn ’s disease. The team detailed how IBD developed in these mice, pinpointing some new key pathways and molecules in the process. They then treated the mice with two oral drugs, one designed to mimic ApoA-I and another designed to mimic a specific inflammation-resolving molecule. Each of the compound s successfully eased inflammation in the intestines of the mice and lowered the levels of inflammatory molecules in ...
Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news