The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the group of microscopical enteritides, food allergy, gastrointestinal eosinophilopaties, and other functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract represent more than 50% of digestive consultations. Clinical course is chronic and recurrent. However, sensitive and specific diagnostic biological markers are lacking and clinical management is suboptimal as well. Interestingly, a common finding in the intestine of these patients is the presence of barrier dysfunction, mucosal inflammation and immune activation. Moreover, this finding may be related to the onset and severity of some major clinical symptoms, particularly in IBS.
Therefore, our group pursues the detailed comprehension (genetic/gender, immunological, metabolic, cellular and molecular basis) of the mechanisms connecting environmental determinants (stress and infections) to the development of intestinal mucosal microscopical inflammation, with special focus in IBS.
Our approach includes experimental studies in animal models and humans as well, yet remains inherently translational in search for better targets helpful for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of IBS and related disorders. In addition, preclinical and clinical assays are also being carried out.
