Background
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic conditions causing gastrointestinal inflammation. The exact cause of IBD remains unknown, but genetic and environmental factors, particularly the gut microbiota, are key contributors. IBD prevalence has traditionally been higher in Western countries, but incidence is rising globally. Diet, especially ultra-processed foods, high fats, and red meats, has been linked to increased UC relapse, while high-fibre, low-fat diets can reduce inflammation and improve quality of life. This study aims to assess whether dietary changes can improve 5ASA effectiveness in UC patients and investigate the interaction between diet, gut microbiota, and inflammatory pathways using a multi-omics approach.
Aim
The aims of this project include:
Aim/s:
- Assess the feasibility of the sham diet
- Evaluate quality of life and treatment response
- Use a multi-omics approach to analyse the impact of diet and 5ASA on the gut ecosystem
- Explore the proposed mechanisms of action of 5ASA through functional ex vivo assays
- Develop biomarkers of dietary adherence
- Biobank samples for future work
Methods
This exploratory study will use a prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled dietary intervention design. Patients with newly diagnosed mild to moderate ulcerative colitis will be assigned to one of two groups: one receiving oral mesalazine treatment alongside our previously published Modified Anti-Inflammatory Diet (MAID), and the other receiving oral mesalazine with a SHAM diet.
Project Potential
This research project, led by clinicians involved in IBD care, aims to address the growing patient demand for dietary strategies to manage ulcerative colitis (UC). Despite strong patient belief in diet's role, there is a significant lack of evidence and guidance on this front. This study will evaluate the therapeutic potential of dietary interventions, addressing an urgent gap in UC treatment.
By capturing data on mental health, anxiety, quality of life (QoL), and gastrointestinal symptoms, the research will offer a holistic understanding of how UC, treatment and diet affect physical and emotional well-being. Recent findings suggest a complex relationship between IBD, diet, microbiome, and mental health, which this project aims to explore using an extensive sampling protocol.
Collaborating with experts from QIMR Berghofer and UNSW, the study will employ a multi-omics approach to investigate the immunological mechanisms behind treatment responses in UC patients. This comprehensive analysis will deepen our understanding of how diet and microbiota influence intestinal inflammation. The findings could revolutionise UC treatment by reducing the need for aggressive immunosuppressive therapies, offering a more targeted and patient-centred approach to managing the disease