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The professor of immunology and gastroenterology who oversaw the University of Manitoba research, Jean-Eric Ghia, has been exploring the correlation between the vagus nerve and ulcerative colitis since 2004. (File photo)PHOTO : getty images/istockphoto / ipopba
Directing vibrations to the ear can relieve the discomfort of inflammatory colonic diseases such as ulcerative colitis, shows a new study from the University of Manitoba published Monday.
The vagus nerve is a link between the brain and the stomach. When we activate the vagus nerve, we have a reduction in inflammation in the colon
explains the professor of immunology and gastroenterology who supervised the research, Jean-Eric Ghia.
In the study, he said he was surprised to also notice benefits in mice without inflammatory colon disease.
« We had a beneficial effect on intestinal health. This stimulation will increase the molecules which are responsible for blocking inflammation, but under normal conditions. It’s really a big surprise […] This is great news. »
The rest of the study explores much more precisely immune cells
in order to better understand where the vagus nerve has the most impact in the intestine, concludes the professor.
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