Kevan Jacobson

FRCPC, FACP, MBBCH

Investigator, BC Children's Hospital
Head, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia
Associate Member, Department of Physiology, University of British Columbia

There is increasing evidence to suggest that intestinal inflammation affects the organization and function of the intestinal nervous system, which controls how our intestine works. As a result, changes in nerve function may alter how the intestine works, worsen inflammation, and aggravate the symptoms in IBD. In our studies we are examining the nerve-intestinal lining responses to inflammation in animal models of IBD and in our children with IBD. We will determine what nerve changes occur in association with intestinal inflammation, how these changes affect the function of the intestinal lining cells and whether these changes persist. We will also examine the potential benefit of probiotics (living non-harmful bacteria).

We are also examining the effects of maternal dietary fat on intestinal lining cells (which protect the host from harmful dietary agents and infectious organisms) and on the intestinal immune response in young offspring.