Current active clinical research protocols include:

Treatment of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Under the supervision of C. Mel Wilcox, M.D., researchers are continuing to evaluate a newly approved gastric acid inhibitor in the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. This study offers comprehensive treatment for qualified candidates. For further information email Toni Ann Seay or call 205-934-7332.

Viral Hepatitis C

Under the supervision of several hepatologists, Hepatitis treatments are being evaluated.  For further information, please email Cindy Joiner or call 205-975-9564

Other areas of interest in clinical research include:

New therapies for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Mechanisms of host resistance to intestinal infections.

Development and application of prolonged ambulatory pH and pressure monitoring in esophageal diseases.

Evaluation of the mechanisms and treatments of a variety of gastrointestinal complications associated with HIV infection.

Diagnosis and management of acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Staging gastrointestinal cancer by endoscopic ultrasonography.

Assessment of the diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide in a supine and standing position with a novel intrabreath pulmonary function test in cirrhotics.

Protocols for the treatment of viral hepatitis.

Novel treatment approaches for gastrointestinal cancers including cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Outcomes research in gastroesophageal reflux disease, diagnosis and management of pancreatic fluid collections, and endoscopic techniques for the management of biliary diseases.

Additionally, division investigators are collaborating with radiologists, pulmonary and ENT specialists to better understand the pathogenesis and treatment of extra-esophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Current basic research programs include:

Regulation of mucosal immune response to antigens in the intestine.

Elucidation of pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying chronic intestinal inflammation.

Analysis of T cell repertoire in autoimmune human liver disease and viral hepatitis.

Animal model to study autoimmune liver disease/cholangiopathies.

Mucosal immune responses, particularly the responses of mucosal macrophages to gastrointestinal pathogens, including HIV-1, cytomegalovirus, and H. pylori.

Pathogenesis of the biochemical and clinical manifestations in the porphyrias.

Gene mutation in bovine protoporphyria.

Molecular basis of vascular complications of chronic liver disease with special interest in hepatopulmonary syndrome.