Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): new diagnostic approaches and modulation of the intestinal microbiota in patients with ulcerative colitis

Abstract

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract that includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Although the drugs available are used only to treat the symptoms of IBD, the correct differentiation between UC and CD is a determining factor in choosing the most appropriate pharmacological treatment. On the other hand, the complex and inaccurate etiology of IBD is a limiting factor that hinders the development of new drugs. Considering that the diagnosis of UC and CD is a serious problem in patient care and the lack of a cure for IBD, the main objectives of our project are 1. To propose a new diagnostic and prognostic tool for UC and CD using the profile of microRNAs from patients with IBD; and 2. Evaluate new functional foods as complimentary food products (Musa sp AAA and Euterpe oleracea) capable of modulating the intestinal microbiota of patients with UC treated with mesalazine. In the first group of experiments, the profile of microRNAs of patients with IBD will be evaluated by identifying specific microRNAs for UC and DC useful for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with these diseases. A second study group, patients with active UC treated with mesalazine will undergo a randomized clinical study using two complementary products in the diet, which will be made with the flours of Musa sp AAA and Euterpe oleraceae, which have proven protective effects in studies preclinical. In addition, the microRNA profile will be evaluated in experimental models of colonic inflammation induced by DSS (sodium dextran sulfate) and TNBS (trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid), aiming to standardize these experimental protocols as specific models of UC and DC. Clinical evaluation, macroscopic and microscopic analyzes, biochemical evaluation of cytokine production, microRNA profile, microbiome evaluation, production of short-chain fatty acids, and other fecal markers will be used to determine the benefits of a food supplementation with Musa flours sp AAA and Euterpe oleraceae in patients with UC. (AU)