Research advances in treating chronic intestinal inflammation

Researchers are advancing new approaches to treating chronic intestinal inflammations, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, through both delivery technology and metabolic insights.

A Chinese research team has developed hydrogel microcapsules composed of apple pectin, whey protein isolate, and hyaluronic acid to encapsulate the bacterium Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus JY027. These microcapsules are designed to protect probiotics from gastrointestinal stress, ensuring they reach the inflamed colon. In mouse studies, this method significantly relieved inflammation by strengthening the intestinal barrier and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Separately, a German-American research collaboration involving Kiel University and Pennsylvania State University has identified a metabolic mechanism that sustains chronic inflammation. The study found that inflammation blocks a key metabolic pathway responsible for supplying energy to the intestinal mucosa. Specifically, the process disrupts the production of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a molecule essential for energy production and tissue repair. This energy deficit prevents the gut from effectively repairing itself during inflammatory episodes.