Gene found that protects against IBD

Most interesting parts:

The mouse study found a mutation in the Gatm gene. The Gatm gene is required for the rapid replenishment of the intestinal mucosal barrier that guards the intestinal wall against inflammation caused by bacteria in the digestive tract, researchers determined. "The Gatm gene is needed for the synthesis of creatine, a substance made in the liver that travels to the barrier cells and allows them to utilize energy in an efficient manner."

In their experiments, mice with two copies of the recessive Gatm mutation showed symptoms similar to people with IBD: diarrhea, weight loss, and the death of cells lining the intestine. Those symptoms improved when the mice received creatine in their drinking water, the researchers said. The study indicates that creatine is necessary for providing the energy needed for the rapid replenishment of the mucosal barrier.

"Mutations in this gene and others needed for mobilization of energy in cells may account for some cases of IBD in humans," said Dr. Beutler, also Professor of Immunology.

The study identified several other potential colitis genes, he added, and this particular one's effect on the barrier cells' energy requirements suggests a new category of mutations with the potential to cause IBD.

I've never been vegetarian and have meat almost daily.
Sigh..
q

I posted about it a week or so ago, took it for a week or so.
Did not see an effect one way or the other.
But someone else on another crohns forum may have had a bad adverse event
involving the appendix,coincidence or not.
I stopped.
Old Mike

Except you?

Yea, go figure. It's all enough to make your head spin.

Funny they call it "protective" though; two copies and you get problems. Sounds like a risk gene.