A new test designed to detect signs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in stool samples may help improve how the condition is diagnosed and monitored, according to a recent study.
Researchers have created an optical tool called a luminescent reporter that measures the activity of a molecule linked to gut inflammation. This reporter lights up when it detects the molecule, with higher readings indicating increased inflammation.
Experts suggest this technique could make stool sample tests for IBD more accurate and potentially reduce the need for invasive procedures such as colonoscopies, which are commonly used for diagnosis and monitoring.
IBD is a chronic disorder where the immune system attacks the digestive tract, causing persistent inflammation. Current stool tests typically measure general markers like calprotectin, but positive results still require further investigation to confirm their source.
The research team from the University of Edinburgh analyzed gut tissue from IBD patients and found elevated levels of an enzyme known as granzyme A (GzmA) in inflamed tissue compared to non-inflamed areas. GzmA is released by T cells, which normally fight infections but can become overactive in IBD, leading to tissue damage.
To address this, scientists developed a luminescent reporter specifically measuring GzmA activity in stool samples. They tested this tool on 150 samples from both IBD patients and healthy individuals. When combined with current faecal calprotectin testing, the new method was more effective at identifying IBD than using calprotectin alone.
Researchers note that identifying gut-specific inflammation represents progress in diagnosing IBD but caution that additional studies are needed before clinical use.
The technology will be part of IDXSense, a new company spinning out from the University of Edinburgh with support from Edinburgh Innovations. The approach could also help tailor treatments for IBD by enabling rapid monitoring of inflammation during therapy adjustments.
The findings were published in Nature Biomedical Engineering: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-025-01588-1. The research involved scientists from universities in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Groningen, and Tel Aviv. Funding came from several sources including the European Research Council (ERC), European Innovation Council (EIC), Medical Research Council, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Awards, and Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.
Lizzie Withington, Director of Venture Creation at Edinburgh Innovations said: "The IDXSense pre-spinout team, led by Marc Vendrell, is designing, developing and manufacturing novel, non-invasive, in-vitro diagnostic devices for IBD, and we are actively looking for partners to help us transform health outcomes in this area of unmet medical need."
