Oxygen deficiency of the human bowel

Primary objectives: This study aims at (further) revealing the pathophysiology of intestinal IR in man, with a specific interest for the role of proteases and protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2), cellular and inflammatory changes, barrier function and intestinal permeability, microscopic mucosal changes and gene expression patterns. An important element will be the determination of the effects of protease- and MMP inhibitors. By these means we hope to identify preventive and therapeutic strategies for patients with intestinal IR.
Primary endpoints: The primary endpoint in this study is inflammation (neutrophil influx, complement activation, interleukins, TNF-α, COX 1-2) and protease activity in tissue as well as in blood plasma.