Projects
The role of afferent nerves in the pathogenesis of postinflammatory gastrointestinal motility and sensitivity disturbances in the rat. University of Antwerp
Sensitization of TRP channels by mast cell mediators as underlying mechanism of IBS KU Leuven
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort and pain associated with altered defecation in the absence of an organic cause. Aberrant abdominal pain perception or visceral hypersensitivity is the most disturbing and therapy resistant symptom in IBS, but the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain largely unknown.
Mast cell activation is proposed to be involved in ...
Dietary TRPM8 ligands in inflammation-triggered gut diseases KU Leuven
Diet has a central role in the normal gut microenvironment, impacting microbial composition, function, gut barrier and host immunity. Alterations in single food groups have far ranging implications, including the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). IBDs are characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, which causes an abnormal production of growth cytokines and metabolic free radicals. Anti-inflammatory and ...
The role of impaired mucosal integrity in the pathogenesis of postinflammatory gastrointestinal motor dysfunction. KU Leuven
Neural networks in sensory perception Ghent University
The somatosensory system consists of a network of sensory neurons that detect and transmit information about the body's immediate environment, both internal and external, to the brain. The somatosensory system, by causing pain or itching, also has an important alarm function that warns us of potentially harmful stimuli. A wide variety of human conditions, including chronic itching and pain, irritable bowel syndrome and overactive bladder, are ...
Exploring the role of a novel mast cell activation pathway in IBD and IBS models. University of Antwerp
Food antigen-specific mast cell activation as a novel mechanism of abdominal pain KU Leuven
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent disorder of gastrointestinal (GI) tract characterized by altered bowel habit and abdominal visceral hypersensitivity (VHS). These IBS symptoms are usually triggered and exacerbate by dietary food, however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be identified. Mast cell activation, leading to activation and sensitization of afferent nerves, plays a crucial role in the development of VHS in IBS. ...
Proteases as novel target to treat visceral hypersensitivity KU Leuven
Up to 20% of individuals in the world population suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhoea. It is now well established that abdominal pain in IBS patients is caused by sensitization of ion channels in sensory nerve fibres, leading to visceral hypersensitivity. We have recently identified histamine as a major ...