Chronic Bowel Disease Research Articles

Effect of Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Tissue Damage and Function Loss in a Mouse Myocardial Infarction Model

Introduction Autonomic regulation of immune functions has increasingly been studied in recent decades. The attenuating effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on inflammatory processes is demonstrated in studies on inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis, chronic bowel disease and heart failure. Similar inflammatory processes play a role in the development of tissue damage following myocardial infarction (MI). In this study, effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VS) on tissue damage and function loss after MI in the mouse heart were measured. Methods Anaesthetized male C57Bl6 mice were treated with or without 30 seconds of VS prior to experimental MI. Baseline and terminal heart function were studied. After 48 hours animals were sacrificed and infarct size and presence of inflammatory cells in different locations in the infarcted heart were determined. Inflammatory responsiveness and inflammatory cells in the blood were measured as well. Results The differences in ejection fraction and infarct size were found to be not significant. Counts of T-lymphocytes and macrophages were equal on baseline and at termination. Neutrophil counts were higher in the area remote from the infarction in the MI group compared to that in the VS+MI group. VEGF amounts were not different in the infarcted hearts of MI as compared to the hearts of VS+MI treated mice. Conclusion Ejection fraction decreased at 48 hours, less in the VS+MI group than in MI alone. However, this decrease, compared between groups was not significantly different. Although values of infarct size and cardiac function come close to significant reduction this study does not show clear proof for an inhibiting effect of VS on MI injury or function loss. Since the limited time period after MI could be of influence on the variation in the data future research is necessary to provide more information on the development of tissue damage and functional reduction.

Çölyak Hastalığında Glutensiz Diyet Tedavisi: Bir Olgu Sunumu

Çölyak hastalığı, genetik olarak yatkın bireylerde, gluten ve ilişkili proteinlerin tüketimiyle bağırsak mukozasının atrofiye uğramasına neden olan, immün aracılı kronik bağırsak hastalığıdır. Çölyak hastalığının tek tedavisi yaşam boyu katı glutensiz diyet uygulamaktır. Özellikle çocukluk döneminde tanı alan bireylerin, sağlıklı yaşıtları ile benzer büyüme ve gelişme sürecini sürdürebilmesi için diyete uyum şarttır. Glutensiz diyet tedavisinin diyetisyen kontrolünde sıkı bir şekilde takip edilmesi diyete uyumu artırarak kısa sürede serolojik ve klinik bulguların düzelmesini sağlayabilir. Bu yazıda çölyak hastalığı tanısı ile izlenen olguda, glutensiz beslenme tedavisinin önemi ve uygulaması tartışılmıştır.

Bowel diseases: controversial terminology problems and classification

The article discusses the terminology of chronic bowel diseases, advantages and disadvantages of the terms "enteritis", "colitis", "enteropathy", and "colopathy". It is emphasized that upon functional diseases of the intestine there are always morphological changes explaining bowel disorders. According to etiology, pathogenesis, localization of the process, presence of clinical syndromes, a detailed classification of diseases of the small and large intestines is presented. The pathogenesis of bowel diseases is discussed corresponding to the names of certain pathologies.

Colorectal Cancer: New Perspectives

Colorectal cancer is one of the gastrointestinal malignant tumors that carries relatively poor prognosis. It represents one of the most common cancers in males and the third commonest cancer among females worldwide. Various factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer such as adenomatous polyps and personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Early colorectal carcinoma is usually asymptomatic. Bleeding from the rectum is the most common presenting symptom. Intestinal obstruction and distant metastasis are life threatening complications of colorectal carcinoma. Accurate diagnosis is achieved by sampling of areas of the colon suspicious for possible tumor development during colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Lines of treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and biologic treatment. This review sheds light on colorectal carcinoma regarding its prevalence, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and possible lines of management.

Research progress on the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal trefoil factor

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic non-specific inflammatory bowel diseases that requires lifelong treatment and long-term follow-up.In recent years, the incidence of IBD in children is increasing year by year, which seriously affects children′s quality of life, growth and mental health.The diagnosis of IBD requires a comprehensive analysis of patients′ history, lab biochemistry, radiology, endoscopy and histopathology examinations and so on.There are no reliable non-invasive tests and biomarkers for follow-up.Trefoil factor family 3 (TFF3), identified essencial in the repairment of intestinal inflammation and promoting mucosal regeneration, playsan important rolein the pathogenesis of IBD.We review the relationship between intestinal trefoil factor and IBD, and further to discuss the possibility whether intestinal trefoil factor can act as a serum marker to assess the activity of IBD. Key words: Inflammatory bowel disease; Trefoil factor family 3; Biochemical marker; Intestinal epithelial barrier

A healing shot to the gut

Biomaterials Targeted oral delivery of therapeutics for the treatment of chronic bowel disease might alleviate some of the side effects caused by systemic delivery, but this route requires a means to prevent degradation of the drugs within the gastrointestinal tract. Li et al. devise a multicomponent drug delivery platform built around porous silicon nanoparticles. Surface functionalization with hyaluronic acid gives the particles a negative charge so that they do not adhere to intact mucosa. A hydrogel based on an active pharmaceutical agent and ascorbyl palmitate is loaded into the pores of the particles and releases the drug in the presence of specific enzymes. Furthermore, the entire construct is coated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate, which can be tuned to be soluble at a specific pH to provide protected delivery to the required location. Biomaterials 185 , 322 (2018).

A Road Less Travelled: Clinical Comparison of HIV Seropositive and Seronegative Patients with Cystoisosporiasis – An 11-Year Experience from a Tertiary Care Centre in Northern India

Background:Cystoisospora is a well-known opportunistic enteric parasite among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive patients but there is a paucity of data among HIV negative patients. This study investigated Cystosporiasis on both HIV positive and negative patients, with or without diarrhea, presenting to a tertiary care and super specialty center of northern India. Methodology:Oocysts of Cystoisospora were detected on light microscopy, by modified Kinyoun staining of stool specimens, over an 11-year study period. Results: Of the 10,233 stool specimens evaluated, Cystoisospora was detected in 64 patients, 37 (57.81%) of whom were HIV positive. Year-wise analysis showed an overall declining trend of cystoisosporiasis. Maximum cases were detected in May and June in HIV positive patients and February and September among HIV negative patients. Among HIV positive patients, the mean CD4 count was 152.04 ± 81.12cells/μL, mean absolute eosinophil count (AEC) was 229.16 ± 175.62 cells/μL and 12.5% patients had mild eosinophilia. Tuberculosis was the most common co-morbidity. Dual infections of Cystoisospora with Cryptosporidium and Giardia were also seen. Among HIV negative patients, eight had primary autoimmune disorders, seven were solid organ transplant recipients and the rest had chronic bowel diseases. The mean AEC was 485.47 ± 414.88 cells/μL, with 14.81% patients showing mild and 11.11% showing marked eosinophilia. Dual infection with Giardia was seen. Recurrent cystoisosporiasis was noted, despite cotrimoxazole treatment in a single case. Conclusion: The epidemiology of cystoisosporiasis differs between HIV seropositive and seronegative patients in terms of year-wise and month-wise trends, co-infections and most importantly, AECs.

A Rare Cause of Chronic Hepatitis: Celiac Disease

Abstract Introduction. Celiac disease is a chronic bowel disease with a prevalence of 1% in the general population. This condition, immune-mediated, may exhibit multiple extra-intestinal changes, including the liver. Case presentation. We present the case of a 43-year-old patient presenting in our clinic for fatigue, associated with cytolytic and cholestatic hepatic syndrome with an onset of 10 years. During this time, the patient performed multiple investigations with the exclusion of viral, autoimmune etiology, primitive biliary cirrhosis and Wilson's disease. An abdominal ultrasound recorded an elongated, with an infundibular septum gallbladder. Abdominal computer tomography did not detect any changes. The final diagnosis is chronic alithiasic cholecystitis receiving hepatoprotective treatment with symptom relief and improved hepatic disorders. Over the past 2 years, the patient was diagnosed with osteoporosis (T score = -2.7 followed by treatment with Calcium and Vitamin D and improvement in T score to -2.1), and an iron deficiency anemia corrected with oral iron treatment. Upon resuming the anamnesis, we notice the presence of an intermittent bloating associated with diarrhea. Positive anti-transglutaminase antibodies required upper endoscopy with biopsy witch confirmed celiac disease. Conclusion. Despite the rather low prevalence of celiac disease in the etiology of hepatocytolysis, it is important to investigate its presence in the context of hepatic changes with uncertain etiology. This case motivates us to be rigorous in looking for secondary causes of hepatic impairment even in patients with apparently benign changes.

Protective Effect of Pure Sour Cherry Anthocyanin Extract on Cytokine-Induced Inflammatory Caco-2 Monolayers.

Anthocyanins have several beneficial effects, especially on inflammatory and oxidative conditions. The pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), induce damage in the intestinal barrier and participate in the pathogenesis of chronic bowel diseases. A number of fruits have high anthocyanin contents with strong biological activity which can support protective actions. Sour cherry (Prunus cerassus) is one of the richest fruits in anthocyanins; especially it has high content of cyanidins. The aim of this study was to test the biological effects of a pure sour cherry anthocyanin extract under inflammatory conditions on the intestinal barrier. Caco-2 monolayers were stimulated with 50 ng/mL TNF-α and 25 ng/mL IL-1β, and the protective effects of the anthocyanin extract were examined. We demonstrated the safety of 500, 50, 5 and 0.5 µM anthocyanin extracts through cell impedance measurements. The 50 µM anthocyanin extract inhibited the cytokine-induced Caco-2 permeability and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 subunits. The extract significantly reduced the release of IL-6 and IL-8 production in intestinal cells and glutathione peroxidase activity stimulated by cytokines. We demonstrated, for the first time, the beneficial effects of pure sour cherry anthocyanin extract on inflammatory Caco-2 monolayers, indicating that this substance could be protective in inflammatory bowel diseases and is an excellent raw material for further applications and formulations.

239 - Bowel radiation injury: Promises of cell and tissue engineering

Bowel radiation injury is an insidious disease associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Moreover, it's an increasing problem as more patients receive radiotherapy and survive longer after their tumor treatment. Bowel radiation injury results from the treatment of several cancers by radiotherapy in which normal colorectal tissues are present in the irradiation field. The clinical expression of bowel complications associated to radiotherapy resembles chronic bowel disease of other etiologies. However, recent studies have identified differences and specialists have proposed that complications following pelvic radiotherapy should be recognized as a “new disease” by Andreyev et al. The growing number of cases declared every year highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms involved and of finding effective therapies. There is no unified approach for the assessment and treatment of this disease partly due to insufficient knowledge about the mechanism involved in the development of bowel radiation injury. However, unresolved inflammation is hypothesized to have an important role in late side effects. We used an experimental model of radiation proctitis developed in rats that reproduces severe colonic mucosal damages and fibrosis similar to those observed in patients treated by radiotherapy (Sémont, 2010). We evaluated the benefit of immunomodulatory mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from adipose tissue (Ad-MSC) to reduce late side effects (Bessout, 2013–15 and Durand, 2015). We demonstrated a therapeutic benefit on different crucial functions of the colon and determined pleiotropic action mechanisms of the cell therapy treatment. Since, MSC therapy has been proposed to 4 patients over-irradiated during their radiotherapy treatment leading to substantial improvement in the clinical response (Voswinkel, 2013). Our pre-clinical studies also identified targets to potentiate the therapeutic effect of Ad-MSC. We have thus highlighted a biomaterial-assisted MSC therapy to alleviate colonic radiation-induced damage (Moussa, 2017). Moreover, we also tested a new treatment procedure to optimize the paracrine effect of MSC.

Analysis of Bowel Diseases from Blood Serum by Autofluorescence and Atomic Force Microscopy Techniques

AbstractDiagnosis of bowel diseases is often difficult and time consuming since it is not always possible to obtain adequate information by the conventional diagnostic methods to set up a diagnosis and exclude nongastrointestinal causes of symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the structure of blood serum samples of patients with selected intestinal diseases. The blood serum samples of patients (N=35) with selected diagnoses (mesenteric thrombosis, inflammatory bowel disease, duodenal ulcers, sepsis, enterorrhagia, sigmoid colon resection, small intestine cancer) and of healthy subjects were evaluated by synchronous fluorescence fingerprint and atomic force microscopy. Autofluorescence of blood serum studied at λex = 280 nm showed significant decrease of fluorescence intensity in patients with all types of diseases affecting bowels in comparison with the healthy control patients. The blood serum surface of ill patients showed significant differences in comparison with control group samples after atomic force microscopy evaluation as well. Irregularly placed small globular units of irregular shape in small amounts are possible to observe in patients with intestine ischemia. Fluorescence analysis and atomic force microscopy showed the ability to rapidly reflect qualitative and quantitative changes of proteins in blood serum samples of patients. These sensitive methods could be beneficial for monitoring the progression of both acute or chronic bowel diseases.

Imaging of visceral vessels

Visceral vessel processes are primarily or secondarily included in amultitude of clinical abdominal symptoms, with which the specialist in internal medicine is confronted. The spectrum ranges from more sharply outlined manifestations, such as chronic ischemic bowel disease up to dysfunctional disturbances of blood pressure regulation, such as high-grade renal artery stenosis. Sometimes diseases with prognostic implications, such as arterial aneurysms, are revealed as incidental findings. As a rule the B‑mode and duplex ultrasound can often be complemented by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as in aneurysms or portal vein thrombosis or the indications for subsequent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and catheter-based therapy can be directly obtained from duplex and Doppler ultrasound. The present review article focuses on the use of these methods in the most important diseases, with the exception of acute abdomen because this requires further detailed etiological and diagnostic systematization.

Роль оксидативного стресу у патогенезі хронічного ентероколіту на тлі експериментального стрептозотоцинового діабету

Introduction. In the medical literature there are a sufficient number of publications reporting on the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes, together with inflammation and dysbiosis. Existing data suggest that, on the one hand, diabetes is an important factor in the pathogenesis of diseases of the intestine, and on the other hand, chronic bowel disease is associated with diabetes.The aim of the study – to evaluate changes in oxidative processes in serum and small intestine tissues of rats with chronic enterocolitis on the background of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, in terms of oxidative modification of proteins.Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on 106 white male nonlinear-rats. Diabetes mellitus (streptozotocin diabetes STD) was modeled by a single intraperitoneal streptozotocin administration. Chronic enterocolitis (ChEC) was modeled by free access to animals in 1.0 % carrageenan solution in water for 1 month. The degree of oxidative modification of proteins (OMP) was determined according to the formation of aldehyde and ketone groups during transfarmation 2.4 dinitrophenylhydrazine to the 2.4-dynitrofenilhidrazone.Results and Discussion. The results of our research proved that neutral ketone derivatives content, recorded at a wavelength of 370 nm, exceeding reference values of 2 and 3 experimental groups by 7.5 % (p<0.05), and 4 – by 15.0 % (p<0.01). The level of alkaline oxidizing modified proteins in the serum, recorded at a wavelength of 430 nm, statistically significantly increased in the STD in 91.6 %, in the ChEC in 64.5 %, and during combined pathology – in 166.9 % (Table. 1). In the small intestine tissue concentration of OMP370 also increased in all experimental groups regarding control, particularly in groups 2 and3 in 26.8 % in the 4 – in 82.1 % (p <0.01). Content of alkaline aldehyde derivatives content, recorded at a wavelength of 430 nm, increased both in STD and ChEC with an average of 46.0 %, while in ChEC on the background of STD – in 151.4 %.Conclusion. During chronic enterocolitis on the background of diabetes mellitus increases the oxidative modification of proteins, which is characterized by growth and aliphatic aldehyde and ketone derivatives with neutral and alkaline character in serum and small intestine tissues, with a predominance of protein fragmentation effects (p <0.05).

Relationship between Urinary Calcium and Bone Mineral Density in Patients with Calcium Nephrolithiasis

Calcium nephrolithiasis is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture. Hypercalciuria has been assumed to be pathogenic for bone loss in kidney stone formers, although this association was shown in small cross-sectional studies. We explored the association of urine calcium with bone mineral density in kidney stone formers. We retrospectively studied bone mineral density in kidney stone formers. Excluded were subjects with hypercalcemia, chronic bowel disease, primary hyperparathyroidism, distal renal tubular acidosis or endogenous creatinine clearance less than 40 ml per minute. We included 250 males and 182 females subdivided into 145 who were estrogen treated and postmenopausal, and 37 who were nonestrogen treated and postmenopausal. We assessed the association of lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density with 24-hour urine calcium on random and restricted diets, and while fasting using univariable and multivariable models adjusting for body mass index, urine sodium and sulfate. On multivariable analysis no significant association was found between urine calcium on a random or a restricted diet, or during fasting conditions and femoral neck or lumbar spine bone mineral density in men and estrogen treated women. In estrogen untreated women lumbar spine bone mineral density inversely correlated with urine calcium on the restricted diet (r = -0.38, p = 0.04 and adjusted r = -0.45, p = 0.02) and in the fasting state (r = -0.42, p = 0.05). Unlike in previous small cross-sectional studies we found no significant relationship between urine calcium and bone mineral density in a large group of calcium kidney stone formers. However, a significant inverse relationship was found in estrogen untreated kidney stone formers only. This study suggests that mechanism(s) other than hypercalciuria explain the lower bone mineral density and the higher fracture risk in patients who are kidney stone formers. It also highlights the role of estrogen on bone integrity.

Import and spread of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae by international travellers (COMBAT study): a prospective, multicentre cohort study

International travel contributes to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. We investigated the acquisition of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) during international travel, with a focus on predictive factors for acquisition, duration of colonisation, and probability of onward transmission. Within the prospective, multicentre COMBAT study, 2001 Dutch travellers and 215 non-travelling household members were enrolled. Faecal samples and questionnaires on demographics, illnesses, and behaviour were collected before travel and immediately and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after return. Samples were screened for the presence of ESBL-E. In post-travel samples, ESBL genes were sequenced and PCR with specific primers for plasmid-encoded β-lactamase enzymes TEM, SHV, and CTX-M group 1, 2, 8, 9, and 25 was used to confirm the presence of ESBL genes in follow-up samples. Multivariable regression analyses and mathematical modelling were used to identify predictors for acquisition and sustained carriage, and to determine household transmission rates. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01676974. 633 (34·3%) of 1847 travellers who were ESBL negative before travel and had available samples after return had acquired ESBL-E during international travel (95% CI 32·1-36·5), with the highest number of acquisitions being among those who travelled to southern Asia in 136 of 181 (75·1%, 95% CI 68·4-80·9). Important predictors for acquisition of ESBL-E were antibiotic use during travel (adjusted odds ratio 2·69, 95% CI 1·79-4·05), traveller's diarrhoea that persisted after return (2·31, 1·42-3·76), and pre-existing chronic bowel disease (2·10, 1·13-3·90). The median duration of colonisation after travel was 30 days (95% CI 29-33). 65 (11·3%) of 577 remained colonised at 12 months. CTX-M enzyme group 9 ESBLs were associated with a significantly increased risk of sustained carriage (median duration 75 days, 95% CI 48-102, p=0·0001). Onward transmission was found in 13 (7·7%) of 168 household members. The probability of transmitting ESBL-E to another household member was 12% (95% CI 5-18). Acquisition and spread of ESBL-E during and after international travel was substantial and worrisome. Travellers to areas with a high risk of ESBL-E acquisition should be viewed as potential carriers of ESBL-E for up to 12 months after return. Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw).

Signals derived from the commensal microbiota to promote intestinal tumor development

Chronic inflammation can stimulate carcinogenesis in an individual, as is evident by the association between chronic inflammatory bowel diseases and the increased risk of colon carcinoma. Various factors, like bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, chemical irritants, and nondigestible particles can lead to chronic inflammation. Carcinogenesis is directly related to the time period of inflammation and Chronic Inflammation.

Prevalence, risk factors for infection and subtype distribution of the intestinal parasite Blastocystis sp. from a large-scale multi-center study in France.

BackgroundBlastocystis sp. is the most common intestinal parasite of humans. Despite its potential public health impact, epidemiological data regarding the prevalence and molecular subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in Europe are rarely reported. Therefore, the first multi-center epidemiological survey performed in Europe was conducted in France to diagnose and subtype Blastocystis sp. and to identify risk factors for infection.MethodsStool samples from 788 patients were collected either in summer or winter in 11 hospitals throughout France together with patient data. All stool samples were tested for the presence of Blastocystis sp. by quantitative PCR targeting the SSU rDNA gene. Positive samples were sequenced to determine the distribution of the subtypes in our cohort. Statistical analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for infection.ResultsUsing quantitative PCR, the overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was shown to reach 18.1 %. The prevalence was significantly higher in summer (23.2 %) than in winter (13.7 %). Travellers or subjects infected with other enteric parasites were significantly more infected by Blastocystis sp. than non-travellers or subjects free of other enteric parasites, respectively. Different age-related epidemiological patterns were also highlighted from our data. The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was not significantly higher in patients with digestive symptoms or diagnosed with chronic bowel diseases. Among symptomatic patients, Blastocystis sp. infection was significantly associated with abdominal pain. Gender, socioeconomic status, and immune status were not identified as potential risk factors associated with infection. Among a total of 141 subtyped isolates, subtype 3 was predominant (43.3 %), followed by subtype 1 and subtype 4 (20 %), subtype 2 (12.8 %), subtype 6 and subtype 7 (2.1 %). No association between ST and clinical symptoms was statistically evidenced.ConclusionsA high prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infection was found in our French patient population. Seasonal impact on the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was highlighted and recent travels and age were identified as main risk factors for infection. Most cases were caused by subtypes 1 to 4, with a predominance of subtype 3. Large variations in both prevalence and ST distribution between hospitals were also observed, suggesting distinct reservoirs and transmission sources of the parasite.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-016-1776-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Quality of Life and Nutrition Condition of Patients Improve Under Home Parenteral Nutrition: An Exploratory Study.

Patients with end-stage cancer and advanced chronic bowel disease are often malnourished, which has a negative effect on patients' outcome, well-being, and activity. It is inconclusive whether these patients benefit from home parenteral nutrition. This prospective exploratory study investigates its influence on nutrition state, muscle strength, mobility, and quality of life. Patients ≥18 years old with an indication for home parenteral nutrition were included and followed for 2-24 months. Nutrition parameters, activity, and quality of life were assessed. Forty-eight patients participated (mean age 11.5 years), and 85% were severely malnourished (subjective global assessment score, class C). Four weeks after parenteral nutrition, patients with tumors demonstrated a deterioration in phase angle (from 3.9 to 3.4) and extracellular mass:body cell mass ratio (from 1.6 to 2.1), while patients with bowel disease improved (from 3.4 to 4.0 and 2.1 to 1.6, respectively); grip strength remained constant in both groups (difference: 1.11 and -2.11, respectively). Activity improved in patients with bowel disease but stayed the same in the tumor group (P = .02 and P = .33, respectively). When the groups were pooled, emotional and social functioning domain scores (P < .03), dyspnea and sleeping (P < .04), and median quality of life improved (P = .02) 4 weeks after home parenteral nutrition. Both groups seem to benefit from home parenteral nutrition without harmful side effects. If the indication is determined early, the patients' disease course could perhaps be improved.

Frankincense (Boswellia Species): The Novel Phytotherapy for Drug Targeting in Cancer

It seems that frankincense might have a potential ability to be used as an alternative natural medicine not only for cancer, chronic and inflammatory diseases but also for the patients with brain and memory disorders. Frankincense, the resinous extract from the trees of the genus Boswellia, has been used for centuries in ceremonial, cosmetic, cultural and as a traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments especially cancer, inflammatory diseases including asthma, arthritis, cerebral edema, chronic pain syndrome, chronic bowel diseases, and some other illnesses. Boswellic acids are the active compounds of frankincense and AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid) is the most important and effective acid among them. Some studies have shown that the use of frankincense can also improve the learning and enhance the memory in animals and human.

Chronic Small Bowel Disease in Cats

Chronic Small Bowel Disease in Cats