Analysis of Gut Microbiome and Diet Modification in Patients with Crohn's Disease.

Objective: The human intestine harbors trillions of commensal microbes that live in homeostasis with the host immune system. Changes in the composition and complexity of gut microbial communities are seen in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), indicating disruption in host-microbe interactions. Multiple factors including diet and inflammatory conditions alter the microbial complexity.

Dysregulation of anti-inflammatory annexin A1 expression in progressive Crohns Disease.

Background: Development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves the interplay of environmental and genetic factors with the host immune system. Mechanisms contributing to immune dysregulation in IBD are not fully defined. Development of novel therapeutic strategies is focused on controlling aberrant immune response in IBD.

The gut mucosal viral reservoir in HIV-infected patients is not the major source of rebound plasma viremia following interruption of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Interruption of suppressive highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV-infected patients leads to increased HIV replication and viral rebound in peripheral blood. Effects of therapy interruption on gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) have not been well investigated. We evaluated longitudinal changes in viral replication and emergence of viral variants in the context of T cell homeostasis and gene expression in GALT of three HIV-positive patients who initiated HAART during primary HIV infection but opted to interrupt therapy thereafter.

A prospective evaluation of the impact of allopurinol in pediatric and adult IBD patients with preferential metabolism of 6-mercaptopurine to 6-methylmercaptopurine.

Background: 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) is used for the induction and maintenance of remission of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 6-MP is converted into 6-methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP) or 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGN) intracellularly. Treatment response in IBD patients correlates with 6-TGN levels.