Recent advances and future research directions in neurogastroenterology and endocrinology recommendations of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases

Abstract

Recently, a draft of the report of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases was made available to the public. The Commission was given the task of assessing the current state of science in digestive diseases research, and developing a 10-year plan for digestive diseases research consistent with National Institutes of Health (NIH)'s mission of improving the health of the nation through research. Twelve topic-specific areas were selected for organizing the content of the long-range research plan. One chapter was devoted to Research on the Basic Biology of the Digestive System covering major biological pathways which regulate the physiology and biochemistry of the gastrointestinal tract. The author wrote about the areas related to neurogastroenterology, endocrinology and satiety. In this communication, recent advances in these areas are reviewed and major recommendations for future research endeavours are highlighted. Collectively, the recommendations will provide scientific direction for the NIH and all parties engaged in digestive disease research as they address opportunities in digestive diseases research over the next decade.

Recent Advances in Obesity: Genetics and Beyond

“…Crucial to this research are the inquiry of how does our body control ingestion, digestion, absorption, and metabolism and how nutrients are distributed among various tissues, organs, and systems [1, 2]. Overweight and obesity, defined as body mass index (BMI, the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters) >25 and >30, respectively, are associated with premature death through increased risk of many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer [3–5].…”