Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a complex disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The gut microbiota, comprising a diverse community of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in maintaining gut homeostasis and immune function. Dysbiosis, or imbalance in the gut microbiota composition, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD. This thesis aims to investigate the role of gut microbiota in IBD, with a focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying microbial dysbiosis and its impact on disease development and progression. The study will begin with a comprehensive review of the current literature on gut microbiota composition in IBD, highlighting key findings and gaps in knowledge. Chapter 2 will explore the diversity and abundance of specific microbial taxa associated with IBD, including the role of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in disease pathogenesis. The influence of environmental factors, genetics, and diet on gut microbiota composition will also be discussed. Chapter 3 will detail the research methodology employed in this study, including sample collection, DNA extraction, and sequencing techniques for microbial analysis. The study will utilize a multi-omics approach, integrating metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metabolomics to provide a holistic understanding of gut microbiota function in IBD. Chapter 4 will present the findings of the study, highlighting alterations in gut microbiota composition and function in IBD patients compared to healthy controls. The study will investigate potential biomarkers of disease activity and treatment response, as well as microbial signatures associated with disease subtypes and complications. The final chapter will provide a comprehensive summary of the study findings, discussing the implications for future research and clinical practice. The study aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence on the role of gut microbiota in IBD and provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiome for disease management. Overall, this thesis seeks to advance our understanding of the complex interplay between the gut microbiota and inflammatory bowel disease, shedding light on novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for personalized medicine in IBD management.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Investigating the role of gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease" aims to delve into the intricate relationship between the gut microbiota and the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence suggesting that the gut microbiota, which comprises trillions of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IBD. The project seeks to explore the specific mechanisms through which alterations in the gut microbiota composition and function contribute to the onset and progression of IBD. The research will involve a comprehensive literature review to examine existing studies on the gut microbiota in relation to IBD. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding the current knowledge and gaps in this area of research. Furthermore, the project will employ advanced molecular techniques to analyze the composition of the gut microbiota in individuals with IBD compared to healthy controls. By comparing the microbial profiles between these two groups, the study aims to identify specific bacterial species or microbial signatures that are associated with IBD. Additionally, the research methodology will include collecting stool samples from IBD patients and healthy individuals, followed by DNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis to characterize the gut microbiota. The findings from these analyses will be crucial in elucidating the dysbiotic changes in the gut microbiota that are linked to IBD. Moreover, the project will investigate the potential role of specific microbial metabolites or products in triggering inflammatory responses in the gut mucosa, thereby exacerbating the inflammatory process characteristic of IBD. The significance of this study lies in its potential to provide novel insights into the complex interplay between the gut microbiota and IBD pathogenesis. By deepening our understanding of how alterations in the gut microbiota composition and function contribute to IBD, this research could pave the way for the development of targeted interventions aimed at modulating the gut microbiota to prevent or treat IBD. Ultimately, the findings from this project have the potential to advance our knowledge of IBD pathophysiology and offer new therapeutic strategies for managing this chronic and debilitating condition.