Rediscovering the Wanderer: restoration of sympathico-vagal disbalance in irritable bowel syndrome by neuromodulation – a novel therapeutic concept
This project aims to restore vagal tone in IBS patients through transcutaneous electrical vagus nerve stimulation, potentially transforming treatment by identifying a neurosignature for personalized therapy.
Projectdetails
Introduction
Common colloquial phrases like ‘gut feeling’ or ‘butterflies in my belly’ are not just idioms but reflect on the unique communication between gut and brain. The principal interface for this interaction is the autonomic nervous system — a largely subconscious system that manages bodily functions through a delicate balance between its two branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Vagus Nerve and Chronic Pain
The vagus nerve is the main component of the latter. Diminished vagal tone resulting in increased sensitivity to pain is characteristic of many chronic pain disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). People with IBS have frequent and often severe abdominal pain.
Etiology of IBS
While its etiology remains poorly understood, IBS is now assumed to be caused by a malfunctioning of the gut–brain axis, often manifesting in sympathetico–vagal disbalance. However, no established therapies currently target this neurological disturbance.
Hypothesis and Methodology
I hypothesize that restoring the sympathico–vagal disbalance through autonomic neuromodulation can be an important novel therapeutic target in IBS. To achieve this, I will:
- Use transcutaneous electrical vagus nerve stimulation via the auricular nerve.
- Develop a novel multimodal ‘vagal-autonomic neurosignature’ through combining actively and passively recorded biometrics and high-power field neuroimaging.
This profile will allow identification of patients who could benefit from the new treatment approach.
Investigation of Mechanisms
Simultaneously, I will investigate mechanisms of action in a comprehensive manner, using experimental models and tools I have previously developed.
Expected Impact
My project is foreseen to fundamentally change the therapeutic landscape of IBS and other pain disorders by providing high-quality clinical and mechanistic evidence for the efficacy of vagal neuromodulation. Identifying a neurological signature of patients that likely benefit from this approach would represent a major breakthrough in individualizing therapeutic efforts in IBS.
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
Subsidiebedrag | € 1.500.000 |
Totale projectbegroting | € 1.500.000 |
Tijdlijn
Startdatum | 1-5-2023 |
Einddatum | 30-4-2028 |
Subsidiejaar | 2023 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- UNIVERSITEIT MAASTRICHTpenvoerder
Land(en)
Vergelijkbare projecten binnen European Research Council
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Targeting peripheral nerves: a method for therapeutic modulation of inflammatory disease with non-invasive temporal interference
The project aims to develop a non-invasive, patch-based nerve stimulator using Temporal Interference to precisely target inflammation-regulating nerves, enhancing treatment for inflammatory diseases.
Revolutionizing diabetes management by combining in silico models and AI control for vagus neuroprostheses
The project aims to develop a personalized Vagus Nerve Stimulation neuroprosthesis for automated glucose regulation in diabetics, utilizing AI to optimize stimulation and minimize side effects.
Wireless magnetothermal entero-modulation
This project aims to develop a biocompatible magnetic gel for remote activation of intestinal tissue to modulate calcium signaling and neuropeptide release, addressing GI disorders non-invasively.
Neuronal control of fascia
The NEUROFASCIA project aims to explore the fascia's role in brain-immune communication and its implications for pain and inflammation, using advanced techniques to characterize and modulate this tissue.
The Insula-Body Loop for Neural Control of Gut Physiology
This project aims to investigate how the insular cortex integrates sensory information to regulate bodily functions and predict nutrient intake, using neuroscience and computational methods.
Vergelijkbare projecten uit andere regelingen
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Focused Ultrasound Personalized Therapy for the Treatment of Depression (UPSIDE)The UPSIDE project aims to develop a minimally invasive hybrid neurotechnology for targeted brain stimulation and biomarker monitoring to enhance treatment for Treatment-Resistant Depression. | EIC Pathfinder | € 4.149.921 | 2022 | Details |
Enteric Bioelectronics for Sensing and Stimulating the CNS
EnterBio aims to develop bioelectronic tools for non-invasive modulation of the enteric nervous system to improve treatment of neurological disorders by leveraging gut-brain interactions.
‘Flora’ app voor veilige behandeling van PDS-symptomen middels hypnotherapie
Het project onderzoekt de haalbaarheid van een schaalbare medische 'Flora' applicatie voor thuisbehandeling van PDS, ter ondersteuning van therapeuten en besluitvorming over verdere ontwikkeling.
Focused Ultrasound Personalized Therapy for the Treatment of Depression (UPSIDE)
The UPSIDE project aims to develop a minimally invasive hybrid neurotechnology for targeted brain stimulation and biomarker monitoring to enhance treatment for Treatment-Resistant Depression.