Early drug treatment leads to better outcomes for Crohn’s disease
New ScientistFeb 20
Scientists Discover Major Driver of Bowel Disease
Above: The Francis Crick Institute in London, UK Image copyright: Jack Taylor/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
In a new study, researchers have discovered a major driver of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which encompasses conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, by finding a basis for inflammation in immune cells.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute in London found that a section of DNA found in immune cells, known as macrophages, boosted a gene known as ETS2, which is central to the inflammatory properties of macrophages.
The Spin
Narrative A
This discovery could change the lives of those living with IBD around the world, as we have finally found a potentially effective and non-invasive treatment. While clinical trials are needed to rigorously test the drugs used to quell inflammation, there is finally hope on the horizon for those who suffer from these common and chronic conditions.
Narrative B
Scientists have been perplexed by the explosion in autoimmune disorders such as IBD. Autoimmune disease has been described as a silent epidemic, and may be connected to our changing lifestyles and the chemicals we are exposed to in the modern age. Given that these diseases are so expensive to treat, let's focus on fixing our toxic environments before resorting to expensive treatments.