Crohn's disease

Research by Christopher Peek, PhD, left, Jim Cassat, MD, PhD, and their colleagues reveals how gut inflammation leads to bone loss.
August 25, 2022

Vanderbilt researchers discover how gut inflammation leads to bone loss

Gastrointestinal inflammation, such as occurs in inflammatory bowel disease, triggers the expansion of a population of “bone-eating” cells, leading to bone loss.

By Leigh MacMillan
Jennifer Pilat, left, Sarah Short, PhD, Christopher Williams, MD, PhD, and colleagues are studying a biomarker for assessing disease severity and cancer risk in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
February 4, 2021

Potential biomarker for IBD severity, cancer risk identified

A selenium transport protein produced in the colon may be a novel biomarker for assessing disease severity and cancer risk in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

By Leigh MacMillan
From left, Qi Liu, PhD, Lori Coburn, MD, Gregor Neuert, PhD, Keith Wilson, MD, Ken Lau, PhD, and Bennett Landman, PhD, are leading VUMC’s contribution to the “gut cell atlas” program funded by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.
November 20, 2019

Grant spurs effort to map biology of Crohn’s disease

VUMC has been awarded a three-year, $3 million grant to map — in unprecedented detail — the biology of Crohn’s disease.

By Bill Snyder
March 22, 2016

New treatment for Crohn’s disease

A new biological therapy, ustekinumab, improves markers of disease activity in patients with severe Crohn’s disease.

By Leigh MacMillan
July 23, 2015

Study explores protein’s role in inflammation-associated cancer

An antioxidant protein may protect against colon cancer that develops in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, suggesting new strategies for reducing colon cancer risk in these patients.

By Leigh MacMillan
April 9, 2015

Film explores girl’s bowel transplant surgery journey

A documentary to be screened at this year’s Nashville Film Festival will give audiences the opportunity to experience the life of a vivacious young woman making the biggest decision of her life: whether to risk rare and complicated surgery with the potential to radically change her life.

By John Howser
January 29, 2015

Partnership aims to boost Crohn’s disease research participation

ResearchMatch, the nationwide online medical research volunteer recruitment and engagement service hosted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has announced a partnership with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to curing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
By Paul Govern
April 25, 2014

Increased cell permeability may protect from colitis

Having a “leaky” gut may protect against colitis, a paradoxical finding that alters understanding of the role of cell permeability in intestinal homeostasis and immune regulation.
By Leigh MacMillan
April 6, 2012

Plant compound quells inflammation

Berberine, an herbal remedy for diarrhea and intestinal parasites, may be an effective treatment for gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases.
By Leigh MacMillan