C009 – Translational Research in Digestive System Diseases

Objectives

Our research group develops lines of clinical research and translational research in diseases of the digestive system, specifically in the areas listed below.

• Etiopathogenetic and pathophysiological bases of diseases of the exocrine pancreas and their diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Effect of toxic habits (alcohol and tobacco consumption) on the risk of chronic pancreatitis, age and clinical presentation of the disease, its clinical course and prognosis, and the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Genetic factors predisposing to the development of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer (mutations of the cationic trypsinogen genes, SPINK1 and CFTR). Study of the process of pancreatic fibrogenesis in chronic pancreatitis and its quantification by means of serological and elastographic techniques. Molecular and biological study of pancreatic cancer and its clinical implications on the characteristics of the tumor (degree of cell differentiation and locoregional extension), patient survival, and its potential application as therapeutic targets. Potential effect of cytotoxic bacteria isolated from pancreatic tumors on the carcinogenesis process in pancreatic cancer.
• Epidemiological, etiopathogenic and therapeutic bases of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis). Epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease and its relationship with dietary, toxic and lifestyle habits. Role of infection by psychotrophic bacteria in the etiopathogenesis of Crohn’s disease. Efficacy of new immunomodulatory drugs in the treatment of patients with steroid-dependent and steroid-resistant inflammatory bowel disease.
• Impact of hepatocellular carcinoma and its local percutaneous treatment on the survival of patients on waiting lists for liver transplantation. Antitumor efficacy and safety profile of percutaneous ethanol injection as neoadjuvant treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma on the liver transplant waiting list. Antitumor efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency as neoadjuvant treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastases from tumors in other locations.

Leader
Domínguez Muñoz, Juan Enrique