RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Gut Microbiota in Chronic GI Diseases

This study is looking into the tiny living organisms, called microbes, that live in our gut. They are particularly interested in people with long-term bowel problems like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, and severe digestion issues. The main goal is to figure out if there are specific patterns in the gut microbes of people with these conditions compared to healthy individuals. This research could help us better understand what causes these conditions and potentially lead to new tests or treatments in the future. For example, it might help doctors decide if using 'good' bacteria (probiotics) or certain medications could help balance the gut and improve symptoms. Participants will provide samples during routine procedures like endoscopies or colonoscopies.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

McMaster University

Enrolment target

260

Start

01 Oct 2012

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2026

Microbiota

What is this study about?

Imagine your gut is like a bustling city, full of tiny residents – bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. This community, called the 'gut microbiota', plays a huge role in your overall health, from helping you digest food to even affecting your immune system and how your brain works. When this community is out of balance, it might contribute to long-term bowel conditions.

This study is trying to understand if there are specific differences in these gut communities in people who have conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), celiac disease, or severe digestive issues, compared to people who don't have these conditions. By collecting information and samples from people, the researchers hope to identify specific patterns in the gut microbes.

Ultimately, this knowledge could be very powerful. It might help doctors better understand why certain people develop these conditions and identify new ways to predict or diagnose them in the future. It could also open the door to new treatments, such as therapies that aim to restore a healthy gut balance, for example, by using 'good' bacteria or specific medicines.

Key takeaways

This study investigates gut bacteria in people with long-term bowel problems.
It aims to better understand conditions like IBS, IBD, and celiac disease.
Participation involves questionnaires and sample collection during an endoscopy/colonoscopy.
No new treatments are given; the goal is future patient benefit.
You must not have taken antibiotics or probiotics recently to be eligible.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be between 18 and 75 years old. You might be eligible if you have a confirmed diagnosis of certain bowel conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), functional diarrhoea, celiac disease (diagnosed through tests and endoscopy), or certain severe stomach and bowel movement problems. People with gluten sensitivity (IBS with diarrhoea and positive blood tests for gliadin but not celiac disease) or certain anal conditions like fissures or fistulas might also be able to join. Healthy individuals or first-degree relatives of someone with celiac disease can also take part as 'control' participants.

It's important that you are willing to participate and sign a consent form to show you understand and agree to take part. This study is open to both men and women.

However, you won't be able to join if you have taken antibiotics or probiotics (like 'good' bacteria supplements) in the month leading up to the study. This is because these can change your gut bacteria, which could affect the study's results.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 75 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of IBS, IBD, celiac disease, functional diarrhoea, or severe gut motility issues?
Have you avoided antibiotics in the last month?
Have you avoided probiotics (like live yogurt drinks or supplements) in the last month?
Are you scheduled for an endoscopy or colonoscopy soon?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your involvement will happen during a single visit, typically when you are already scheduled for an endoscopy or colonoscopy procedure. During this appointment, you'll be asked to complete some questionnaires about your health and symptoms. The medical team will also collect samples, specifically stool samples and blood samples, and some tissue samples during your endoscopy or colonoscopy procedure. There are no additional study visits or medications to take directly related to this research, and the entire process of your participation happens at one time point.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your current symptoms or condition. However, the information gathered could significantly help future patients by leading to a better understanding of bowel conditions and potentially new ways to diagnose or treat them. The main risks involved are those typically associated with the endoscopy or colonoscopy procedure itself, which you would be having anyway. There are minimal additional risks from providing stool and blood samples. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

McMaster University
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What are 'microbiota'?

Microbiota are the tiny living organisms, like bacteria, that live inside your gut and are important for your health.

Will I get any special treatment if I join?

No, this study is for research only and won't involve any new treatments for you personally. You'll continue with your usual medical care.

What happens to the samples I provide?

Your samples will be studied by researchers to understand the gut bacteria patterns in different bowel conditions.

Is a colonoscopy painful?

Endoscopies and colonoscopies are usually done with sedation to make you comfortable. Your doctor can explain what to expect.

What if I change my mind after joining?

You can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Premysl Bercik, MD

bercikp@mcmaster.ca 905 521 2100 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.