GutCM
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating gut hormone levels in colonic motility “GutCM”
IRAS ID
326625
Contact name
Fiona Gribble
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 29 days
Research summary
Gut hormones are released from the gastrointestinal tract and are known to regulate hunger, metabolism and motility. Their levels are known to vary in the fed and fasted state, and depend on multiple additional factors. The gut hormones glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) have received established research attention.
GLP-1 and PYY are released from a type of cell termed L cells situated throughout the gut, with L cells in the distal colon additionally containing insulin-like 5 peptide (INSL5). GLP-1 and PYY are known to slow gut motility, whilst recent studies in animals have shown INSL5 to increase colonic motility. Bile acids are known from cell culture studies to stimulate release of all 3 of these hormones.
Bile acid diarrhoea is a relatively common condition where an increase in colonic bile acids causes excess colonic motility, looser stools, and associated symptoms including urgency. We have recently presented at conference that PYY levels in bile acid diarrhoea are raised and are proportional to bile acid production. We are soon to present regarding INSL5 levels being raised in participants given rectal bile acids.
Ondansetron, a 5-HT antagonist, has been used successfully to decrease symptoms in previous randomised control for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Animal studies have shown a similar drug alosteron to block the increased motility of INSL5. Ondansetron, a drug used frequently for nausea and vomiting, has not been studied specifically in relation to gut hormones or in bile acid diarrhoea.
The aim of this study is to further explore gut hormones and markers of metabolism in bile acid diarrhoea; to assess the effect of ondansetron on gut hormone levels in the condition and see how levels of gut hormone and markers of metabolism vary in relation to symptoms.REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0686
Date of REC Opinion
18 Oct 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion