Micro Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) as Cholinergic Tone and Inflammatory Regulator in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center40 enrolled

Overview

There is a reciprocal relationship between the central nervous system and the immune system. Stimulation of the vagus nerve results in secretion of acetylcholine (Ach) which decreases secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Acetylcholine esterase is an enzyme that neutralizes Ach and thus, involves in regulation of Ach levels, and in the cholinergic tone and inflammatory state. MicroRNAs (miRs) are evolutionarily conserved, RNAs that regulate gene expression. The investigators hypothesized that miRs controlling systemic communication processes function in one tissue in response to signals (i.e. neuronal, hormonal or others) from another. Specifically, the investigators hypothesized that miRs control the inflammatory response in inflammatory bowel diseases through regulation of expression of messenger RNA of AchE.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 75 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Inflammatory bowel disease patients under going colonoscopy Exclusion Criteria: * Debilitated patients who need an apotropsy * Age \< 18 or age \> 75 * Pregnant women * Evidence of previous or current cancer * Inflammatory disease other than IBD

Locations (1)

Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Elevated expression of specific micro RNAs that regulate the expression of the enzyme Acetylcholine esterase in inflammatory bowel disease patients compared to healthy controls.

Time frame: one year

Secondary Outcomes

A statistically significant relation between micro RNA expression and disease activity and inflammatory indices

Time frame: one year