Environmental Influences on the Onset and Clinical Course of Crohn’s Disease Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune disease is when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues, often linked to imbalances in the microbiome, which can disrupt immune regulation and contribute to disease development.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The study explored the environmental influences on the onset and clinical course of Crohn’s disease (CD), focusing on factors such as childhood hygiene, lifestyle choices, diet, air pollution, smoking, breastfeeding, and seasonal variation. The authors provided a comprehensive overview of how these environmental factors may either exacerbate or contribute to the onset of CD. In particular, they highlighted that changes in childhood hygiene, such as urban upbringing and access to sanitary conditions, might play a role in disease development. At the same time, smoking and diet were identified as significant environmental risk factors. The study also aimed to establish the link between early life factors, such as breastfeeding and appendectomy, and the risk of developing CD.
Who was studied?
The study reviewed a wide range of epidemiological data and prior studies on the environmental factors contributing to the development and course of Crohn’s disease. It focused on populations from various geographic locations, highlighting the rising incidence of CD in industrialized countries and examining childhood hygiene, air pollution, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet. The review also explored the impact of breastfeeding, air pollution, and appendectomy, looking at both retrospective and prospective data from case-control and cohort studies. It did not focus on specific patient groups but instead aggregated findings from multiple studies to determine common environmental risk factors.
Most important findings
The following table summarizes the key findings related to the environmental risk factors for Crohn’s disease:
| Environmental Factor | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| Smoking | Smoking is a major risk factor, with smokers experiencing more relapses, greater intestinal complications, and a higher need for surgery. Smoking cessation leads to improved outcomes. |
| Diet | A Western diet, high in fats and low in fiber, increases the risk of developing CD. Diets rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables have protective effects. |
| Breastfeeding | Mixed evidence on breastfeeding’s protective role. Some studies suggest that breastfeeding for over six months may reduce CD risk, but the findings are not consistent. |
| Air Pollution | Exposure to air pollution, particularly traffic-related pollutants, is linked to an increased risk of early-onset CD, with studies suggesting that air pollutants negatively affect gut microbiota and epithelial cells. |
| Appendectomy | Early appendectomy has been found to increase the risk of CD in the first year following surgery, although this risk reduces after five years. Appendectomy’s role in UC is clearer, showing a protective effect. |
Key implications
The findings suggest that environmental factors, particularly smoking, diet, and potentially air pollution, play a significant role in both the onset and clinical course of Crohn’s disease. The review emphasized that smoking cessation should be a priority for patients with CD to reduce relapses and complications. Additionally, while dietary interventions could be beneficial, more research is needed to establish firm dietary recommendations. The role of breastfeeding in preventing CD requires further investigation, as the protective effects observed in some studies were not consistent. Overall, understanding these environmental risk factors can help clinicians provide more personalized care and interventions, particularly in preventing disease onset and managing disease flares.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. The exact cause of the disease remains unclear, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Although there is no cure, ongoing advancements in medical research continue to improve management strategies and quality of life for those affected by Crohn's disease.