Exploring the link between gut taste receptors and irritable bowel syndrome

Alterations in Nutrient-sensing Mechanisms May Play a Role in Symptom Generation in Patients With IBS

Observational Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University · NCT06489444

This study is trying to see if there’s a connection between taste receptors in the gut and the symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea in people with irritable bowel syndrome.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorSecond Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Xi'an, Shaanxi)
Trial IDNCT06489444 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study collects clinical data, fresh feces, and intestinal mucosal tissues from patients diagnosed with diarrheal irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It employs high-performance liquid chromatography, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to analyze amino acid levels in feces and the expression of taste receptors in the intestinal mucosa. The goal is to investigate the correlation between these factors and the clinical symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea in IBS patients, aiming to establish that abnormalities in intestinal amino acid perception are present in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who meet the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for recurrent abdominal pain associated with IBS.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of celiac disease, other organic intestinal diseases, or serious neurological and psychological conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a better understanding of IBS and potentially new therapeutic approaches targeting gut taste receptors.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar studies exploring gut receptors and their impact on gastrointestinal conditions have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with IBS who meet the Rome IV diagnostic criteria:

  1. that is, recurrent abdominal pain, with symptoms occurring at least 1 day per week or at least 3 days per month on average in the last 3 months, combining 2 or more of the following:

     1. related to defecation;
     2. accompanied by changes in the frequency of bowel movements;
     3. Accompanied by changes in fecal characteristics (appearance). (Symptoms appeared at least 6 months before diagnosis, and above diagnostic criteria were met in the last 3 months) 2. Age ≥18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\. History of celiac disease and other organic intestinal diseases, metabolic diseases (thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, etc.); (2) Serious neurological, mental and psychological diseases, or accompanied by serious organ dysfunction; 3. Abdominal surgery; 4. Pregnant, possible pregnant and lactating patients; 5. History of colonoscopy in the past 1 year; 6. Declined to participate in the study.

Where this trial is running

Xi'an, Shaanxi

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.