Image: Specific protein patterns in the blood can predict IBD up to 16 years before onset (Photo courtesy of 123RF)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is particularly problematic because it can progress for years without showing symptoms, causing damage to the gastrointestinal tract before treatment begins. Now, scientists have discovered specific patterns of proteins in the blood that can predict IBD up to 16 years before it is diagnosed. This is especially true for Crohn’s disease, which can be detected with remarkable accuracy.
Researchers at Örebro University (Örebro, Sweden) analyzed almost 800 blood samples and identified distinctive protein patterns that differentiate healthy individuals from those who will later develop Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Their findings revealed that a particular combination of 29 proteins could predict Crohn’s disease with high accuracy. In contrast, predicting ulcerative colitis turned out to be more difficult. The study showed that changes in protein patterns could be detected in individuals with Crohn’s disease as early as 16 years before diagnosis. According to research published in Gastroenterologythe results emphasize that proteins related to intestinal barrier function and the immune system play a critical role in understanding the development of Crohn’s disease.
“We have taken an important step to be able to predict and prevent these diseases at a very early stage in the future,” said Jonas Halfvarson, professor of gastroenterology at Örebro University and principal investigator of the study. “By discovering these markers long before symptoms manifest, we can intervene earlier and hopefully improve the quality of life for people who are at risk of developing IBD.”
