Scientists have created a remedy that could potentially protect against peanut allergies. It is reported by the University of Chicago.
Previously, some studies have shown that certain bacteria can protect against food allergies by preventing antigens from entering the bloodstream. Now, a team of researchers at the University of Chicago has created a specific type of polymer molecule to deliver an important metabolite produced by these bacteria directly to the gut, where it helps repair the intestinal lining and allows beneficial bacteria to thrive.
Research shows that these polymers, called micelles, can release the butyric acid they contain directly in the small and large intestines. It is butyric acid that helps prevent food allergies.
When administered to mice during the course of the experiment, micelles increased butyric acid-producing Clostridia bacteria , protected mice from an anaphylactic reaction to peanuts, and reduced symptom severity in a model of ulcerative colitis.
Micellar technology can be adapted to deliver other metabolites and molecules, making it suitable for the treatment of other allergies and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases.
“We were delighted to see that our drug not only replenished levels of butyric acid in the gut, but also helped increase the population of butyric acid-producing bacteria,” said Katherine Nagler, co-author of the study. “With this, it is likely that it will be possible to treat not only food allergies and inflammatory bowel diseases, but the whole range of non-communicable chronic diseases.”
Earlier in Canada , AI was created to predict the success of chemotherapy for breast cancer.
