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Swollen Stomachs
04 August 2012

Swollen Stomachs

Almost a billion people in the world are starving. Malnutrition leads to a characteristically swollen belly, although until now scientists hadn’t uncovered the molecular reason why intestines become inflamed when the body doesn’t get enough dietary protein. Researchers studying an enzyme formerly identified as the key receptor for SARS virus infection were surprised to uncover a novel function for the protein. ACE2 (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2) helps control blood pressure, but recently was discovered to promote absorption of amino acids [digested protein products] in the gut, in particular tryptophan (visualised here with ultraviolet microscopy). Without this essential amino acid the types of bacteria in the bowels change. Diarrhoea and inflamed intestines soon result. Studies on mice with inflamed intestines showed that increasing dietary tryptophan relieved the swelling and returned gut bacteria to normal. Tryptophan supplements could herald a new future treatment for sufferers of inflammatory bowel disease.

Written by Brona McVittie

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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