Lay Summary

Proposal No. IBD-0116R
Principal Investigator:  Christian Jobin, Ph.D.
Applicant Organization:  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (U.S.A.)
Project Title:  Modulation of innate signal transduction and experimental colitis by natural plant extracts
Period of Award:  July 1, 2004 - December 31, 2005

Cell responsiveness to bacteria and bacterial products appears to be dictated by the expression of a specific set of receptors present either on the surface membrane or inside the cell.  These receptors are linked to a complex network that ultimately connects to the cell’s transcriptional machinery.  The system is put in motion by bacteria and bacterial products, which cause the induction of multiple proinflammatory gene products designed to protect the host and eliminate the foreign agents.  This innate immunity is the corner-stone of intestinal homeostasis.  Disruption of the delicate balance between bacteria, immune and non-immune cells through continuous stimulation causes deleterious effects to the host and is associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).  However, limited therapeutic options are currently available to modulate host innate responses in vivo.  Modulation of host innate responses to bacteria may provide new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of IBD.

We will use natural plant extracts to decrease host response to bacteria and bacterial products and prevent the onset of intestinal inflammation.  The use of herbal medicine is gaining tremendous popularity among patients with various medical conditions.  However, the lack of scientific evidence demonstrating efficacy and mechanisms of actions for these products preclude their incorporation in mainstream medicine.  After the completion of this project, we will have determined the impact of some plant extracts on intestinal inflammation as well as provided a potential mechanism of action.  A better understanding of the effects of herbal medicine and specifically natural plant extracts on innate host responses may lead to new therapeutical avenues for the treatment of IBD.