ABERDEEN SCIENTISTS REVEAL BOWEL ILLNESS BREAKTHROUGH
16:00 - 22 December 2003

Aberdeen scientists have made a breakthrough in the treatment of painful bowel disease.  Scientists at the Rowett Research Institute have revealed for the first time how friendly bacteria in the gut help stop the inflammation caused by harmful bacteria.  Their work has significant implications for the development of new treatments for disabling gut disorders.

Dr Denise Kelly, who is leading the research, said: "We know that inflammation is an important response for killing harmful bacteria in our gut, but the trick is to ensure that this inflammatory response is controlled and kept in check. Our studies have shown that in normal conditions the friendly bacteria in our gut prevent unnecessary inflammation."

It has been known for a while that certain friendly bacteria play an important role in keeping the gut healthy. However, until now the exact mechanisms of these actions remained unclear.

The cells in the gut respond to harmful bacteria by using a key, known as NF-kappaB, to turn on the machinery that manufactures inflammation-causing proteins.  The Rowett study has revealed that certain friendly bacteria can stimulate another protein, known as PPAR-gamma, to remove the NF-kappaB key and shut it down.