Projects
Functional characterization of human mast cells and basophils in the pathophysiology of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. University of Antwerp
Functional characterisation of gut mast cells in irritable bowel syndrome. University of Antwerp
The role of Mrgpr (Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor) signaling in the activation of mast cells in irritable bowel syndrome. University of Antwerp
Histamine 1 receptor antagonism as a novel treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. KU Leuven
Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort and pain associated with altered defecation in the absence of an organic cause. Mast cell activation (histamine release) and microscopic inflammation have been proposed to underlie the increased abdominal pain perception in IBS. Against this background, we recently showed that 12 weeks of treatment with the H1R antagonist, ebastine, ...
Studying the novel Mrgprb2/X2-mediated signaling pathway as driver of aberrant mast cell functioning in the colon and its resulting effects on visceral hypersensitivity associated with irritable bowel syndrome. University of Antwerp
Multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial comparing ebastine and mebeverine as treatment of irritable bowel syndrome KU Leuven
Innovation / final utilisation goal
To date, treatment of IBS is rather disappointing leading to impaired QoL and high health care costs.
Based on our previous work, we aim to provide further evidence supporting histamine 1 receptor antagonism as a novel approach to treat patients suffering from IBS. We will therefore compare treatment with the histamine 1 receptor antagonist ebastine and the antispasmodic mebeverine, one of the ...
Understanding the mechanism and optimizing the outcome of dietary therapy in Irritable bowel syndrome KU Leuven
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders, defined according to the Rome IV criteria. IBS is characterized by symptoms of recurrent abdominal pain associated with an altered defecation pattern such as pain related to defecation, change in the frequency of stool and/or change in the form of stool. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are still only partially understood. The majority ...