Plain-English translation of NCT02421705 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
Researchers want to understand why some people with bowel conditions experience pain and sensitivity, while others don't—even when they have the same diagnosis. This study collects blood samples, tissue biopsies, stool samples, nasal swabs, and brain imaging from people with inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), irritable bowel syndrome, and healthy volunteers. By comparing these samples and measurements, scientists hope to discover the hidden causes of bowel pain so doctors can develop better treatments in the future.
Millions of people suffer from bowel pain and sensitivity, but doctors don't fully understand why some treatments work for some patients and not others, or why people with the same diagnosis have such different experiences. This study aims to fill that gap by identifying the biological and genetic factors that contribute to bowel sensitivity.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
You will visit the research clinic where doctors will collect blood, stool, and a small sample from inside your nose. You'll also have a small tissue biopsy taken from your colon (similar to what's done during a colonoscopy) and complete a brain scan using an MRI machine. Researchers will measure how sensitive your bowel is to pressure using a special balloon test, measure how quickly food moves through your colon, and have you answer detailed questionnaires about your symptoms. The entire visit will take several hours, and you'll need to stop certain digestive medications for 24 hours beforehand.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 2, 2026 · Not medical advice
Belgium
Sponsor
KU Leuven
Enrollment target
~99,999,999 participants
Started
February 2010
Primary completion
January 2099
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in February 2023.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Koen Bellens, MSc
Catholic University Leuven and Universitary Hospitals Leuven
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.