# Gastroenterology & Hepatology

**Source**: https://mst.iitm.ac.in/gastroenterology-research/
**Parent**: https://mst.iitm.ac.in/

AREAS OF RESEARCH FOCUS

# **The Gut-Brain Axis**

Imagine 1000 billion neurons in the brain connected to 500 billion neurons in the gut talking to each other! To top it the vagus nerve, one of the most prominent nerves, is a two-sided communication pathway. Added to these two is the chemical pathway through neurotransmitters. No wonder we have butterflies in our stomachs when tense. The trillions of microbes in our gut control important hormones like serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Research aimed at understanding several diseases connected to the gut-brain and gut- immune system will be a focus area in the center.

# **Artificial Pancreas**

A recent survey in India showed that type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes, is no more a rare phenomenon. At some point in life, an artificial pancreas may be a requirement. After all, type 1 diabetes is due to the friend turning foe; the immune system attacks a specific type of cells in the pancreas. The artificial pancreas does the job of the pancreas by tracking blood glucose and delivering insulin when needed. Only a few of them have been approved by FDA, the first one being a device in 2016. The device requires a substantial engineering input, and it is natural for the centre to take up this development.