Year of Establishment: 2014
The Interdepartmental University Centre for the Study of Food Intolerances, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Their Relationship with Nutrition was established within the Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences (DSCS), with its administrative headquarters located within the Department.
The Centre’s activities are based on an interdisciplinary approach and may involve academic staff from the Departments of Clinical and Experimental Sciences (DSCS), Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health (DSMC) and Molecular and Translational Medicine (DMMT).
The Centre’s primary objective is to promote, strengthen and support scientific research into food intolerances and inflammatory bowel diseases, with a view to:
- Improving patient care through research into disease pathogenesis, clinical phenotypes and treatment responses.
- Promoting preventive interventions and programmes targeting the conditions under study, with particular emphasis on nutrition and other lifestyle factors, to promote and maintain health and well-being.
To achieve these objectives, the Centre may promote:
1. Clinical research projects, with particular focus on pathogenic mechanisms, prognostic factors, diagnostic procedures and the assessment of treatment outcomes, especially in relation to the development of innovative medical, surgical and dietary therapies.
2. Epidemiological studies to assess the prevalence, incidence and natural history of the conditions under study, in close collaboration with healthcare facilities at different levels. Particular reference will be made to the model already implemented in collaboration with the Brescia Local Health Authority (ATS) through the Coeliac Disease Observatory.
3. Disease prevention programmes, with particular emphasis on dietary habits and lifestyle factors, to promote health and well-being.
4. Screening programmes for the early identification of individuals at risk.
5. Collaboration with patient associations, the medical and scientific community, and companies involved in the production and distribution of relevant products and services.
The Centre also strengthens integration between specialist care and general practice through the development of a web-based platform and information toolkits containing essential information to be shared during diagnosis and follow-up. It also promotes the adoption of flowcharts defining and assigning specific roles at different stages of follow-up.