4 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
The investigators will characterize and compare protein signatures between groups with and without post-infection irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). From previous Healthy Nevada Project (HNP) participants, at least 60 patients with PI-IBS and 60 healthy controls will undergo additional proteomics testing, age, sex and race/ethnicity-matched healthy. The investigators will use proteomic testing to detect, quantify and characterize serum protein biomarkers and protein signatures, and compare biomarkers and signatures between the patient groups of interest. Serum samples will be analyzed by the Nevada Proteomics Center. Samples will first undergo protein digestion, then peptides are separated using liquid chromatography (LC), mass spectral analysis is performed using an Orbitrap Eclipse mass spectrometer (Thermo Scientific, San Jose, CA) using data-independent acquisition (DIA). Library generation and data analysis will be performed using Spectronaut software (Biognosys, Schlieren, Switzerland). The Nevada Proteomics Center and Bioinformatics Center will be engaged during the data analyses comparing biomarkers and signatures between the patient groups of interest. This research aim has the potential to add to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of PI-IBS and to create reliable differentiating protein biomarkers to better diagnose PI-IBS.
The purpose of this study is to learn the efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) using stool from a donor with low proteolytic activity and containing the bacteria Alistipes putredinis in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and high proteolytic activity. Proteolytic activity is the breakdown of proteins into smaller polypeptides or amino acids.
Some people develop chronic abdominal pain with diarrhea or constipation after an episode of acute bacterial gastroenteritis. These symptoms can be consistent with post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and can last long after the acute infection is over. The exact reason why certain individuals develop these symptoms whereas others don't is not exactly clear. The researchers are studying changes in gastrointestinal permeability (movement of contents across the lining of the intestine) and transit (movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract). The researchers are also studying if there are any genetic risk factors that are associated with development of this disorder.
Gastrointestinal (GI) infection with Campylobacter causes inflammation in the bowel and can change bacteria in the gut. Certain individuals with Campylobacter infection are also known to develop chronic bowel problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The researchers are doing this study to understand if changes in gut bacteria and gut mucosal lining during an acute infection can help identify individuals who might be at risk for developing problems in the future.