Hepatology & Gastroenterology

The Section of Hepatology and Gastroenterology encompasses internationally recognised research groups on liver and gut diseases. Over the last years the section has developed strong clinical and basic research activities on five main areas:

1- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases, which are a major cause of chronic liver disease and deaths in UK and globally. For the last 10 years, the Section of Hepatology and Gastroenterology is leading major trials and research activities to reduce the morbidity and mortality related to alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease.

2- Viral hepatitis is another major cause of death globally. The Section has developed national and international research programmes on viral hepatitis especially among neglected populations (prisoners, migrants and people living in low-and-middle-income countries). Our activities and findings are contributing to the 2030 WHO viral hepatitis elimination goals.

3- Immunology and end-stage liver disease: the section has developed expertise in the management of end-stage liver disease with a special focus on immunological mechanisms leading to increased susceptibility to infections in patients with acute on chronic liver failure. Our approach is to define novel mechanistic pathways (in vitro and in vivo) with the aim to provide insights for new targets to reverse the reported marked immune dysfunction in the studied group of patients, understand the pathogenesis of CPI-induced hepatitis and the role of immune regulation in HCC.

4- Gut microbiota: the bacterial species, which colonise the gut (microbiota), play a key role in disease and health. Our section has been working on the role of microbiota in liver and gut disease for more than 10 years. We are currently investigating the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplant in gut and liver disease.

5- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): the section supports one of the largest clinical and research activities on Crohn disease & ulcerative colitis and has been contributing to major clinical trials for many years.