Research
General Division of Gastroenterology
The Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition enjoys a long history of research excellence.
Overall Summary:
Microbiome/Gut Health – intestinal and mucosal physiology, immunology, and metabolomics within the gut microbiome, and the potential use of pre- and probiotics as an intervention.
Functional GI Disorders – research on the study of the pathogeneses, inflammation, microbiome and the associated metabolites and immunological aspects of gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), along with the development of therapeutics for these conditions.
Cancers – Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the 3rd leading cause of cancer in the United States. The developmental process of CRC can be initiated by adenomatous polyps, which grow on the intestinal lining and are considered premalignant, exhibiting a high risk for developing into colon cancer. Clinical results indicate that only 20% of reported CRC cases can be linked to familial history and heritable genetic changes, such as hereditary nonpolyposis CRC and adenomatous polyposis. The majority of CRC cases are attributable to deficiency of important micronutrients, particularly vitamins, rendered by malnutrition. Deficiency in B vitamins and methionine critically result in the destruction of one-carbon metabolic physiology, impacting DNA repair and the gene expression, all of which may contribute to CRC. Malnutrition crucially generates an inflammatory environment that impacts the genome of the cells, potentially promoting uncontrolled intestinal cell proliferation and may also shift the structure of gut microbiome and their metabolism
Translational Research – Geriatrics, Diabetes, Mays Cancer Center – (RNASeq sequencing and its analysis, analyses of the metabolite profiles, and integration of the datasets)
RECOVER PASC (COVID19) effects give rise to multiple, and as yet not well-defined, clinical phenotypes. Symptoms can persist for months and can range from mild to incapacitating. Symptoms can include fatigue, post exertional malaise, shortness of breath, difficulties with concentration and attention (“brain fog”), sleep disorders, fevers, gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety, depression, headache, a variety of pain syndromes, postural orthostatic tachycardia, and others identified and as yet unidentified. The clinical phenotypes may also represent prodromes to future health threats (i.e., development of autoimmune diseases). While still being defined, these clinical and sub-clinical effects are collectively referred to as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).
Other Studies:
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- Cystic Fibrosis
- Liver Diseases
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Esophageal Disorders
- Pancreatic Diseases
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Advanced Endoscopic Techniques:
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- Pediatric Gastroenterology
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