IBS

The purpose of this study is to identify distinct subgroups (phenotypes) of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients. While traditional IBS classification relies mainly on bowel habits, this research uses a multidimensional questionnaire to capture clinical symptoms, psychological factors, diet triggers, sleep quality, and digital behaviors. By applying advanced machine learning algorithms to these patient-reported outcomes, the study aims to uncover hidden patterns that can help customize future treatments and improve patient care.

Rectal biopsies from IBS patients or healthy subjects will be taken. Biopsies will be used for: 1. the isolation of submucosal plexus to perform: 1.1 live nerve recordings and Calcium imaging; 1.2 immunohistochemistry; 1.3 mRNA (Messenger ribonucleic acids) isolation and real time PCR (Polymerase chain reaction); 2. culturing biopsies On the basis of these observations, the general aim of the study is to move a significant step forward in the current knowledge on human ENS (enteric nervous system) in IBS by establishing a live imaging method to record enteric nerves activity in small intestinal biopsies from humans. This development is unique in its kind as not other research groups have reported successful live recordings with calcium imaging in this preparation. In particular, the investigators aim: 1. to develop and validate the technique to measure activity in human enteric nerves in the submucous plexus isolated from rectal biopsies from healthy subjects and IBS patients; 2. to characterize this nerve activity in healthy subjects and IBS patients using both calcium imaging to evaluate the effect of different neuromodulators, immunohistochemistry and rtPCR to determine receptor expression levels and identify neurons and glial cells in the submucous ganglia; 3. to investigate whether the biopsies of IBS patients secrete more modulators/cytokines compared to healthy subjects and their potential to activate neurons. 4. to evaluate the influence of different food constituents (cow"s milk, wheat, yeast, gluten and soy) on the local reaction of the rectal mucosa and evaluate mast cell activation/degranulation in biopsies of IBS patients compared to healthy subjects. 5. To evaluate the amount of inflammatory mediators/metabolites in urine samples of IBS patients and healthy volunteers by the use of metabolic profiling

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a common condition associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation, particularly in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Antibiotic therapy with rifaximin is commonly used, but relapse rates remain high. This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate whether supplementation with a multispecies probiotic containing Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus subtilis improves the effectiveness of rifaximin therapy in adult patients with SIBO. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either rifaximin plus the probiotic or rifaximin plus placebo. Clinical assessments will include hydrogen breath testing and evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms using standardized questionnaires at baseline and during follow-up visits. The study is being conducted at a single academic medical center in Poland and is sponsored by Państwowy Instytut Medyczny MSWiA. The probiotic and rifaximin are provided by Urgo. The results of this study may help determine whether probiotic supplementation can improve treatment outcomes and reduce recurrence of SIBO.

Aim: More insight in pathogenesis of IBS and IBD. Samples are collected in context of an European research project.