NewYork-Presbyterian. The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell.

Digestive Diseases

Research for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is involved in many clinical trials to advance the understanding of the genetic and molecular pathways involved in IBD and translate that knowledge into new therapies.

Research for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) at the Jill Roberts Center

Researchers at The Jill Roberts Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center are currently evaluating evaluate novel biologic agents that target tumor necrosis factor, such as adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, and golimumab, as well as biologic agents, such as anti-IL (interleukin) 12 agents, basilixumab and visilizumab, and novel mesalamine therapies.

In addition, researchers are evaluating novel anti-integrin agents as well as stem cells for the treatment of aggressive Crohn's disease. Furthermore, researchers are working with Leiden University in the Netherlands to explore collaborating with databanking, which may allow for personalized medicine. Other important studies are described below.

Genetics Research for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis appear to have a genetic component, meaning that these diseases run in families. Also, people of Jewish heritage, particularly the Ashkenazi Jewish population, have an increased risk of developing Crohn's disease. Researchers have identified close to 32 genes that may play a part in Crohn's disease. Researchers at the Jill Roberts Center are currently collaborating with Weill Cornell Medical College researchers and exploring the function of one of these genes – the NOD-2 gene – and Crohn's disease. Specifically, researchers are investigating to see if the NOD-2 gene is linked to low levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10), which is an anti-inflammatory protein in the body. This deficiency in IL-10 may drive the persistent inflammation that occurs in the intestines of people with Crohn's disease.

E. Coli Research for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

A possible link between the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. Coli) and Crohn's disease involving the ileum (the very end of the small intestine) has been found by researchers at the Jill Roberts Center in collaboration with colleagues at Cornell University and Washington University (The ISME Journal. 2007;1:403 – 418). The study also showed that people with Crohn's disease had reduced numbers of the bacteria Clostridiales compared with people who do not have IBD.

New Surgical Procedures for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

The surgeons and researchers at NewYork Presbyterian Hospital continue to be interested in futuristic treatments for colorectal diseases including endolumenal surgery, which involves performing operations from within the bowel itself and not relying on abdominal incisions. Continued research is being performed so these operations may be available for IBD patients in the future.