Dr. Ana Quaglio, head of Verum’s R&D team, co-authored a peer-reviewed scientific paper in the World Journal of Gastroenterology which describes the correlation between the gut microbiome and adipose tissue in Crohn’s disease (CD), a type of intestinal inflammation.
Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, influenced by genetic predisposition, gut microbiota imbalance, and environmental factors. The incidence of IBD is probably increasing due to a combination of factors such as lifestyle and changes in diet with an increase in ultra-processed food consumption, leading to changes in microbiota. The gut microbiota comprises a dynamic community of microorganisms that plays a fundamental role in intestinal balance and other physiological processes, including digestion, metabolism, and immune function.
A recent study by Crohn’s and Colitis Canada (Genetic, Environmental, Microbial Project) identified some microbial alterations that could precede the onset of CD by several years. It is believed that early interventions such as changes in the diet could modulate the gut microbiota and potentially reduce the risk of developing inflammation associated with the disease.
Visceral adipose tissue, an organ active in metabolism, immunity, and endocrinology, plays a complex role in the pathogenesis of IBD. Its strategic location and ability to secrete inflammatory mediators make it a vital regulator of the intestinal immune response. During CD, the adipose tissue that is in close contact with the damaged intestine can be named as “creeping fat”. It acts as a physical barrier and modulator of inflammation, contributing to disease progression.
The bacteria from the gut microbiota may translocate into mesenteric adipose tissue, contributing to the formation of creeping fat and influencing CD progression. Although creeping fat may be a protective barrier against bacterial invasion, its expansion can damage adjacent tissues, leading to complications.
Modulating gut microbiota through interventions such as the consumption of prebiotics has shown potential benefits in managing CD. However, more research is needed to clarify the mechanisms linking gut imbalance, creeping fat, and CD progression and to develop targeted therapies for microbiota modulation and fat-related complications in patients with CD.
Read the full paper by Quaglio AE, Magro DO, Imbrizi M, De Oliveira EC, Di Stasi LC, Sassaki LY at https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v31/i1/102042.htm
