A groundbreaking study has unveiled a new test that rapidly detects signs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in stool samples. This innovative tool, developed by researchers at the University of Edinburgh, measures the activity of a specific molecule linked to gut inflammation, potentially transforming the diagnosis and monitoring of IBD.
The optical tool, known as a luminescent reporter, emits light upon detecting the molecule granzyme A (GzmA). Increased levels of this enzyme indicate greater activity and inflammation within the gut. This advancement promises to enhance the accuracy of stool sample tests for IBD, providing a less invasive and more cost-effective alternative to traditional diagnostic methods like colonoscopies, which involve examining the gut using a small camera.
Currently, diagnosing and monitoring IBD typically relies on colonoscopies and stool tests that measure general inflammation markers such as calprotectin. A positive result often necessitates further investigation to pinpoint the source of inflammation. The new study, published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, offers a more precise approach.
Researchers identified high levels of GzmA in inflamed gut tissue compared to non-inflamed samples. GzmA is secreted by T cells, a type of white blood cell that normally protects the body by combating infections and abnormal cells. In patients with IBD, these immune cells mistakenly target the gut, leading to overactivity, tissue damage, and inflammation.
To validate the luminescent reporter, the research team tested it on 150 samples from both IBD patients and healthy individuals. The results showed that combining the new reporting tool with existing tests for faecal calprotectin significantly improved the identification of IBD compared to using calprotectin scores alone.
Future Implications for IBD Diagnosis
The capability to pinpoint gut-specific inflammation marks a significant advancement in IBD diagnosis. Nevertheless, researchers emphasize the necessity for further studies before the tool is implemented in clinical settings. The luminescent reporter will be part of IDXSense, a new company emerging from the University of Edinburgh, with backing from Edinburgh Innovations, the university’s commercialization service.
Professor Marc Vendrell, the study’s lead and a researcher at the university’s Institute for Regeneration and Repair, noted, “The speed and sensitivity of our optical tool has the potential to accelerate future studies into the roles of the immune system in IBD, as well as improving the pathway to diagnosis.”
The new technique also holds promise for the development of personalized IBD treatments. By enabling rapid and accurate monitoring of gut inflammation levels in response to various therapies, it could lead to more tailored and effective treatment options for patients.
Lizzie Withington, Director of Venture Creation at Edinburgh Innovations, stated, “The IDXSense pre-spinout team, led by Marc Vendrell, is designing, developing, and manufacturing novel, non-invasive, in-vitro diagnostic devices for IBD, and we are actively looking for partners to help us transform health outcomes in this area of unmet medical need.”
The research received funding from several esteemed organizations, including the European Research Council (ERC), the Medical Research Council, and the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Awards.
As the medical community anticipates further developments, this innovative testing approach could redefine how IBD is diagnosed and monitored, leading to improved health outcomes for patients worldwide.
