The distribution of nutrient sensing abilities in the human gut

An observational study examining the expression of genes involved in taste and nutrient sensing in different regions of the gastrointestinal tract of healthy adults undergoing routine gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy procedures.

Status

Recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ANZCTR

Registry ID

ACTRN12612001191886

Enrollment

Registered

2012-11-13

Start date

2012-03-07

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2020-01-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

Control of appetite is of primary importance in managing body weight and maintaining good health. The human gut plays an important role in controlling food intake by detecting and relaying to the brain changes in the chemical composition of the food as it is digested and absorbed. The gut detects these chemical changes by using a variety of nutrient sensing systems (e.g. nutrient transporters, taste and odorant receptors). The levels of some of these sensory components have been shown to vary across different regions of the gut and may reflect specific sensory abilities at these different sites. We plan to investigate the distribution of these sensory systems in the stomach, small intestine and bowel by obtaining small biopsies of the inner wall of the gut (mucosa) from participants undergoing routine gastroscopy or colonoscopy procedures. By understanding the distribution of these chemosensory systems within the human gut, we hope in the future to be able to design foods that deliver better appetite control.

Interventions

Biopsy samples will be obtained from study participants on one occasion only during a routine gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy procedure.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

18 Years to 65 Years

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

Normal gross gastrointestinal tract anatomy Generally healthy, as ascertained by self-report Undergoing gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy examination

Exclusion criteria

Obese as defined by BMI >30kg/m2 Diagnosed diabetes mellitus (type 1 or 2) Any medical conditions or medications known to affect gut function Inflammatory or malignant diseases of the gut such as: Inflammatory bowel disease, ischemic bowel, celiac disease etc. Taking the following medications: NSAIDS, glucocorticoids, immunomodulators, anticoagulants, weight loss medication. Alcohol or drug dependency. No extreme food restriction as seen in anorexia nervosa or binge eating plus purging (vomiting/using laxatives) and/or excessive physical activity as seen in bulimia or similar eating disorders that alter body composition in a short space of time Unwilling/Unable to comply with study protocol Previous GI tract resection Participating in another clinical intervention trial

Outcome results