TRIPP Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Translational Research In Intestinal Physiology and Pathology
IRAS ID
222907
Contact name
Matthias Zilbauer
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Our digestive tract serves a large variety of functions including digestion and absorption of nutrients and water. The inner lining of our intestine is constantly exposed to bacteria and potentially toxic substances. It therefore requires a well functioning defence system. The process of establishing a fine tuned balance between tolerating beneficial bacteria while fighting harmful organisms is complex and only partly understood. It is perhaps not surprising that alterations in this process are linked to the development of disease, which can affect both the intestinal tract itself (for example inflammatory bowel diseases, intestinal cancer, gut infections etc) but also other organs.
The main aim of this project is to investigate molecular mechanisms involved in the health development of the human intestine as well as identifying alterations leading to gut diseases. Additionally, we aim to use these findings in order to improve the life of children and adults suffering from gut related diseases for example by developing clinical biomarkers.
In order to address these questions we will obtain small tissue samples (called biopsies), a blood sample and stool sample from patients undergoing routine endoscopic investigations at Addenbrookes Hospital.
Eligible are all children and adults undergoing endoscopic investigations for their routine clinical care. This is a single centre study.
In addition to tissue samples, clinical details will be obtained from recruited patients, which includes their diagnosis, details about their disease, severity and potential development of complications. Tissue samples will be analysed in the laboratory using the latest research technologies (as outlined in detail in the research protocol).
In some cases follow-up samples will be obtained in case patients undergoing repeat endoscopic procedures. However, on each occasion consent will be obtained again from patients/parents. Hence, no future commitment is required.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EE/0265
Date of REC Opinion
5 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion