Novel Probiotics And Naturally-sourced Extracts As Treatment Strategies For Chemotherapy-induced
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$322,183.00
Summary
Intestinal mucositis is a serious disorder associated with chemotherapy treatment in cancer patients. Recently, a new strain of probiotic bacteria has been described with the potential to decrease the severity of intestinal mucositis. However, it is not known whether the live probiotic is necessary for this effect. We will compare the live probiotic, dead probiotic and factors sourced from this probiotic for the potential to decrease the severity of intestinal mucositis. Similarly, there have be ....Intestinal mucositis is a serious disorder associated with chemotherapy treatment in cancer patients. Recently, a new strain of probiotic bacteria has been described with the potential to decrease the severity of intestinal mucositis. However, it is not known whether the live probiotic is necessary for this effect. We will compare the live probiotic, dead probiotic and factors sourced from this probiotic for the potential to decrease the severity of intestinal mucositis. Similarly, there have been anecdotal claims of medicinal application for so-called ‘bioactive’ extracts and formulations derived from a range of mammalian, marine and plant sources. Specifically, Lyprinol (an extract derived from the New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel), Emu Oil (derived from Emu meat) and the herbal extract Iberogast, have been reported to possess antiinflammatory properties. Indeed, these agents are used widely for the adjunctive relief of symptoms associated with arthritis and joint pain. However, these agents have yet to be tested for their potential to treat or prevent intestinal mucositis. For the first time, utilizing proven, controlled animal model systems, the current submission will explore the therapeutic potential of these agents, alone and in combination with indicated probiotics, for their capacity to treat or prevent mucositis. Should efficacy be demonstrated, a potential mechanism of action will be sought by investigating effects on intestinal stem cells.Read moreRead less
Clinical And Physiological Evaluation Of Chinese Herbal Medicine For Constipation Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$592,705.00
Summary
This innovative study examines the effectiveness, safety and mechanisms of action of a complex Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is the most common chronic medical disorder of the digestive tract with 10% prevalence in the Australian population. Characterised by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, it significantly affects quality of life and has major socioeconomic implications. IBS is increasingly recognized as a complex multi-factorial condition with ps ....This innovative study examines the effectiveness, safety and mechanisms of action of a complex Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is the most common chronic medical disorder of the digestive tract with 10% prevalence in the Australian population. Characterised by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, it significantly affects quality of life and has major socioeconomic implications. IBS is increasingly recognized as a complex multi-factorial condition with psychogenic, hormonal and immune components. It is poorly addressed by current pharmaceutical treatments. Medical treatment of IBS remains unsatisfactory, with incomplete benefits offered by a single drug approach. The multi-factorial nature of IBS renders it an ideal candidate for evaluation with a more complex mix of low dose agents offered by herbal medicine. Specifically, CHMs by their complex chemical nature have substantial potential in the treatment of IBS because of their range of physiological effects on both bowel function and the central nervous systems We will perform a clinical trial of 8 weeks to determine the effectiveness of a chemically standardised CHM preparation in 160 patients with constipation predominant IBS patients compared to an identical placebo (sham). This project builds on our previous studies that demonstrated an effectiveness of CHM for IBS superior to current interventions. We’ve validated methods to ensure chemical standardisation of herbal medicines; validated approaches to psychosocial assessment of cognitive and behavioural changes in IBS patients; and have validated physiological, mechanistic evaluation of the lower bowel in response to treatment. The significance of the current proposal lies in its ability to provide a standardised, multi-component CHM (8 herbs) for the comprehensive clinical evaluation of the efficacy and safety of this type of therapy for IBS, and to provide insight into the relevant mechanisms of action. This project draws together the unique skills and previous studies from the Centre for Complementary Medicine Research (UWS), and the Gastrointestinal Investigation Unit of RNSH, USYD. This innovative project is medically important because it addresses a common gastrointestinal disorder with high socioeconomic implications for which conventional western medicine has failed to produce a cure or adequate palliative treatment.Read moreRead less