Diagnostic Procedures for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Laboratory, Endoscopy, Pathology, Imaging, and Beyond Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes are microscopic organisms living in and on the human body, shaping health through digestion, vitamin production, and immune protection. When microbial balance is disrupted, disease can occur. This guide explains key microbe types—bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea—plus major pathogenic and beneficial examples.
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Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. The exact cause of the disease remains unclear, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Although there is no cure, ongoing advancements in medical research continue to improve management strategies and quality of life for those affected by Crohn's disease.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The study examined the diagnostic procedures used for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), focusing on laboratory tests, endoscopy, imaging, and emerging biomarkers. It also explored the critical role of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of IBD, emphasizing how microbial signatures can contribute to both diagnosis and treatment efficacy, helping clinicians better understand the relationship between microbial composition and disease progression.
Who was studied?
The study reviewed IBD patients, particularly those with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), comparing their gut microbiota with that of healthy controls. Researchers analyzed microbial variations that could potentially be used as diagnostic markers for IBD, aiming to identify specific microbes associated with disease severity, treatment response, and remission.
Most important findings
The research revealed that IBD patients, particularly those with CD, exhibited significantly altered gut microbiota compared to healthy individuals. For example, patients with IBD had reduced levels of beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Bifidobacterium species, which play a crucial role in maintaining gut health. Furthermore, microbiome profiles were linked to disease activity, with fewer butyrate-producing bacteria found in patients who required biological therapy. The study also showed that microbiome-based models could predict IBD with high accuracy, especially in distinguishing between CD and UC. For instance, Zhou et al. developed a model with an accuracy of 87.5% for CD and 79.1% for UC, highlighting the potential of microbiome signatures for early diagnosis and personalized treatment.
Key implications
The findings underscore the importance of integrating microbiome analysis into IBD management. The ability to track disease progression and predict treatment outcomes based on microbiota composition could lead to less invasive, more precise diagnostic methods. This would allow for tailored treatments that consider each patient’s microbial environment, potentially improving long-term outcomes and reducing the need for aggressive therapies.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. The exact cause of the disease remains unclear, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Although there is no cure, ongoing advancements in medical research continue to improve management strategies and quality of life for those affected by Crohn's disease.