A study by scientists from Thomas Jefferson University (USA) found that tryptophan-rich foods such as turkey and nuts may help prevent flare-ups of ulcerative colitis in mice. results published In the journal Nature.
Ulcerative colitis or nonspecific ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the colon mucosa. Symptoms of the disease include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue and significant weight loss.
Scientists suggested that the amino acid tryptophan, found in turkey meat and hazelnuts, may reduce the risk of exacerbation of this disease. To test this, researchers conducted an experiment on laboratory mice whose gastrointestinal tracts were infected with the Citrobacter rodentium bacteria. When infected with this bacteria, mice undergo changes similar to those seen in people with ulcerative colitis. Rodents were divided into two groups. Mice in the first group received tryptophan with food for two weeks. The second group of rodents served as controls.
After 14 days, tryptophan intake was found to affect the activity of regulatory T cells. This is a type of immune cell that rushes to the site of injury when the lining of the colon is injured. Tryptophan increased the ability of T cells to “pull” to damaged areas and reduce inflammation.
Scientists suggest that similar results can be achieved by increasing the proportion of foods containing tryptophan in the diet of people with ulcerative colitis. More research is needed to confirm this.
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