ECCO Grant Study Synopsis: Neeraj Narula
Neeraj Narula, ECCO Grant Awardee
Identifying biomarkers prior to IBD diagnosis from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology Study (PURE-IBD)
 Neeraj Narula © Neeraj Narula |
Background & aim of research
The primary objective of this study is to identify novel serum biomarkers prior to IBD onset that may mediate IBD risk in PURE.
Methodology/experiments that will be used
The proposed study is a prospective case-cohort study of approximately 12,000 participants (of whom 109 developed IBD) in PURE who participated in a biomarker sub-study initiated in 2018. All participants had serum samples at baseline and had extensive biomarker assessments performed. Biomarkers will be compared between the IBD and non-IBD cohorts. A total of 982 biomarkers will be analysed using proximity extension assays, of which the top five with the strongest signals will be analysed further in the validation cohort of 111 IBD patients and matched controls.
Anticipated main impact
It has been hypothesised that IBD, as an immune-mediated disease, has an asymptomatic pre-clinical phase. Our study presents a unique opportunity to identify biomarkers in pre-disease states for earlier detection of disease onset. The study will add to the existing knowledge generated by the PREDICTS study to inform the development of a multifaceted predictive tool for identification of individuals who are at high risk of developing IBD, which takes into consideration clinical data and biomarker and genetic findings.
Proposed timeline
An approximate timeline of study events includes:
- January–April 2023: Biomarker analyses on baseline serum samples of IBD patients
- May–December 2023: Comparison of results with control cohort and further analyses
- January–June 2024: Preparation of study manuscript