Researchers discover link between iron and inflammatory bowel disease

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Researchers have found uncovered a new discovery regarding he role of iron in inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD.

Scientists at the University of Florida focused on ILC3s, which are rare immune cells that are a key to human health.

Dr. Liang Zhou and his colleagues found that iron actually regulates these cells.

“And those cells are very important in IBD patients, IBD pathogenesis, therefore we think in the future we could focus on this iron, ILC3s, and help develop better therapeutic strategies to help regulate these important cell types in the gut so we can probably have a way to treat IBD in a better way, said Zhou, a Molecular Immunologist with the UF Veterinary School of Medicine.

Because iron in excess can have detrimental effects, experts don’t recommend that healthy people take more of the supplement.

STUDY FINDS ANOTHER BENEFIT OF BARIACTRIC SURGERY

And a Swedish study spanning more than three decades found another benefit of bariatric surgery: a reduced risk of blood cancers in women.

Researchers found that bariatric surgery lowered the risk of hematologic cancer by 36%.

The study authors said the results suggest that obesity is a modifiable risk factor for hematological cancer and that specialists should consider it as a primary prevention option in obese patients.


About the Authors
Kristi Krueger headshot

Kristi Krueger has built a solid reputation as an award-winning medical reporter and effervescent anchor. She joined Local 10 in August 1993. After many years co-anchoring the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., Kristi now co-anchors the noon newscasts, giving her more time in the evening with her family.

Loading...

Recommended Videos