An enzyme, meprin, involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been discovered by researchers in the US and Europe. Meprin appears to be found in decreased quantities in the intestines of people with IBD, compared to those who don’t. The researchers conclude that low meprin levels correlate with the severity of the disease. IBD refers to two chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the intestines – ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It’s estimated that 1 million people in the US have IBD, which causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, abdominal pain, weight loss, malabsorption, intestinal ulcers, and even skin manifestations and arthritis. Current treatments include steroids and other medications that suppress the immune system. The discovery of meprin may lead to new treatment possibilities for IBD sufferers.
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Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.