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Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Heavy Metals

The study titled "Clinical and inflammatory biomarkers of inflammatory bowel diseases are linked to plasma trace elements and toxic metals; new insights into an old concept" investigates how exposure to certain trace elements and toxic metals can lead to damage in intestinal tissues, triggering the body’s detoxification and healing responses. This damage-induced response is indicated by inflammation, which is a key part of the body's effort to repair the damaged tissue.



1. Study Population and Methodology

  • Participants: The study included 76 Crohn's disease (CD) patients, 39 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, and 38 healthy controls.

  • Sample Collection: Blood and stool samples were collected from all participants.

  • Metal Quantification: Metals were quantified in plasma samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

  • Biomarker Measurement: The study measured various clinical and inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukins (IL-6, IL-10), calprotectin, and myeloperoxidase (MPO).


2. Key Findings


Trace Elements and Disease Activity

  • Zinc and Selenium: The study found that CD patients had lower concentrations of zinc and selenium compared to healthy controls, with selenium also being lower in UC patients. These deficiencies may contribute to tissue damage and impaired healing processes in the intestines.

  • Copper: Copper levels were positively associated with CRP levels in CD patients, indicating that copper might play a role in the body’s inflammatory response to intestinal damage.

  • Iron: In UC patients, iron levels were negatively associated with myeloperoxidase (MPO), suggesting that iron may help modulate the immune response and reduce tissue damage.


Toxic Metals and Disease Activity

  • Thallium: Thallium levels were found to be positively associated with disease activity in UC patients, as measured by the Partial Mayo Score (PMS). Thallium, a hazardous metal, is known to have toxic effects on the gastrointestinal system, leading to tissue damage that prompts a detoxification and inflammatory response.

  • Chromium: Chromium levels were negatively associated with serum IL-6 in CD patients, indicating an anti-inflammatory role. Additionally, chromium correlated with lower levels of calprotectin and IL-10, suggesting its involvement in reducing tissue damage and supporting healing processes.


3. Mechanisms of Tissue Damage and Response

  • Disruption of Intestinal Barrier: Metals like cadmium and lead can disrupt the intestinal barrier, causing direct damage to the cells lining the intestines. This disruption increases intestinal permeability, allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream and exacerbating tissue damage.

  • Oxidative Stress: Metals such as copper and iron can lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing oxidative stress. This oxidative damage further weakens the intestinal barrier and contributes to inflammation.


4. Body’s Detoxification and Healing Response

In response to the tissue damage caused by these metals, the body initiates a detoxification process aimed at removing or neutralizing the harmful substances. This process includes the release of inflammatory cytokines and the recruitment of immune cells to the site of injury. The observed inflammation in conditions like CD and UC reflects the body’s natural attempt to heal and protect the damaged tissue.


5. Conclusions

The study suggests that the inflammation seen in IBD patients is part of the body’s efforts to repair and detoxify tissue damage caused by trace elements and toxic metals. Understanding this relationship provides insights into how managing metal exposure and supporting the body's detoxification processes could potentially mitigate tissue damage and reduce inflammation in IBD patients.


Reference

Amerikanou, C., Karavoltsos, S., Gioxari, A., Tagkouli, D., Sakellari, A., Papada, E., Kalogeropoulos, N., Forbes, A., & Kaliora, A. C. (2022). Clinical and inflammatory biomarkers of inflammatory bowel diseases are linked to plasma trace elements and toxic metals; new insights into an old concept. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, 997356. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.997356 Written by Emrys Goldsworthy

 
 
 
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