Gastroenterology

x-ray of stomach
October 15, 2020

Factor involved in stomach injury response identified

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a key factor that coordinates the body’s repair response to severe injury in the stomach caused, most commonly, by infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

By Bill Snyder
Michelle Southard-Smith, PhD, Aaron May-Zhang, PhD, and colleagues have created a molecular ‘atlas’ of genes expressed by the neuronal cells within the intestine that coordinate the functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
October 8, 2020

Researchers create molecular ‘atlas’ of GI tract neurons

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have generated the first comprehensive molecular “atlas” of genes expressed by the neuronal cells within the intestine that coordinate the functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

By Bill Snyder
August 6, 2020

Appendix cancer survival in young patients varies by race: study

The first study of appendiceal cancer patterns and survival by race/ethnicity among patients younger than 50 in the U.S. showed survival disparities.

By Leigh MacMillan
x-ray of stomach
August 6, 2020

Study gauges specific site stomach cancer risks among ethnic groups

Non-white Americans, especially Asian Americans, are at disproportionately higher risk for gastric cancer compared to non-Hispanic white Americans. A new study breaks down this risk according to specific ethnicities and locations within the stomach.

By Tom Wilemon
January 10, 2019

Study identifies novel genetic factors for colorectal cancer risk

A large-scale study conducted among East Asians and led by Vanderbilt researchers has identified multiple, previously unknown genetic risk factors for colorectal cancer.

By Tom Wilemon
January 10, 2019

Bile acids mediate metabolic benefits of weight-loss surgery

A team of Vanderbilt investigators has pinpointed the role of bile acids and a specific signaling pathway in the positive metabolic effects of weight-loss surgery.

By Leigh MacMillan
August 30, 2018

Team isolates antibodies that neutralize GI bug norovirus

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have isolated the first human monoclonal antibodies that can neutralize norovirus, the leading cause of acute gastrointestinal illness in the world.
By Bill Snyder
June 5, 2018

Doing his own colonoscopy made Christopher Lind a legend. But his commitment to patients and families is also legendary.

“The cultural change of having a respected, practicing physician serve as a Patient and Family Advisory Council member has been invaluable.”
By Leigh MacMillan
May 21, 2018

An Army doctor’s appeal: “People in Iraq need medical books — can you help?” The response from Vanderbilt was overwhelming.

VUMC gastroenterologist Terence "T.A." Smith wanted to help an Iraqi colleague at a small clinic. Vanderbilt donors responded with dozens of boxes of books.
By Jessica Pasley
February 8, 2018

Bill and Genie met at VUMC in 1983. The proposal was at Kroger. A wedding ring fell over a cliff. They are still in love.

“She was really sweet and 34 years later, she’s still just as sweet,” Bill says. “It was meant to be,” Genie adds.
By Tavia Smith
September 5, 2017

Colonoscopy confidential

Ellen Williams, R.N., is a patient’s best friend in the GI Endoscopy Lab, even if most patients won’t remember most of what she does.
By Wayne Wood
March 17, 2016

Study suggests cancer’s ‘clock’ can be rewound

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have “turned back the clock” in a mouse model of metaplasia — precancerous stomach lesions — raising hopes that gastric cancer, a worldwide scourge that’s rising in the United States, can be prevented.
By Bill Snyder
July 30, 2015

Study sheds light on human gut’s ‘pacemaker’ cells

The gut has its own built-in pacemakers, populations of specialized cells that control smooth muscle contraction in the stomach, small intestine and colon.
By Bill Snyder
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