Descripción del proyecto
La función de la fibra alimenticia en la homeostasis intestinal
La colitis microscópica es una enfermedad crónica relacionada con una inflamación intestinal leve. Teniendo en cuenta el aumento de la incidencia de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y que la inflamación intestinal puede producir inflamación periférica y enfermedades metabólicas, cada vez es más necesario comprender sus mecanismos subyacentes. Para ello, científicos del proyecto financiado con fondos europeos FIBCOLIT investigarán el efecto de la fibra alimenticia fermentable sobre la inflamación y la fisiología intestinales. Mediante un estudio de intervención con pacientes con colitis microscópica, el proyecto aplicará un enfoque multiómico para examinar los cambios inducidos por la fibra alimenticia en los marcadores inflamatorios, la microbiota intestinal y el bienestar. El vínculo entre la fibra alimenticia y la homeostasis intestinal podría conducir a una nueva opción no farmacéutica para prevenir y gestionar las enfermedades inflamatorias intestinales.
Objetivo
The FIBCOLIT project investigates the impact of fermentable dietary fibres (DFs) on intestinal physiology and inflammation via dietary intervention study in human patients with microscopic colitis (MC), a chronic disease characterised by sustained mild intestinal inflammation. This subject topic has significant interest for public health considering 1) the increased global incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases in the last 20 years, and 2) the increased scientific knowledge regarding the role of intestinal inflammation in driving the development of systemic inflammation in metabolic diseases. Currently, considerable knowledge gaps exists regarding the biological and physiological mechanisms that maintain and modulate intestinal homeostasis as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to chronic intestinal inflammation. The FIBCOLIT project aims to answer these open scientific questions through a multi-omics approach employing several analytical methods to examine DF-induced changes in intestinal barrier function, inflammatory markers, intestinal microbiota composition and functionality, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, and general well-being. The projects utilises a DF known to promote the production of luminal butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that has been associated with several positive health effects. Overall, the project's methodology allows specific targeting of the mechanistic links between DF intake, butyrate, and intestinal health. Should DF supplementation prove effective at restoring intestinal homeostasis, it could potentially offer a non-pharmaceutical option to the prevention and management of diseases characterised by chronic intestinal inflammation. The project results could potentially also serve as starting point in the development of functional foods for the general public.
Ámbito científico
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Régimen de financiación
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)Coordinador
70182 Orebro
Suecia