Nutritional therapies targeting the neuronal AhR for functional bowel disorders and IBS in children

Prof. Wouter de Jonge, Amsterdam UMC, the Netherlands

2022

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common disorder of the gut-brain interactions diagnosed in gastroenterology in children and adults. In addition to the increased bowel reactions such as cramps and diarrhea, pain receptors seem to be more sensitive. Gut microbiota alterations are considered a vital factor in IBS pathophysiology. Recent study’s point towards sympathetic neurons in the supra-mesenteric ganglion are being modulated by the gut microbiota.

Study Aim

This proposal aims to identify AhR-dependent signaling intestinal neurons that drive IBS symptoms.

Scientific Approach

Using preclinical models to map Trp-metabolites that act as agonists for the nuclear receptor AhR and its downstream signaling pathway genes in pediatric IBS patients versus those that do not show IBS complaints, and to identify unique AhR-dependant signatures in intestinal neurons in relation to visceral pain.

Expected Outcomes

This proposal’s findings will provide insights in the role of nutrition in intestinal hypersensitivity and motility disturbances in pediatric IBS, leading to a better understanding of adult IBS as well.

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Funded projects

Transmission of obesity from mother to child through microbiota transfer and impact on feeding behavior

Mother & Child Health and Nutrition

Dr. Patricia Parnet, UMR1280, Nantes University, France

Studies suggest that obesity could be ‘transmitted’ frommother to child. Since maternal microbiota is the main determinant of childintestine colonization, the transmission of a maternal microbiota"signature" of obesity to her child during perinatal period, couldpotentially affect his metabolism.

NourishMinds: Unraveling the Impact of Early-Life High-Sugar Diets on Neuro-Cognitive Development and Gut-Brain Pathways in Children

Brain Development

Dr. Harriet Schellekens, APC Microbiome, University College Cork, Ireland

How can we better cultivate healthy eating behaviour in our children?Unhealthy eating patterns, characterized by excessive consumption of highly palatable (high-sugar and high-fat) processed foods, are alarmingly prevalent among children globally. A poor early-life diet profoundly impacts on the metabolic programming and infant brain development, heightening the risk of obesity later in life, and associated cognitive impairment, including attention, executive function, and decision making.

Exploring Gut-Brain Connections: Investigating Modifiable Microbial Determinants of Neurodevelopment in Mid-Childhood: A Twin Study Approach

Brain Development

Prof. Jeffrey Craig, Deakin University, Autralia

Human neurodevelopment occurs from early pregnancy through to early adulthood. During this time, there are several windows in which the developing brain is sensitive to environmental influence. Such environments can affect the senses, language, learning, memory, and higher-order thinking.We know that the mix of beneficial organisms in our gut, the microbiome, plays a role in brain development up to at least age three. However, it is not known whether the microbiome has a lasting impact on brain development beyond infancy.

Discover all funded projects