Three amino acids are critical to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory functions: cysteine, glutathione, and taurine. Because these amino acids modulate the inflammatory response, evaluating their levels can be critical for managing the tissue inflammation that occurs in conjunction with inflammatory bowel disease.

Cysteine influences the synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH), which is thought to play an important role in the inflammatory response by influencing the production of phagocytes. A recent study by German researchers at the University of Heidelberg found reduced mucosal glutathione synthesis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, due to enzyme deficiencies and decreased levels of cyst(e)ine.1

Taurine acts as a specific scavenger for the hypochlorite ion, and adequate levels naturally limit the degree of inflammation.2 When taurine is low, the inflammatory response is enhanced, commonly resulting in oxidative stress reactions.

In addition, recent research has noted abnormally low plasma cystine and glutamine levels as occuring as part of a multifactorial metabolic dysequilibrium often seen in Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, AIDS, and many other diseases.3 It may be for this reason that amino acid-enriched diets often seem to markedly improve clinical symptoms of IBD.4,5

Crohn's disease patients have also been found to exhibit elevated levels of homocysteine,6 signalling possible dysfunctions within vitamin B12 metabolic pathways, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Amino Acids Analysis is a comprehensive and sensitive analysis for urine or plasma analytes that can provide important information about nutrient cofactor status and inflammation, which is crucial for a full understanding of metabolic mechanisms involved in disorders such as IBD.

References:
1 Sido B, Hack V, Hochlehnert A, Lipps H, Herfarth C, Droge W. Impairment of intestinal glutathione synthesis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Gut 1998;42(4):485-492.
2 Son M, Ko JI, Kim WB, Kang HK, Kim BK. Taurine can ameliorate inflammatory bowel disease in rats. Adv Exp Med Biol 1998;442:291-298.
3 Droge W, Holm E. Role of cysteine and glutathione in HIV infection and other diseases associated with muscle wasting and immunological dysfunction. FASEB J 1997;11(13):1077-1089.
4 Fujita T, Sakurai K. Efficacy of glutamine-enriched enteral nutrition in an experimental model of mucosal ulcerative colitis. Br J Surg 1995;82(6):749-751.
5 Royall D, Jeejeebhoy KN, Baker JP, Allard JP, Habal FM, Cunnane SC, Greenberg GR. Comparison of amino acid v peptide based enteral diets in active Crohn's disease: clinical and nutritional outcome. Gut 1994;35(6):783-787.
6 Lambert D, Benhayoun S, Adjalla C, Gelot MA, Renkes P, Felden F, et. al. Crohn's disease and vitamin B12 metabolism. Dig Dis Sci 1996;41(7):1417-1422.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 or 818 707-3126.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L.Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.