Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disease with a strong genetic component. The majority of patients with celiac disease are HLA-DQ2- or DQ8-positive. Twin studies have nevertheless shown that environmental factors also influence the development of disease. The role of infection, particularly gastroenteritis, in modifying disease risk was nevertheless unclear.

Dr. John Murray, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist who specializes in celiac disease, presents a brief overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of the disease. Dr. Murray begins the video by illustrating the diversity of patients who can be affected by celiac disease. This includes people of “all shapes and sizes [and] all ages.” He [...]

The study of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections is often limited by the dearth of good animal models. Chimpanzees, ducks, woodchucks, and ground squirrels have been used, but they each present a unique set of ethical and practical limitations. A mouse model would be convenient, but the murine liver does [...]

Gastro Notes is an individual’s attempt to record and report interesting news, research findings, and related tidbits that I encounter in the world of gastroenterology and hepatology.