Study of Sleep Disorders and Their Impact on Ulcerative Colitis Exploring the Role of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Adults Aged 18 to 65

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the clinical characteristics of sleep disorders in patients with ulcerative colitis UC, a type of inflammatory bowel disease that significantly impacts patients quality of life. This study focuses on how sleep disorders, which affect over 60% of inflammatory bowel disease patients, influence the occurrence and progression of UC through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The goal is to understand the effects of sleep problems on the autonomic nervous system, gut bacteria, and metabolites in UC patients. The study will enroll 152 UC patients aged 18 to 65 years and healthy control participants matched by age, gender, and education level. Sleep quality will be assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index PSQI to categorize participants into groups with or without sleep disorders. Researchers will collect clinical data, assess disease activity with Mayo scores and fecal calprotectin, and measure heart rate variability to evaluate vagal nerve function. They will also analyze serum neurotransmitters and use brain imaging to study functional brain activity. Gut microbiota and metabolites will be examined through sequencing and metabolomics. Participants will undergo various evaluations including questionnaires on sleep quality, mood, and inflammatory bowel disease symptoms. Blood and stool samples will be collected for laboratory tests. Heart rate variability and brain scans will be performed to assess nervous system function. The study will measure outcomes like sleep quality, disease activity, autonomic function, brain activity, neurotransmitter levels, and gut microbiome changes. The study is planned from April to December 2024, with continuing follow-up until June 2026.

Clinical Characteristics of Sleep Disorders in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis