ACTIVATED CHARCOAL AS AN AID IN TREATING CROHN'S DISEASE

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The study we are engaged in is based on laboratory data we have accumulated showing that oral charcoal given prophylactically to mice decreases tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels and increases survival in endotoxemia. Crohn's Disease is characterized by recurrences accompanied by increased TNF levels in blood and stool while subsidences are coupled with lowered TNF in blood and stool. Since anti-TNF antibodies have been found to be helpful in treating Crohn's Disease, we are currently involved in determing whether oral charcoal will decrease TNF and improve symptoms in patients suffering from Crohn's Disease.