Linkage heterogeneity for the IBD1 locus in Crohn's disease pedigrees by disease onset and severity

Commensal host-bacterial relationships in the gut

One potential outcome of the adaptive coevolution of humans and bacteria is the development of commensal relationships, where neither partner is harmed, or symbiotic relationships, where unique metabolic traits or other benefits are provided. Our gastrointestinal tract is colonized by a vast community of symbionts and commensals that have important effects on immune function, nutrient processing, and a broad range of other host activities. The current genomic revolution offers an unprecedented opportunity to identify the molecular foundations of these relationships so that we can understand how they contribute to our normal physiology and how they can be exploited to develop new therapeutic strategies.

A Perspective on inflammatory bowel disease in the child and adolescent at the turn of the millennium

The literature of the past year has produced significant advances relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease. This review focuses on new observations regarding the epidemiology, genetics, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in children. Particular attention is paid to the expanded indications for the use of immunomodulatory therapy, and to the early published data regarding the safety and efficacy of treatment with infliximab.