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ITLN1

Inflammation, Metabolic Health & Crohn’s Disease (ITLN1)

Written by Aleksa Ristic, MS (Pharmacy) on May 18th, 2020
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The ITLN1 gene encodes a protein with versatile roles in immunity, inflammation, and metabolic health. Read on to learn about a variant in this gene associated with Crohn’s disease.

The ITLN1 Gene: 3 in 1

The ITLN1 gene encodes intelectin-1, also known as omentin-1, a protein with versatile roles in immunity and inflammation. Intelectin-1 is a lectin (carb-binding protein) that can recognize cell walls of different pathogens and activate the immune response against them [R].

It also serves as a receptor for lactoferrin, a protein with powerful anti-microbial and immune-boosting properties [R]. 

Intelectin-1 plays its third crucial role as an adipokine, a cytokine released from the adipose tissue. It reduces inflammation and boosts metabolism, insulin sensitivity, heart health, and more. Low intelectin-1 levels correlate with a range of conditions, including Crohn’s disease, diabetes, obesity, and viral infections [R, R, R, R].

ITLN1 encodes intelectin-1 (omentin-1), a protein that reduces inflammation, detects different pathogens, and maintains metabolic health.

Intelectin-1 in Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two of the most frequently diagnosed subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The cause of IBD lies in a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors [R].

Crohn’s mostly affects the small intestine and involves ulcerations of all cell layers of the gut lining. Impaired microbiome and bacterial overgrowth play crucial roles in disease development [R, R, R].

Intelectin-1 binds pathogens in the intestines and enables their removal. At the same time, it strengthens the gut lining and supports digestion [R, R].

By enabling the uptake of lactoferrin, ITLN-1 provides additional anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory support, crucial for Crohn’s disease prevention [R].

Intelectin-1 may also be a target for autoimmune reactions in Crohn’s disease, but the research is still young [R].

Intelectin-1 helps prevent Crohn’s disease by detecting bacteria, reducing inflammation, and enabling the uptake of lactoferrin.

The Link Between One ITLN1 Variant and Crohn’s Disease

A meta-analysis of over 12,000 subjects (European ancestry) found a connection between one ITLN1 SNP and Crohn’s. People with the “C” allele at rs2274910 had 14% disease rates [R].

In a Portuguese trial of 1,137 subjects, those carrying the “C” allele had 55% higher chances of being diagnosed with Crohn’s [R].

The same variant correlated with 84% higher rates of IBD-associated colorectal cancer among 2,287 patients [R].

How It Works

As mentioned, intelectin-1 protects the gut from pathogens and inflammation. More precisely, it suppresses the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 [R, R, R].

Intelectin-1 levels are significantly lower in Crohn’s disease patients, compared with healthy controls [R].

Although the scientists are still figuring out the exact role of rs2274910 in Crohn’s, the above evidence suggests this variant may reduce ITLN-1 expression. Another possible explanation is a change in the protein structure caused by this SNP, which might trigger an autoimmune response [R].

Intelectin-1 suppresses TNF-a and IL-6 in the gut and prevents microbial infections. The “C” allele at rs2274910 likely reduces ITLN-1 expression and thus contributes to Crohn’s disease.

Your ITLN1 Results for Crohn’s Disease

SNP Table

variant genotype frequency risk allele
rs2274910

 

SNP Summary

Primary SNP:

ITLN1 rs2274910

  • ‘C’ = associated with higher rates of Crohn’s disease and complications
  • ‘T’ = not associated with Crohn’s disease

Population Frequency: Around 49% of European descendants carry one copy and 8% carry both copies of the “C” allele. This allele is much more common in African populations, where 38% of people have one and 54% have both copies.

 

 

Recommendations

Lifestyle

Weight Control

Low intelectin-1 is associated with obesity. In two clinical trials with obese children and adults, dietary and lifestyle interventions successfully reduced weight and thus boosted intelectin-1 [R, R].

Obesity is associated with more severe IBD forms and more frequent complications. The negative impact of excess weight partly stems from the impaired secretion of intelectin-1 [R, R].

Getting rid of extra pounds may boost your intelectin-1 levels, reduce IBD severity, and improve your overall health.

Moderate Exercise

In 13 women, a 6-week endurance training program increased intelectin-1 by 10%. A mixture of aerobic and resistance training boosted its levels by 45% in 32 obese children [R, R].

Moderate exercise is among the best remedies for overall and gut health. Physical activity changes the composition of the gut flora by increasing beneficial species [R].

While exercise helps prevent Crohn’s, some people with active disease may not be able to adjust their physical activity [R, R, R].

If you have IBD, we recommend talking to your doctor about how much physical activity would be beneficial in your case.

In case your condition allows for it, moderate exercise is a great way to increase intelectin levels and improve gut health.

Diet

Mediterranean Diet

In 67 obese subjects, a low-calorie Mediterranean diet significantly reduced weight and boosted intelectin-1. The consumption of olive oil may also increase intelectin, while saturated fat may suppress it [R, R, R].

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory olive components can reduce gut inflammation and help prevent IBD [R, R].

The Mediterranean diet is rich in olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. It implies a moderate intake of fish while cutting back on saturated fat and refined sugar.

Some experts recommend the Mediterranean diet as a complementary approach to digestive disorders such as IBD. The incidence of IBD is lower in the Mediterranean regions, compared with northern Europe [R, R. R].

Due to high fiber content, IBD patients may want to avoid this kind of diet during the active phases or “flares” [R].

The Mediterranean diet can improve weight control and increase omentin-1. It may be the right choice for Crohn’s if you’re not in the active phase of the disease.

Supplements

Lactoferrin

As mentioned, intelectin-1 enables the uptake of lactoferrin, so people with reduced ITLN-1 expression may lack anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory protection. Lactoferrin is crucial for immunity in infants but continues to maintain different immune functions in adulthood [R, R].

Lactoferrin helps increase iron absorption and cell delivery. That is essential for Crohn’s disease patients, who are iron-deficient in 60-80% and anemic in up to 74% of cases [R, R].

According to a meta-analysis of four clinical trials with 600 pregnant women, lactoferrin is just as efficient as iron supplements in improving anemia. What’s more, it caused fewer gastrointestinal side effects and better hemoglobin improvement [R].

Since iron supplements can irritate the gut in Crohn’s disease patients, lactoferrin might be a great alternative, especially for those with the ITLN-1 variant [R].

Lactoferrin may compensate for lower intelectin-1 levels, improve the immune response, and help prevent iron deficiency in Crohn’s disease.

Fish oil

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil (EPA and DHA) may lessen the negative impact of your variant by suppressing TNF-alpha and IL-6 [R, R, R].

High intake of fish oil omega-3s may be protective against the development of Crohn’s disease [R].

It is unclear whether omega-3 supplementation can help Crohn’s disease that has already developed and progressed. However, multiple studies have suggested that omega-3s may help keep it in remission [R, R].

Fish oil can counteract your variant by suppressing TNF-a and IL-6. It may help prevent Crohn’s disease and keep it in remission.

Author photo
Aleksa Ristic
MS (Pharmacy)

Aleksa received his MS in Pharmacy from the University of Belgrade, his master thesis focusing on protein sources in plant-based diets.  

Aleksa is passionate about herbal pharmacy, nutrition, and functional medicine. He found a way to merge his two biggest passions—writing and health—and use them for noble purposes. His mission is to bridge the gap between science and everyday life, helping readers improve their health and feel better.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

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