SUMMARY
Madhu Grover, M.B.B.S., studies mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with a specific focus on the role of intestinal mucosal barrier function. Dr. Grover is particularly interested in studying the role of host and pathogen factors in the development of IBS and other functional gastrointestinal disorders following infectious gastroenteritis. Dr. Grover conducts research studies in people with these disorders using a variety of complementary in vivo and ex vivo techniques.
Dr. Grover also is developing and conducting clinical trials of newer therapeutic options for people with IBS, functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis.
Focus areas
- Postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome. Gastrointestinal infections affect 1 in 6 people in the U.S. every year and can result in development of IBS, also known as postinfectious IBS (PI-IBS). Dr. Grover is interested in understanding how changes in epithelial barrier function and the gut microbiota play a role in development of IBS following infection with Campylobacter jejuni. The goal is to obtain mechanistic information on the pathophysiology of PI-IBS, lay the foundation for identifying at-risk individuals and allow development of interventions aimed at decreasing the incidence of PI-IBS.
- Novel methodologies for measuring intestinal permeability. Impaired intestinal permeability is part of the pathophysiology of celiac disease, environmental enteropathy, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity and HIV. Current measurements of intestinal permeability rely on urinary excretion of naturally available, nonabsorbable sugars such as lactulose or mannitol that enter the body through the mouth. Dr. Grover is interested in developing novel molecules and methods of measuring in vivo intestinal permeability and ex vivo mucosal barrier function.
- Cellular changes in gastroparesis. Dr. Grover participates in the National Institutes of Health Gastroparesis Clinical Research Consortium. The focus of this research effort is to describe the cellular and molecular changes in full-thickness gastric biopsy tissue obtained from people with diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis. Findings from this research have already led to identification of irregularities in nerves and muscles and immune function, some of which correlate with delayed gastric emptying.
- Clinical trials. Dr. Grover conducts pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies of medicines to treat IBS and other functional gastrointestinal disorders. He also participates in multicenter clinical trials.
Significance to patient care
Approximately 15% of the U.S. population has IBS, and there is an unmet need to understand the pathophysiology and explore effective treatment options for this condition. Dr. Grover's research program focuses on understanding the role of mucosal and microbial factors in the pathophysiology of IBS. In addition, Dr. Grover is finding new ways to assess gastrointestinal physiological functions that may benefit people with IBS and other gastrointestinal conditions, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and obesity. Finally, Dr. Grover regularly conducts clinical trials to help expand treatment options for IBS and other functional disorders of the gut.
Professional highlights
- American Gastroenterological Association:
- Fellow, 2022-present.
- Member, research awards panel, 2018-present.
- Chair, Trainee and Young GI Track Committee, 2016-2017.
- Co-chair, Trainee Track Committee, 2015-2016.
- Member, Trainee and Young GI Track Committee, 2013-2014.
- Member, Education and Training Subcommittee, 2012-2014.
- Member, Program Evaluation Subcommittee, 2011-2014.
- Rome Foundation:
- Co-chair, Rome Foundation Research Institute Biomarker Core, 2022-present.
- Academic fellow, 2021-present.
- Co-chair, Subcommittee on Post-Infectious IBS, 2015-present.