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HKBU discovers mechanisms underlying early life stress and irritable bowel syndrome

25 Jun 2019

Professor Bian Zhaoxiang(right)and Dr Xavier Wong Hoi-leong find that Nerve Growth Factor is a key factor linking early life stress to the development of irritable bowel syndrome.
Professor Bian Zhaoxiang(right)and Dr Xavier Wong Hoi-leong find that Nerve Growth Factor is a key factor linking early life stress to the development of irritable bowel syndrome.
Early life stress and NGF promotes gut stem cells to grow and divide
Early life stress and NGF promotes gut stem cells to grow and divide

Researchers from the School of Chinese Medicine have found that the abnormal rise of a soluble protein called Nerve Growth Factor is a key factor linking early life stress to the development of irritable bowel syndrome. The study, which is the first to demonstrate the link between traumatic psychological events occurring in childhood and lifelong health repercussions, could lead to the development of new treatments for gastrointestinal diseases. 

 

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