What is the purpose of the study?

The purpose of this study is to examine how alcohol consumption affects the gut microbiota and stool metabolite production in an ex vivo model, and to evaluate whether probiotics can protect the gut microbiota from alcohol-induced changes.

Why is this study important?

This study is important because alcohol can disrupt the balance of beneficial gut microbes, which may impair gut health and immune functions. Understanding these effects and testing whether probiotics can mitigate them may lead to strategies for protecting gut health in individuals who consume alcohol.

What type of study is this?

This is a laboratory-based ex vivo experimental study. Stool samples from participants are collected and then tested in a controlled laboratory setting to simulate the anaerobic environment of the human colon. The study investigates how alcohol and probiotics affect gut microbes and metabolites outside the body, using participants’ stool samples.

How long will I be involved in this study?

Your participation in the study will last approximately one month. You will provide a stool sample at the beginning of the study, take a probiotic supplement daily for 30 days, and then provide a second stool sample at the end of the 30-day period.

What will happen to any samples I give?

The samples you provide will be used only for this study. They will be securely stored and may be analyzed for related research in the future in compliance with ethical and regulatory guidelines. Specimens will be processed at Monash University Malaysia. Unprocessed samples will be securely stored at -80°C at the earliest opportunity. All specimens and data will be handled in compliance with ethical and regulatory guidelines, ensuring the utmost confidentiality and security.

At the end of the study, any remaining samples may be retained for future research for seven (7) years, subject to your consent. Specimens no longer required will be destroyed following institutional policies to ensure proper disposal.

Will my medical information be kept private?

All information obtained in the study will be kept and handled in a confidential manner, in accordance with applicable laws and/or regulations. This study has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC) [Project ID: 46003]. Only researchers involved in this study will access your data while your study data will be securely stored in password protected spreadsheets. Deidentified data may be shared on the ROBOT platform and DNA sequencing data deposited in GenBank for research purposes. When publishing or presenting the study results, your identity will not be revealed without your expressed consent. 

Will I be informed of the study findings?

The overall study results will not be informed to you. However, it may be available in the form of journal publication.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions about the study, you may contact Associate Professor Dr Chong Chun Wie (ChongChunWie@monash.edu) for further information.