The immunopathogenesis of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases
Article Abstract:
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract has a specialized immune system that develops tolerance for the various food proteins that pass through it. When this immune system fails, various GI diseases can occur. Inflammatory bowel disease is an inflammation of the intestinal tract that is probably caused by an abnormal reaction to a food or infectious organism. Gluten-sensitive enteropathy (celiac sprue) is caused by a hypersensitivity to proteins in grains. Other foods can also cause enteropathy, which is characterized by malabsorption. In addition, certain foods can cause an allergic reaction in certain individuals. Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disease caused by lymphocyte infiltration of the gastric mucosa. Viral hepatitis involves damage to the liver following an immune system attack on virus-infected cells. Primary biliary cirrhosis and sclerosing cholangitis are diseases of the bile ducts that are characterized by the production of antibodies against certain cell components.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Monoclonal antibodies target inflammatory bowel disease
Article Abstract:
Clinical trials of targeted biological therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have shown encouraging results giving hope to patients who are on different therapies for Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. Basic research shows that it may be possible for scientists to know more about how inflammatory cascade works in the intestines and other parts of the body but randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm data.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2004
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Prospects for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Article Abstract:
Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease seem to be caused by an abnormal immune response in the intestinal mucosa. For this reason, effective drug treatments would correct this abnormality. There is also evidence that these diseases have a genetic component.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2001
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