Scientists hope Australian mussels and abalone could provide a new treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease following the launch of a new research project.
A team from Brisbane’s Mater Research and The University of Queensland Institute of Molecular Bioscience have commenced a two-year study to detect and develop the anti-inflammatory properties of the molluscs, thanks to funding from the Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre.
Australia has one of the highest prevalences of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in the world, with more than 100,000 people affected by the condition.
IBD comprises Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – Iifelong gastrointestinal disorders that usually present in adolescence and early adulthood and are linked to significant morbidity and disability.
Associate Professor Jake Begun, who leads Mater Research’s IBD team, said the incidence of the disease is increasing globally and there is a growing need for safe and effective therapeutics.
“IBD causes the immune system to attack the gut lining, causing symptoms of diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever and weight loss,” A/Prof Begun said.
“We know abalone and mussels exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and may be capable of delivering a gut health benefit. We’re hoping this research might eventually lead to a viable new treatment for people living with IBD.”
The University of Queensland – Mater Research team will chemically profile and test the anti-inflammatory properties of mussels and abalones provided by Yumbah Aquaculture, which operates six shellfish farms on the coasts of South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.
Professor Rob Capon, of The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience, said existing mussel oil and powder products were known to provide significant health benefits.
“Mussel products have been shown to be effective in treating the inflammatory aspects of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and type 2 diabetes, as well as exercise-induced muscle damage,” he said.
“It is believed that the anti-inflammatory bioactives in mussels are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are mostly accumulated from ocean microalgae.
“Although there have been no comparable studies of abalones, these shellfish also accumulate PUFAs from their diet, so it seems reasonable that they too would have anti-inflammatory potential.”
It is anticipated that the study outcomes will guide the development of future Yumbah Aquaculture products to improve the symptoms of IBD.
