Pathogenic Mechanisms in C Diff Infection and Colitis
| Status: | Enrolling by invitation |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Colitis, Infectious Disease |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Gastroenterology, Immunology / Infectious Diseases |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 75 |
| Updated: | 4/21/2016 |
| Start Date: | August 2013 |
Pathogenic Mechanisms in Clostridium Difficile Infection and Colitis
The purpose of this study is to learn more about infection by Clostridium difficile (also
known as C. difficile). C. difficile is a common bacterium (a germ that may cause disease)
that can live in the human gut. Some people have it without having any symptoms. In other
people it can cause illness ranging from mild diarrhea to severe colitis (infection of the
colon).
C. difficile makes toxins that damage the cells that line the colon. The study doctors want
to find out how these toxins cause damage to the cells in the colon.
known as C. difficile). C. difficile is a common bacterium (a germ that may cause disease)
that can live in the human gut. Some people have it without having any symptoms. In other
people it can cause illness ranging from mild diarrhea to severe colitis (infection of the
colon).
C. difficile makes toxins that damage the cells that line the colon. The study doctors want
to find out how these toxins cause damage to the cells in the colon.
The purpose of this study is to examine pathogenic mechanisms of Clostridium difficile
toxin-mediated intestinal injury and inflammation. Two primary mechanisms will be examined.
- To examine the hypothesis is that microRNA expression profiles are dysregulated by
Clostridium difficile toxin exposure and that dysregulation of miRNA expression plays a
role in the pathogenesis of C. difficile associated diseases.
- To examine the hypothesis is that the TLR9 receptor mediates key inflammatory events in
response to Clostridium difficile toxin exposure.
toxin-mediated intestinal injury and inflammation. Two primary mechanisms will be examined.
- To examine the hypothesis is that microRNA expression profiles are dysregulated by
Clostridium difficile toxin exposure and that dysregulation of miRNA expression plays a
role in the pathogenesis of C. difficile associated diseases.
- To examine the hypothesis is that the TLR9 receptor mediates key inflammatory events in
response to Clostridium difficile toxin exposure.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age greater than 18 yrs and less than 75 years
- Undergoing a clinically indicated colonoscopy
Exclusion Criteria:
- Known, active or recurrent colonic disease including: Clostridium difficile
infection, inflammatory bowel disease, microscopic colitis, colon resection for any
reason, ischemic colitis, recurrent diverticulitis, colon cancer. Note:
Diverticulosis without recurrent diverticulitis, colonic adenomatous or hyperplastic
polyps or colonic arteriovenous malformations will not constitute an exclusion
- Diarrhea (an average of more than 3 bowel movements per day at baseline)
- Constipation (an average of fewer than 2 bowel movements per week at baseline).
- Use of systemic steroid or systemic immunosuppressive medication
- Severe renal impairment
- Relative contraindication to colon biopsy including a bleeding diathesis or
anti-coagulant use. Note: nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug or asprin use will not
constitute a contra-indication.
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Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) is one of the...
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