UC is an inflammatory bowel disease that results in inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. It specifically impacts the innermost lining of the colon and rectum. In Ireland, there are at least 40,000 people living with IBD, and globally there are over 5 million affected.
In a recent publication in Computers in Biology and Medicine, researchers from CÚRAM at the University of Galway and collaborators at the University of Birmingham present a new computational model that simulates shear stress distribution in the colon with different mucus thicknesses.
The colon is an important part of our digestive system and depends on rhythmic contractions to eliminate waste. These movements generate mechanical forces on the colon’s mucus-lined surface. The mucus serves as a protective barrier, separating our body’s interior from the trillions of microbes both inside and outside.
The team of researchers have developed a computational model that utilizes real-world data to simulate the movements of the gut, the behavior of mucus, and the characteristics of tissue. Their study shows that the mucus layer acts as a lubricant, which helps to increase the speed of waste movement through the colon. In cases of ulcerative colitis (UC), where the mucus layer is thinner, this lubricating effect is reduced, potentially leading to constipation.
The model also emphasizes the protective role of mucus, as it shields the thin cell layer in the colon from mechanical forces. Dr. Yury Rochev, from the School of [School Name], led the research team in this study.The mechanical distribution within the cell layer was investigated by the Physics department at the University of Galway. Their findings indicated that shear stress varies in different functional zones, which could play a role in regulating cell migration, differentiation, and immune responses. However, if this protection is compromised, as seen in ulcerative colitis (UC), it may lead to inflammation and tissue damage.
Dr. Rochev explained, “Our model shows that mucus acts as a lubricant, significantly increasing the speed of waste movement through the colon. This effect is reduced in ulcerative colitis (UC) due to the thinning of the mucus layer, potentially contributing to the condition.”The model’s discoveries go beyond just identifying the causes of constipation. It also emphasizes the important role of mucus in protecting the fragile cells that are crucial for the colon’s functions from the physical forces created by bowel movements. Dr. Rochev also noted that their research found variations in shear stress across different functional areas within the cell layer, indicating a potential role in controlling cell movement, development, and immune reactions. When this protective function is compromised, as seen in cases of ulcerative colitis, it may lead to inflammation and damage to the tissue.
The team is not solely depending on computer simulations. They are creating an experimental model using “organ-on-a-chip” technology to confirm their findings.
Researcher Ibrahim Erbay explained: “We are using intestinal organoids to replicate the thin cell layer at the colonic surface. By actively flowing fluid with the organ-on-a-chip platform, we can simulate the mechanical forces similar to those experienced in the colon.”
By merging computational modeling with strong experimental validation, the researchers hope to achieve a full understanding of how mechanical forces impact biology.
Logical occurrences in both health and disease. This comprehensive approach holds the potential to enhance our comprehension of gut health and open the doors for new, precise treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases and other digestive disorders.
Scientist Ibrahim Erbay remarked: “This study not only improves our understanding of fundamental colon function at the cellular level, but also provides a valuable tool for creating new therapeutic strategies. We are now able to simulate various drug delivery systems and enhance them, potentially leading to more efficient treatments for gut-related conditions.”
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