Neurogastroenterology

This highly productive collaboration between Physics and Gastroenterology has developed over a period of more than 15 years with a focus on using MRI to assess the intragastric processing of complex meals and the flow of fluids through the small bowel and colon. More recently, there has been a more clinical focus looking at disorders of bowel function, particularly constipation and the irritable bowel syndrome. Professor Spiller’s research interests have also included a long term interest in the post infective irritable bowel syndrome and the performance of clinical trials in IBS, most recently Ondansetron and Mesalazine in IBS-D

Current projects:

• Assessing colonic motility with MRI
• Investigating the role of mesenteric fat in gut inflammation, particularity in diverticular disease. Clinical trials in IBS including mechanistic studies
• Clinical trials in C. dificile
• Studies of microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome, particularly for post infectious IBS.
• Impact of pre biotics and role of low FODMAP diet in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Potential for collaborative projects:

• Mechanistic studies of novel therapeutic agents examining impact on GI motility and small and large intestinal fluid.
• Imaging of gastric processing of complex meals
• Examining mechanisms of food intolerances

Key team members (PIs):

Professor Robin Spiller

Dr Luca Marciani

Professor Penny Gowland

Administrative contact:

Emma Bradley

Tel: +44 (0)115 8231 090

Email: emma.bradley@nottingham.ac.uk