Investigating Serotonin Signalling in IBD Patients

• Receptor expressions [ Time Frame: At the time of tissue collection ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• Colonic cytokine levels [ Time Frame: At the time of tissue collection ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Alterations in normal serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine;5-HT) signaling have been reported in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Studies report an increase in enterochromaffin (EC) cell, main source of 5-HT in the gut, numbers in CD and UC patients. Up-regulated expression of mucosal Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH)-1, catalytic enzyme in 5-HT production, messenger RNA (mRNA) have been found in CD patients in remission who are suffering the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms. Alterations in normal 5-HT signaling has also been reported in animal models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Thus, the aim of the proposed research project will be to study the alterations in 5-HT signalling accompanying GI inflammatory conditions, such as IBD.

All potential participants will be included only if they meet the stringent inclusion criteria in place. Only when their eligibility is confirmed the potential participants will be approached for consent prior to endoscopy. For healthy subjects, they will be screened and consented from the colorectal screening list, also prior to endoscopy.

• Healthy controls
  Healthy control group will include participants consenting prior to colorectal cancer screening.
• CD patient groups
  The patient groups will include patients with clinical diagnosis of CD.
• UC patient group
  The patient groups will include patients with clinical diagnosis of UC.

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Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient groups: Disease diagnosis (CD or UC),duration of disease, previous/type of treatments, duration of treatment and disease prognosis.
• Healthy controls: No diagnosis of CD or UC and no diagnosis of IBS.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient groups: Drugs that directly affect components of 5-HT signaling, any other disease or condition that may interfere with study assessments as judged by the investigator.
• Healthy controls:Chronic use of any anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs that directly affect components of 5-HT signalling and any other disease or condition that may interfere with study assessments as judged by the investigator.