New research from Sinai Health reveals that growing up with a dog may significantly reduce the risk of developing Crohn’s disease, shedding light on how environmental factors influence this inflammatory bowel condition.
Led by Dr. Kenneth Croitoru, a Clinician Scientist at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, and Dr. Williams Turpin, a Research Scientist at Sinai Health, the study examines how various environmental factors impact Crohn’s disease risk. Both researchers are affiliated with Mount Sinai Hospital’s Centre for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a leading global institution for IBD research and treatment.
The study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, explores the connection between early exposure to dogs and beneficial changes in gut bacteria, gut permeability, and blood biomarkers. The research indicates that dog ownership during childhood correlates with a lower incidence of Crohn’s disease. Conversely, living with a bird was associated with a higher likelihood of developing the condition.
Dr. Croitoru, who also serves as a gastroenterologist at Mount Sinai Hospital and holds the Canada Research Chair in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, stated, “While the exact mechanism behind this association is not yet clear, our data suggest that early exposure to dogs may have a protective effect against Crohn’s disease.”
The study is part of the Genetic, Environmental and Microbial (GEM) Project, the largest investigation into Crohn’s disease triggers. Coordinated at Mount Sinai Hospital since 2008, the GEM Project collects extensive medical and lifestyle data from over 5,000 healthy first-degree relatives of Crohn’s patients across various countries, including Canada, Australia, Israel, and the U.S.
Dr. Croitoru noted, “By analyzing differences between individuals who develop Crohn’s and those who do not, we aim to predict who is at risk and develop preventive strategies. Although genetics play a crucial role, environmental factors, such as early exposure to pets, can also influence disease onset.”
Crohn’s disease, characterized by inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, has seen a troubling increase in incidence among children under 10 since 1995. The economic impact of IBD in Canada is estimated at $5.4 billion annually, according to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.
The GEM Project’s findings, supported by funding from Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Helmsley Charitable Foundation, pave the way for personalized intervention strategies. Dr. Anne-Claude Gingras, Director of the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Vice-President of Research at Sinai Health, emphasized, “Sinai Health is dedicated to translating groundbreaking research into patient care. By integrating genetic, environmental, and microbial data, we aim to significantly reduce Crohn’s disease incidence through tailored prevention strategies.”
The next steps involve developing and testing dietary interventions to promote a healthy microbiome as part of ongoing research efforts.
