Marc E. Rothenberg, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Cincinnati Children’s, has received an NIH MERIT Award to extend funding of his long-standing investigation into “Regulation of Gastrointestinal Eosinophils.” Dr…
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute scientists have identified the three protein fragments that make gluten - the main protein in wheat, rye and barley - toxic to people with coeliac disease. Their discovery opens the way for a new generation of diagnostics, treatments, prevention strategies and food tests for the millions of people worldwide with coeliac disease…
A cryptosporidium infection (cryptosporidiosis) is a gastrointestinal disease caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite. The primary symptom is diarrhea. The illness begins when the tiny parasite enters the body and travels to the small intestine. Typically, it is an acute short-term infection that spreads through the fecal-oral route, often through contaminated water…
Alvine Pharmaceuticals, Inc., announced the reporting of scientific data on the performance of its lead compound, ALV003, in a gastric simulation model. The data were presented at the 2010 Digestive Disease Week (DDW) meeting held in New Orleans, Louisiana. The abstract is available on the DDW web site at http://www.ddw.org…
A UK-led international study has identified four types of genetic disturbance in the immune system that lead to celiac disease, bringing to 40 the total number of known inherited factors that increase a person’s risk of developing the disease…
Lactose intolerance, also called lactase deficiency, occurs when the body cannot break down and absorb lactose. It is the inability to metabolize lactose because of a lack of the required enzyme lactase in the digestive system. A person with this problem is unable to fully digest the milk sugar (lactose) in dairy products. Lactose is a natural sugar that is found in milk…
A new study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) suggests that air pollution may trigger appendicitis in adults. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Calgary, University of Toronto and Health Canada, looked at 5191 adults admitted to hospital in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
A study conducted in Vietnam has added further weight to the view that parasitic gut worms, such as hookworm, could help in the prevention and treatment of asthma and other allergies.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) announced today that an investigation of gastrointestinal illness reported in a recent Oklahoma City triathlon was related to exposure to water during swimming practice sessions or during the swim portion of the event. The OSDH began its investigation after receiving reports that some participants became ill following their participation in the Boathouse International Triathlon held in Oklahoma City May 16-17.