Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

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Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

 

  • Research Faculty

       

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    Director

    A photo of Mitchell Cohen.

    Mitchell B. Cohen, MD Vice-Chair of Pediatrics for Clinical Affairs

    is interested in the role of the guanylyl cyclase pathway in intestinal secretion and regulation of inflammation. He is working to understand how guanylyl cyclase C, guanylin and uroguanylin mediate mucosal gene expression, intestinal barrier function and experimental colitis. These interactions have potential clinical roles in the treatment of both irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
    Visit the Cohen-Steinbrecher Lab.

    513-636-3008
    mitchell.cohen@cchmc.org

    A photo of Mitchell Cohen.
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    Mitchell B. Cohen, MD

    Vice-Chair of Pediatrics for Clinical Affairs

    Director, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

    Academic Information

    Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Professor, Associate Professor, Internal Medicine

    Phone: 513-636-3008

    Fax: 513-636-5581

    Email: mitchell.cohen@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Clinical Interests

    Diarrheal disorders; inflammatory bowel disease; celiac disease

    Research Interests

    Intestinal secretion; diarrheal disease; developmental biology

    Visit the Cohen-Steinbrecher Lab.

    Biography

    Mitchell B. Cohen, MD, completed his pediatric training at Johns Hopkins Hospital and entered the public health service where he served at the Keams Canyon Indian Hospital on the Hopi Reservation in northeast Arizona. Subsequently, he completed a pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition fellowship at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

    Dr. Cohen has had a long-standing interest in the pathophysiology of diarrheal diseases and continues to direct basic science and clinical research programs related to intestinal secretion and infection. These programs include studies of the guanylin family of intestinal peptides, epidemiology and pathogenesis of diarrheagenic E. coli and studies of human cholera and typhoid fever vaccines.

    Dr. Cohen is the director of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition at Cincinnati Children's. He is also vice-chair of Pediatrics for Clinical Affairs, associate director of the NIDDK-funded Silvio O. Conte Digestive Diseases Research Core Centers (DDRCC) entitled Digestive Health Center (DHC): Bench-to-Bedside Research in Pediatric Digestive Disease and the director of the NIH-funded Fellowship Training Program in Pediatric Gastroenterology.

    Dr. Cohen has served as president of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and chair of the section on Growth Development and Aging of the American Gastroenterological Association. He is a member of the Clinical Research Committee of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFFTI), and has served as permanent and ad hoc member on a number of NIH study sections and the National Commission on Digestive Diseases.

    Education and Training

    MD: Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, 1977.

    Residency: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, 1977 to 1980.

    Fellowship: Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati, 1983 to 1986; Research Scholar, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati, 1986 to 1987.

    Certification: Pediatrics, 1981; Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 1990, 1997, 2004.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications

    Grants

    Digestive Health Center:  Bench to Bedside Research in Pediatric Digestive Disease. Program Director; Director, Administrative Core. National Institutes of Health. Aug 2007 - May 2012. #P30 DK 0789392. 

    Evaluation of control measures against human infectious diseases other than AIDS. Co-Investigator. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Nov 2007 - Oct 2012. #N01-AI25459.

    Faculty

    A photo of Maisam Abu-El-Haija.

    Maisam A. Abu-El-Haija, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology

    is a clinical gastroenterologist who has clinical and translational research interests in pediatric pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis GI related diseases. Her main research focus is on the clinical presentations of pancreatitis, different management trends, and outcomes of pediatric pancreatitis. As part of the pancreatic center at CCHMC, Dr. Abu-El-Haija is working on establishing a database and registry for pediatric pancreatitis. This patient cohort will help determine the epidemiology and potential etiologic factors pancreatitis in children. We hope to study complications and outcomes of therapeutic interventions for pancreatitis, to be able to implement effective therapies with favorable outcomes In the future. Our long term goals are to find effective treatment for pancreatitis.

    513-803-2123
    maisam.haija@cchmc.org

    A photo of Maisam Abu-El-Haija.
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    Maisam A. Abu-El-Haija, MD

    Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology

    Academic Information

    Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-803-2123

    Email: maisam.haija@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Pediatric gastroenterology; hepatology and nutrition with special focus on pancreatic disease and Cystic Fibrosis.

    Biography

    Our research is essential to study pediatric pancreatitis etiologies, epidemiology, management protocols and outcomes. This disease was thought to be rare in the pediatric population, however recent studies have reported increased incidence to be as close as pancreatitis incidence in the adult patient population. Dr. Abu-El-Haija has the knowledge and motivation necessary to complete the proposed research successfully. Her knowledge in pancreatic disease stemmed from a major interest and then was nourished by her expertise in working with pancreatic disease in a Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Pig Model. This was a basic science lab work.

    During Dr. Abu-El-Haija's fellowship training, she dedicated all her research time to conduct research in this Novel Cystic Fibrosis model to look at the pathways involved in pancreatic destruction. She worked with a great group of collaborators in the world of pancreatic disease, CF and pathology and this gave her a great deal of knowledge on how to be able to generate novel data in science. She was successful in getting grants that funded her research in the past. Their work has resulted in publications in peer-reviewed journals and hopefully will help advance the care of our patients.

    Education and Training

    MBBS: Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jordan, 1997.

    Residency: Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 2009.

    Fellowship: Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 2012.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of William Balisteri.

    William F. Balistreri, MD Medical Director, Pediatric Liver Care Center

    investigates therapeutic options for children with chronic viral hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV). His two multicenter studies include assessing the safety and efficacy of PEG-2a Interferon (IFN) combined with ribavirin (compared to PEG-2a IFN alone) in the treatment of children with chronic hepatitis C and examining the safety and efficacy of Adefovir vs. placebo in inducing clearance of HBV (loss of HBeAg) in chronically infected children.

    513-636-4594
    william.balistreri@cchmc.org

    A photo of William Balisteri.
    High Res

    William F. Balistreri, MD

    Medical Director, Pediatric Liver Care Center

    Associate Chair for Subspecialty Training, Department of Pediatrics

    Academic Information

    Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-4594

    Fax: 513-636-7805

    Email: william.balistreri@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Clinical Interests

    Liver disease (cholestasis, hepatitis, metabolic liver disease); inflammatory bowel disease
     

    Biography

    William F. Balistreri, MD, medical director, Pediatric Liver Care Center and associate chair for Subspecialty Training, Department of Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, received the 2001 Outstanding Pediatrician award from the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The award is given annually to a pediatrician who is a member of the Ohio Chapter of the AAP for distinguished achievements in pediatric care and in the education of patients and physicians.

    "I believe that this award reflects the respect of our colleagues for the entire Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center community rather than any one individual," says Balistreri. "Nevertheless, I am honored to be singled out among all of the outstanding pediatricians in the state of Ohio."

    Balistreri is one of the world's foremost authorities on pediatric gastroenterology and liver disease. He is medical director of Cincinnati Children's Pediatric Liver Care Center and Pediatric Liver Transplantation Program.

    Through more than 440 publications, including original articles, editorials, reviews and book chapters, Balistreri has helped to clarify the understanding of many aspects of pediatric hepatology -- the branch of medicine concerned with the liver and its diseases. These include bile acid metabolism, neonatal cholestasis (stoppage or suppression of the flow of bile), hepatitis and liver transplantation.

    Balistreri has been editor of The Journal of Pediatrics since 1995. He is the former editor-in-chief of the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and co-editor, associate editor, guest editor, reviewer and member of numerous editorial boards of several journals and periodicals. These include seminars in Liver Disease, Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and the New England Journal of Medicine. He is co-editor of the prestigious text Liver Disease in Children.

    In 2000, Balistreri became the first pediatrician to serve as president of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. He is or has been president or a member of numerous prestigious scholarly societies, including the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.

    Balistreri has also served as a member of the board of directors of the American Board of Pediatrics, American Liver Foundation, Institute for Pediatric Medical Education, and the Society for Pediatric Research.

    Balistreri has received awards from various societies. These include the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America in 1995, the Andrew Sass-Kortsak Memorial Award from the Canadian Liver Foundation and the Canadian Association for the Study of Liver in 1998, the Murray Davidson Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Gastroenterology and Nutrition in 1999, and the prestigious Shwachman Award for 1999 from the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.

    Balistreri earned a medical degree at the University of Buffalo School of Medicine in 1970. He was a pediatric resident at Cincinnati Children's from 1971 to 1972 and a post-doctoral fellow from 1972 to 1974. He did a research fellowship in the division of Gastroenterology at the Mayo Foundation, Mayo Clinic, before being appointed assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1976.

    Balistreri joined Cincinnati Children's in 1978, when he also was named Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. In 1984, Balistreri was named Dorothy M. Kersten Professor of Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's. In 1991, he was appointed Professor of Medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Balistreri has been listed multiple times in Best Doctors in America.

    Education and Training

    BA: State University of New York at Buffalo, NY, 1966.

    MD: University of Buffalo School of Medicine, NY, 1970.

    Internship: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (University of Cincinnati School of Medicine), Cincinnati, OH, 1970 to 1972.

    Residency: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (University of Cincinnati School of Medicine), Cincinnati, OH, 1971 to 1972.

    Fellowship: Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 1973 to 1974.

    Research Fellowship: Gastroenterology, Mayo Foundation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 1973 to 1975.

    Certification: Pediatrics, 1975 (renewed 1992); Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 1990 (renewed 1997 and 2004).

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of Jorge Bezerra.

    Jorge A. Bezerra, MD

    investigates the genetic, cellular and molecular basis of biliary atresia and other cholangiopathies in children. His studies use animal models of disease to identify causes of tissue injury and to develop new therapies to stop progression of liver disease.
    Visit the Bezerra Lab.

    513-636-3008
    jorge.bezerra@cchmc.org

    A photo of Jorge Bezerra.
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    Jorge A. Bezerra, MD

    Academic Information

    Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-3008

    Fax: 513-636-5581

    Email: jorge.bezerra@cchmc.org

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    Specialties

    Biography

    Jorge A. Bezerra, MD, joined the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition in 1990, when he began his fellowship training in pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition and graduated in 1993.

    From 1992-1994, Dr. Bezerra was a research scholar in the Division of Basic Sciences. He was appointed to the division in 1994 as an assistant professor of pediatrics.

    Dr. Bezerra completed his residency in pediatrics at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.

    Dr. Bezerra has an active research career with his primary interests in molecular control of liver regeneration, biliary atresia, and genetic basis of intrahepatic cholestasis.

    In addition to his research work, Dr. Bezerra is an active clinician for the outpatient GI clinical service and the inpatient liver service.

    Education and Training

    MD: Federal University Rio Grande Norte, Natal, Brazil, 1984

    Residency: University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ, 1989

    Fellowship: Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 1994

    Certification: Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications

    Bezerra JA. Biliary atresia in Brazil: where we are and where we are going. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2010 Nov-Dec;86(6):445-7. 

    Moyer K, Kaimal V, Pacheco C, Mourya R, Xu H, Shivakumar P, Chakraborty R, Rao M, Magee JC, Bove K, Aronow BJ, Jegga AG, Bezerra JA. Staging of biliary atresia at diagnosis by molecular profiling of the liver. Genome Med. 2010 May 13;2(5):33.

    Kumar Mohanty S, Ivantes CA, Mourya R, Pacheco C, Bezerra JA. Macrophages are targeted by rotavirus in experimental biliary atresia and induce neutrophil chemotaxis via Mip2/Cxcl2. Pediatr Res. 2010 Jan 6.

    Shivakumar P, Sabla GE, Whitington P, Chougnet CA, Bezerra JA. Neonatal NK cells target the mouse duct epithelium via Nkg2d and drive tissue-specific injury in experimental biliary atresia. J Clin Invest. 2009 Aug;119(8):2281-90. 

    Shanmukhappa K, Matte U, Degen JL, Bezerra JA. Plasmin-mediated proteolysis is required for hepatocyte growth factor activation during liver repair. J Biol Chem. 2009 May 8;284(19):12917-23. 

    Erickson N, Mohanty SK, Shivakumar P, Sabla G, Chakraborty R, Bezerra JA. Temporal-spatial activation of apoptosis and epithelial injury in murine experimental biliary atresia. Hepatology. 2008 May;47(5):1567-77. 

    Shivakumar P, Sabla G, Mohanty S, McNeal M, Ward R, Stringer K, Caldwell C, Chougnet C, Bezerra JA. Effector role of neonatal hepatic CD8+ lymphocytes in epithelial injury and autoimmunity in experimental biliary atresia. Gastroenterology. 2007 Jul;133(1):268-77. 

    Liu C, Aronow BJ, Jegga AG, Wang N, Miethke A, Mourya R, Bezerra JA. Novel resequencing chip customized to diagnose mutations in patients with inherited syndromes of intrahepatic cholestasis. Gastroenterology. 2007 Jan;132(1):119-26. 

    Campbell KM, Arya G, Ryckman FC, Alonso M, Tiao G, Balistreri WF, Bezerra JA. High prevalence of alpha-1-antitrypsin heterozygosity in children with chronic liver disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2007 Jan;44(1):99-103. 

    Shanmukhappa K, Sabla GE, Degen JL, Bezerra JA. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator supports liver repair independent of its cellular receptor. BMC Gastroenterol. 2006 Nov 29;6:40. 

    Grants

    The plasminogen system and liver repair. Principal Investigator. National Institutes of Health. 2000 - 2011. #R01 DK 55710.
    A photo of John Bucuvalas.

    John C. Bucuvalas, MD Associate Medical Director, Pediatric Liver Care Center

    has focused his research on improving outcomes for pediatric liver transplant recipients. He is currently working to determine if regulatory cell DNA patterns predict suppressor activity, to conduct an immunosuppression withdrawal trial of transplant recipients, to define an objective marker of non-adherence in transplant recipients and to identify a subgroup of who will respond to immunomodulatory therapy and avoid liver transplantation.

    Visit the Bucuvalas Lab.

    513-636-4415
    john.bucuvalas@cchmc.org

    A photo of John Bucuvalas.
    High Res

    John C. Bucuvalas, MD

    Associate Medical Director, Pediatric Liver Care Center

    Academic Information

    Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-4415

    Fax: 513-636-7805

    Email: john.bucuvalas@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Liver disease; transplantation; outcomes research; improving the quality of health care delivery.

    Visit the Bucuvalas Lab.

    Biography

    John Bucuvalas, MD, came to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in 1982 as a fellow in gastroenterology. He joined the faculty in 1986. He graduated from Harvard College in 1974 and Harvard Medical School in 1978. He completed a pediatric residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and served there as Chief Resident from 1981 to 1982.

    Over the last 10 years, the focus his patient care and research efforts have been outcomes research and improving the care delivery system for children with chronic liver disease who then may undergo liver transplantation. He has focused on integration of research into patient care and improving the care delivery system. Along the way, he has gained significant content knowledge through traditional research but additionally have learned how to improve processes, understand the system that is academic medicine, interpret variation and recognize the role of leadership both for research and clinical efforts. Dr. Bucuvalas has made significant contributions in the clinical and research arenas towards improving care, enhancing the delivery care and optimizing the outcome of children with chronic liver disease and pediatric liver transplant recipients.

    Dr. Bucuvalas has been recognized as a leader in the field of pediatric hepatology and liver transplantation at a local, regional and national level.

    Education and Training

    AB: Harvard College, Cambridge, MA, 1974.

    MD: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 1978.

    Residency: Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 1978 to 1981.

    Chief Residency: Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 1981 to 1982.

    Fellowship: Gastroenterology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 1982 to 85.

    Research Scholar: Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, 1985 to 86.

    Certification: Pediatrics, 1983; Pediatric Gastroenterology, 1990; recertified, 1997, 2004.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of Kathleen Campbell.

    Kathleen M. Campbell, MD

    is interested in the care of patients both before and long after pediatric liver transplantation, with a particular interest in risk factors for, and prevention of, chronic renal dysfunction following transplantation.

    513-636-4415
    kathleen.campbell@cchmc.org

    Kathleen M. Campbell, MD
    High Res

    Kathleen M. Campbell, MD

    Academic Information

    Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-4415

    Fax: 513-636-7805

    Email: kathleen.campbell@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Clinical Interests

    Diagnosis and management of pediatric liver disease, particularly biliary atresia and other forms of neonatal cholestasis; liver transplantation and post-transplant renal dysfunction.

    Research Interests

    Clinical and genetic determinants of calcineurin inhibitor induced post-transplant nephrotoxicity; disease modifiers in biliary atresia

    Biography

    Kathleen M. Campbell, MD, joined the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition as a fellow in 2000, after completing her Pediatric Residency Training at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Following the completion of her fellowship, she pursued an additional year of training in Pediatric Hepatology under the mentoring of Dr. William Balistreri and the physicians and surgeons of the Pediatric Liver Care Center, becoming one of the first in her specialty to obtain focused training in this field.

    In 2004, Dr. Campbell was appointed Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the Pediatric Liver Care Center. Her clinical and translational research interests include post-transplant renal dysfunction and genetic modifiers of disease in biliary atresia.

    Education and Training

    MD: University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, TN, 1997.

    Residency: Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 2000.

    Fellowship: Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 2003.

    Advanced Fellowship: Pediatric Hepatology, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 2004.

    Certification: Pediatrics, 2000; Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, 2003.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of Conrad Cole.

    Conrad R. Cole, MD, MPH, MSc Director, Intestinal Rehabilitation

    is interested in intestinal rehabilitation and neonatal nutrition. His research focuses on (1) the prevention of blood stream infections and improving nutritional and developmental outcomes in children with short bowel syndrome and intestinal failure and (2) The epidemiology and prevention of micronutrient malnutrition and its consequences in preschool children especially within minority and low income populations.

    513-636-4415
    conrad.cole@cchmc.org

    A photo of Conrad Cole.
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    Conrad R. Cole, MD, MPH, MSc

    Director, Intestinal Rehabilitation

    Academic Information

    Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-4415

    Fax: 513-636-7805

    Email: conrad.cole@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Clinical Interests

    Intestinal failure; short bowel syndrome; growth failure; failure to thrive malabsorption disorders; micronutrient malnutrition

    Research Interests

    Nutritional and developmental outcomes of infants with intestinal failure and short bowel syndrome; nutritional epidemiology of micronutrient malnutrition in preschool children 

    Biography

    Conrad Cole, MD, is an expert in the management of infants with intestinal failure and short bowel syndrome. He is an associate director of the Pediatric Nutrition and Intestinal Care Center in the Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Division. In addition, he is an associate professor of Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

    Dr. Cole's research interest is in the epidemiology of intestinal failure and it's complications especially in identifying risk factors associated with worsening prognosis. He is also interested in micronutrient malnutrition specifically zinc and iron and how they impact other micronutrients in preschool children especially from low income minority populations.

    Prior to joining Cincinnati Children's, Dr. Cole was at Emory University's Schools of Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Cole earned his medical degree from the University of Ibadan, and also completed graduate degrees in public health from Ohio State University and clinical research from Emory University. He received training in nutrition under the mentorship of Fima Lifshitz MD at Maimonides Medical Center and Miami Children's Hospital prior to completing an internship and residency in Pediatrics at the Miami Children's Hospital; and a fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

    Education and Training

    MD: University of Ibadan

    MPH: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

    MSc: Emory University, Atlanta, GA

    Residency: Miami Children's Hospital, Miami, FL

    Fellowship: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH

    Certification: Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of Lee Denson.

    Lee A. Denson, MD Medical Director, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center

    is interested in discovering pathogenic mechanisms which regulate both growth and mucosal inflammation in children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). He is currently performing studies to define the role of inherited and acquired loss of function in the innate immune system in IBD pathogenesis, with a view towards development of new diagnostics and therapeutics targeting these pathways.
    Visit the Denson Lab.

    513-636-7575
    lee.denson@cchmc.org

    A photo of Lee A. Denson, MD.
    High Res

    Lee A. Denson, MD

    Medical Director, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center

    Academic Information

    Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-7575

    Email: lee.denson@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Inflammatory bowel disease; growth failure; celiac disease

    Visit the Denson Lab.
     

    Biography

    The primary focus of Dr. Lee A. Denson's laboratory is to determine the molecular basis for alterations in growth hormone signaling in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

    Normal growth and development are dependent upon the ability of growth hormone to regulate IGF-1 expression. Evidence from studies in children with IBD and mouse models of colitis indicates that inflammatory cytokines which are up regulated in this setting may cause an acquired GH resistance. Consequences may include growth failure, altered body composition and impaired mucosal healing.

    We are using complementary experimental and patient-based approaches to investigate regulation of growth hormone signaling in mouse models of colitis and in children with Crohn's disease. These include down regulation of the growth hormone receptor and up regulation of a family of post-receptor inhibitory proteins, the Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS). These studies should lead to the development of more effective therapies for children with IBD and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

    Education and Training

    MD: Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA, 1993

    Residency:  Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, 1993-96.

    Certification: Pediatrics, 1996 & 2002.

    Fellowship: Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 1996-99.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of Michael Farrell, MD.

    Michael K. Farrell, MD Chief-of-Staff

    is interested in general pediatric gastroenterology problems such as gastroesophageal reflux, chronic abdominal pain, celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease. He is also interested in all nutritional problems of infants, children and adolescents. A particular interest of Dr. Farrell is providing care as close to their community as possible.

    513-636-4415
    michael.farrell@cchmc.org

    A photo of Michael Farrell, MD.
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    Michael K. Farrell, MD

    Chief-of-Staff

    Academic Information

    Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-4415

    Fax: 513-636-7805

    Email: michael.farrell@cchmc.org

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    Specialties

    Gastroesophageal reflux; pancreatitis; inflammatory bowel disease; abdominal pain; pediatric nutrition
     

    Education and Training

    MD: Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, 1970.

    Internship: Harrisburg Polyclinic Hospital, Harrisburg, PA, 1970 to 1971.

    Residency: Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 1974 to 1976.

    Fellowship: Ambulatory Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 1976 to 1977.

    Fellowship: Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 1977 to 1979.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of Xiaonan Han.

    Xiaonan Han, PhD

    has a laboratory currently focused on intestinal barrier dysfunction in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They have generated intestinal epithelial cell Signals Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STAT) 5 deficient mice. Specifically, they are working to identify whether STAT5 signaling in enterocytes protects intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) barrier function in response to gut injury.

    513-636-7592
    xiaonan.han@cchmc.org

    A photo of Xiaonan Han, PhD.
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    Xiaonan Han, PhD

    Academic Information

    Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-7592

    Fax: 513-636-5581

    Email: xiaonan.han@cchmc.org

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    Specialties

    Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) in Inflammatory Bowel Disease(IBD); gut barrier dysfunction in IBD; drug development in the therapy of IBD

    Education and Training

    PhD: Chinese Academy of Medical Science (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China, 2000.

    Post-doctoral: University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA, 2003.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of James Heubi.

    James E. Heubi, MD Director, Clinical Translational Research Center

    pursues a variety of patient-oriented projects that relate to liver disease and nutrition. He is investigating the pathogenesis of inborn errors of bile acid metabolism, including peroxisomal disorders, and participates in the Childhood Liver Disease Research and Education Network (ChiLDREN) funded by NIH to study rare cholestatic liver diseases. He is also the co-director of the Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training.

    513-636-4415
    james.heubi@cchmc.org

    A photo of James Heubi.
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    James E. Heubi, MD

    Director, Clinical Translational Research Center

    Co-Director, Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training

    Associate Dean, Clinical and Translational Research

    Academic Information

    Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-4415

    Fax: 513-636-4695

    Email: james.heubi@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Clinical Interests

    Inflammatory bowel disease; cholestatic liver disease; malabsorption

    Research Interests

    Cholesterol absorption; cholesterol metabolism; inborn errors of bile acid metabolism; bone metabolism in health and disease; TPN-related cholestasis and its treatment

    Biography

    James E. Heubi, MD, has been a practicing pediatric gastroenterologist since 1979, when he joined the staff at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

    Dr. Heubi's practice includes the treatment of all disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract, liver and biliary tract and pancreas.

    Dr. Heubi's areas of practice interests include liver disease and complications related to end-stage liver disease and liver transplantation and the management of patients with "short gut" or compromised gut function requiring prolonged enteral or parenteral nutritional support.

    Dr. Heubi is the Director of General Clinical Research Center at Cincinnati Children's and is the Associate Dean for Clinical Research, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine.

    Education and Training

    MD: Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 1973.

    Residency: James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 1973 to 1975.

    Fellowship: Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 1975 to 1978.

    Certification: Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 1990.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of Stacey Huppert.

    Stacey S. Huppert, PhD

    investigates the cellular contribution and molecular factors required for assembly of the three-dimensional hepatic architecture, during liver development, homeostasis and regeneration. Defining the critical elements involved in formation and repair processes of the liver are necessary not only to understand biology, but also to identify the cellular and molecular targets involved in congenital and chronic liver diseases.

    Visit the Huppert Lab

    513-803-3871
    stacey.huppert@cchmc.org

    A photo of Stacey Huppert.
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    Stacey S. Huppert, PhD

    Academic Information

    Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-803-3871

    Email: stacey.huppert@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Hepatic development and regeneration; three-dimensional hepatic architecture; Notch signaling; hepatobiliary disease

    Visit the Huppert Lab

    Education and Training

    BS: Genetic Biology,Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 1992.

    PhD: Genetics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 1998.

    Postdoctoral Fellow: Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 2003.

    Instructor: Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 2005.

    Assistant Professor: Cell and Developmental Biology, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 2012.

    Publications

    Grants

    Molecular requirements for proliferation of fetal and adult liver progenitors. Principal Investigator. National Institute of Health. July 2008 – June 2013.  R01 DK078640.
    Ajay Kaul, MBBS, MD.

    Ajay Kaul, MBBS, MD

    is interested in evaluating gastrointestinal motility disorders especially in children with neurodevelopmental delay. He is currently investigating clinical outcomes after combined endoscopic pyloric Botox injection and balloon dilation in children with gastroparesis and the development of rumination syndrome in this cohort.

    513-636-4415
    ajay.kaul@cchmc.org

    Ajay Kaul, MBBS, MD.
    High Res

    Ajay Kaul, MBBS, MD

    Academic Information

    Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-4415

    Fax: 513-636-7805

    Email: ajay.kaul@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Motility disorders; feeding disorders; GI problems in children with special needs
     

    Education and Training

    MD: Rani Durgawati University Medical School, Jabalpur, India, 1986.

    Residency: New Castle General Hospital, Tyne & Wear, UK / Children's Hospital/State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, 1995.

    Fellowship: Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 1995-1998. 

    Certification: Pediatrics, 1995; Pediatric Gastroenterology, 1999.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of Samuel Kocoshis, MD.

    Samuel A. Kocoshis, MD Medical Director, Intestinal Care Center

    is investigating ways to minimize intestinal dysfunction following transplantation and also collaborating to better characterize immunologic factors contributing to graft versus host disease and severe acute cellular rejection in intestinal transplantation. Dr. Kocoshis is also interested in identifying biomarkers that predict the development of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis.

    513-636-4415
    samuel.kocoshis@cchmc.org

    A photo of Samuel Kocoshis, MD.
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    Samuel A. Kocoshis, MD

    Medical Director, Intestinal Care Center

    Medical Director, Small Bowel Transplantation Program

    Academic Information

    Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-4415

    Fax: 513-636-7805

    Email: samuel.kocoshis@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Clinical Interests

    Management of complex intestinal and liver disease; small bowel transplantation; general disorders of the gastrointestinal tract

    Research Interests

    Altered bile acid metabolism in gastrointestinal disease; small bowel transplantation; inflammatory bowel disease; short bowel syndrome

    Biography

    Samuel Kocoshis, MD, is an expert in the management of complex intestinal and liver disease at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

    Dr. Kocoshis is the director of the Pediatric Nutrition and Intestinal Care Center in the Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Division, and is also the medical director of the Small Intestinal Transplantation Program. In addition, he is professor of pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

    Dr. Kocoshis' long-standing research interest has been altered bile acid metabolism in gastrointestinal disease. His current clinical research program focuses upon intestinal adaptation following massive small intestinal resection, as well as the immunology of intestinal transplantation.

    Prior to joining Cincinnati Children's, Dr. Kocoshis was chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and co-director of the Intestinal Care Center at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, and professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

    Dr. Kocoshis earned his bachelor's degree from DePauw University and his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He completed an internship in pediatrics at the West Virginia University Medical Center; a residency in pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh; and a clinical fellowship in gastroenterology at Yale University School of Medicine.

    Education and Training

    BS: DePauw University, Greencastle, IN.

    MD: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI. 

    Residency: Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. 

    Fellowship: Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of Rohit Kohli.

    Rohit Kohli, MBBS, MS Attending Physician

    is researching the pathogenesis of obesity related fatty liver disease and his laboratory has developed a novel diet-induced murine model to study this disease. He is also working to determine how obesity and fatty liver disease respond to weight loss after bariatric surgery and to understand what role bile acids and bile acid recycling play in the weight-independent benefits of various bariatric procedures.

    Visit the Kohli Lab.

    513-636-8948
    rohit.kohli@cchmc.org

    A photo of Rohit Kohli.
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    Rohit Kohli, MBBS, MS

    Attending Physician

    Co-Director, Steatohepatitis Center

    Academic Information

    Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-8948

    Fax: 513-636-5581

    Email: rohit.kohli@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Clinical Interests

    Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; liver transplantation; mitochondrial hepatopathies

    Research Interests

    Obesity related fatty liver disease (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)

    Visit the Kohli Lab

    Biography

    Rohit Kohli, MBBS, MS, is currently an assistant professor of Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine and the co-director of the Cincinnati Children's Steatohepatitis Center.

    Dr. Kohli received his medical degree from the Armed Forces Medical College, India in 1999 and his MS in Clinical Investigation from Northwestern University in 2006. While at Northwestern he first spent three years as a Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology fellow and then subsequently as a Transplant Hepatology trainee before relocating to the University of Cincinnati in 2007.

    His research work has focused on the pathogenesis of obesity related fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In particular, he has focused upon the role of reactive oxygen stress in the generation and regulation of the extreme stage of this disease; nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Dr. Kohli's laboratory currently focuses on the role of fructose in triggering above mentioned oxidative injury and fibrosis within the liver. He also works with Drs. Randy Seeley and Stephen Woods at the Metabolic Diseases Institute at the University of Cincinnati to understand the mechanism and impact of bariatric surgical procedures on NASH and other co-morbidities of obesity.

    He has published many peer-reviewed articles including articles in The Journal of Biological Chemistry, Hepatology, Journal of Pediatrics, and The American Journal of Physiology. He is the author of many book chapters and review articles. He also is the recipient of the 2007 George Ferry Young Investigator Award from the Children's Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation and a Fellowship award from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. His clinical efforts are focused within the Steatohepatitis Center and Liver Care Center at the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

    Education and Training

    MS: Clinical Investigation, School of Public Health, Northwestern University, IL, 2004-2006.

    MBBS: Armed Forces Medical College, Pune University, India,1993-1999.

    Residency: Metropolitan Hospital, New York Medical College, NY, 2000-2003.

    Fellowship: Gastroenterology, Children's Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University, IL, 2003-2006.

    Fellowship: Transplant Hepatology, Children's Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University, IL, 2006-2007.

    Certification: Pediatrics, 2004; Transplant Hepatology, 2010; Gastroenterology, 2009.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications

    Grants

    Role of Ileum in Reducing Obesity Related Comorbidities. Principal Investigator. National Institutes of Health. Sep 2009 - Aug 2013. #1K08DK084310.

    Ethicon Enhanced Assay Development. Co-investigator. University of Cincinnati. Jan 2009 - Jan 2014.

    Clinical Research Network in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH CRN). Co-investigator. National Institutes of Health. Aug 2009 - Apr 2014. #U01DK061732.
    A photo of Dr. Mike Leonis.

    Mike A. Leonis, MD, PhD

    investigates the mechanisms of hepatic tumorigenesis. The long term goal of his research is to define the role of the Ron receptor tyrosine kinase in liver pathophysiology, focusing primarily on the role of Ron gain-of-function in hepatic tumorigenesis. A second research interest involves understanding the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients with acute liver failure.

    513-636-4415
    mike.leonis@cchmc.org

    A photo of Dr. Mike Leonis.
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    Mike A. Leonis, MD, PhD

    Academic Information

    Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-4415

    Fax: 513-636-7805

    Email: mike.leonis@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Pediatric hepatology, especially acute liver failure; inflammatory disease processes of the liver; hepatoblastoma; mechanisms of hepatic tumor formation

    Education and Training

    MD: Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 1996.

    PhD: Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 1996.

    Procter Scholar: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 2002-2005.

    Fellowship: Cincinnati Children's, 1999-2002.

    Residency: Primary Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 1996-1999.

    Certification: American Board of Pediatrics, 1999; Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, 2003.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of Alexander Miethke.

    Alexander G. Miethke, MD

    is interested in susceptibility factors for neonatal liver injury, including biliary atresia. He focuses on the interaction between the maturing adaptive immune system and hepatic immune responses to infectious insults during the early neonatal period.

    513-636-8948
    alexander.miethke@cchmc.org

    A photo of Alexander Miethke.
    High Res

    Alexander G. Miethke, MD

    Academic Information

    Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-8948

    Email: alexander.miethke@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Clinical Interests

    Pediatric liver disease including biliary atresia, inherited liver diseases, autoimmune hepatitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis; gastrointestinal problems in children with bone marrow failure syndromes

    Research Interests

    Immune mediated liver injury, specifically the role of regulatory T cells in biliary atresia and primary sclerosing cholangitis; genetic basis for intrahepatic cholestasis in children; acute liver failure in infants with mitochondrial disorders

    Biography

    Alexander G. Miethke , MD, joined the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition as a fellow in 2005, after completing his Pediatric Residency Training at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Following the completion of his fellowship, he pursued an additional year of training in pediatric transplant hepatology under the mentorship of Dr. William Balistreri and the physicians and surgeons of the Pediatric Liver Care Center.

    In 2009, Dr. Miethke was appointed assistant professor of pediatrics in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the Pediatric Liver Care Center. His basic science research interests include the role of regulatory T cells in biliary atresia and other immune mediated liver diseases and the genetic basis of chronic cholestasis syndromes.

    Education and Training

    MD: Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany, 2000.

    Residency: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 2002-2004.

    Fellowship: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 2005-2007.

    Advanced Fellowship: Pediatric Transplant Hepatology, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 2009.

    Certification: Pediatrics, 2005; Pediatric Gastroenterology 2009; Pediatric Transplant Hepatology, 2010.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications

    Grants

    Regulatory T cells and the pathogenesis of biliary atresia. Principal Investigator. American Liver Foundation. Jul 2009 - Jun 2012.

    Clinical center for cholestatic liver disease in children. Co-Investigator. National Institutes of Health. Jul 2009 - Jul 2014. #RFA-DK-08-005.
    A photo of Dr.Sean Moore.

    Sean R. Moore, MS, MD

    is interested in the vicious cycle of childhood diarrhea and malnutrition in developing countries, with a current focus on the mechanisms of a promising glutamine-based oral rehydration and nutrition therapy. Dr. Moore studies the signaling pathways by which alanyl-glutamine promotes gut homeostasis and also collaborates with colleagues on the epidemiology and impact of early childhood diarrhea and undernutrition in impoverished settings.

    513-636-4464
    sean.moore@cchmc.org

    A photo of Dr.Sean Moore.
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    Sean R. Moore, MS, MD

    Academic Information

    Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-4464

    Fax: 513-636-7805

    Email: sean.moore@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Clinical Interests

    General gastroenterology; inflammatory bowel diseases

    Research Interests

    Diarrheal diseases; glutamine; global health

    Biography

    The Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition laboratory is broadly interested in the reciprocal cycle of childhood diarrhea and malnutrition, with a current focus on the mechanisms of a promising glutamine-based oral rehydration and nutrition therapy. Using cellular and molecular techniques in both cell culture and an infant mouse model of undernutrition, we study the role of EGFR -- a key regulator of intestinal homeostasis -- in glutamine’s benefits for intestinal health.

    In addition, we participate in epidemiologic studies of early childhood diarrhea and undernutrition with colleagues at the Federal University of Ceará in Fortaleza, Brazil and the University of Virginia.

    Education and Training

    BA: Chemistry & Biology, Asbury College, Wilmore, KY.

    MS: Epidemiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.

    MD: Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, 2003.

    Residency: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 2006.

    Fellowship: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 2009.

    Certification: Pediatrics, 2006.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of Joseph Palermo.

    Joseph J. Palermo, MD, PhD

    is interested in focusing on disorders of the bile ducts. He has developed an animal model to investigate the causes of immune mediated cholangiopathies. Additionally, he is exploring the use of decision analytic modeling to improve outcomes for patients with biliary atresia. Dr. Palermo is also investigating how to utilize state of the art imaging techniques to improve the diagnosis and management of cystic fibrosis liver disease.

    513-636-4415
    joseph.palermo@cchmc.org

    A photo of Joseph Palermo.
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    Joseph J. Palermo, MD, PhD

    Academic Information

    Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-4415

    Fax: 513-636-7805

    Email: joseph.palermo@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Clinical Interests

    General gastroenterology and hepatology

    Research Interests

    Cholestatic liver disease; biliary atresia; cystic fibrosis liver disease

    Biography

    Joseph J. Palermo, MD, PhD, is obtained his MD and PhD at the University of Cincinnati. He completed his Pediatric Residency and Gastroenterology Fellowship at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University, St. Louis. While at Washington University, his research focused on the role of bacterial infections in the development of chronic liver disease.

    His additional clinical interests involve the diagnosis and management of cholestatic liver disease, including biliary atresia and cystic fibrosis liver disease. He was the local leader for the National Institutes of Health funded cystic fibrosis liver disease research consortium at Washington University and has assumed the same role at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

    Education and Training

    MD: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 1997.

    PhD: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 1997.

    Residency: Pediatrics, St. Louis Children’s Hopsital and Washington University, St. Louis MO.

    Fellowship: Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Washington University, St. Louis, MO.

    Certification: Pediatric Gastroenterology, 2001.

    Grants

    Bacterial Survival in the Mammalian Urothelium. Principal Investigator. National Institutes of Health. 2006 - 2011. #K08 DK068359-02.

    Longitudinal study of Cystic Fibrosis Liver Disease (PUSH). Site Principal Investigator. National Institutes of Health. 2010 - 2013.
    A photo of Scott Pentiuk, MD.

    Scott P. Pentiuk, MD Pediatric Gastroenterologist

    has clinical interests in feeding disorders and general gastroenterology. He is working on outcomes, quality of life, and the use of pureed by gastrostomy tube feedings in children with feeding disorders. Additionally, Dr Pentiuk has a strong interest in medical education and curriculum design for gastroenterology at the resident and fellowship levels.

    513-636-4415
    scott.pentiuk@cchmc.org

    A photo of Scott Pentiuk, MD.
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    Scott P. Pentiuk, MD

    Pediatric Gastroenterologist

    Academic Information

    Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-4415

    Email: scott.pentiuk@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Feeding disorders, medical education

    Education and Training

    MD: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, 2002.

    Residency: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 2005.

    Fellowship: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 2008.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of Philip Putnam.

    Philip E. Putnam, MD Director, Endoscopy Services

    is interested in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders. He is the medical director of the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders. He is also taking part in the Aerodigestive and Sleep Center, a multidisciplinary group including ENT, pulmonary medicine, and pediatric surgery, which evaluates and treats children who have complex disorders involving the airway and gastrointestinal tracts.

    513-636-4415
    philip.putnam@cchmc.org

    A photo of Philip Putnam.
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    Philip E. Putnam, MD

    Director, Endoscopy Services

    Academic Information

    Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-4415

    Fax: 513-636-7805

    Email: philip.putnam@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Eosinophilic enteritis; abdominal pain; gastroesophageal reflux; complex nutrition related to the GI tract; GI bleeding; inflammatory bowel disease; diarrhea and failure to thrive

    Education and Training

    MD: University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 1984.

    Residency: University of Pittsburgh, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 1984-1987.

    Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 1988-1991.

    Certification: Pediatrics, 1988; Pediatric Gastroenterology, 1995.
    A photo of Shehzad Saeed.

    Shehzad Ahmed Saeed, MD, FAAP, AGAF, FABHP Clinical Director, Schubert–Martin Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center

    is interested in the epidemiology of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Specifically, he studies the genetic and phenotypic correlations as well as risk stratification for surgery in children with IBD. Additionally, Dr. Saeed will focus on outcomes of patients with IBD.

    513-636-4415
    shehzad.saeed@cchmc.org

    A photo of Shehzad Saeed.
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    Shehzad Ahmed Saeed, MD, FAAP, AGAF, FABHP

    Clinical Director, Schubert–Martin Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center

    Academic Information

    Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-4415

    Email: shehzad.saeed@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Epidemiology and outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); multi-center efforts to study the natural history of
    newly diagnosed IBD, genetics of pediatric IBD, and improvement of care for pediatric IBD

    Biography

    Shehzad Saeed, MD is interested in the epidemiology of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Specifically, he studies the genetic and phenotypic correlations as well as risk stratification for surgery in children with IBD. Additionally, Dr. Saeed is also involved in outcomes research of patients with IBD. 

    Dr. Saeed completed his medical education at Dow Medical College, University of Karachi, and then served his pediatric residency at University of Chicago Children’s Hospital. He then completed subspecialty training in pediatric gastroenterology at Floating Hospital for Children, New England Medical Center, and Tufts University, Boston. His focus of interest was inflammatory bowel diseases under the mentorship of Richard J Grand, MD. He has subsequently served as fellowship director and division director of the division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Sciences at University of Alabama at Birmingham. He currently serves as the Clinical Director of the Schubert-Martin Pediatric IBD Center, and is associate professor of pediatrics at University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

    Education and Training

    MD: Dow Medical College, University of Karachi, Pakistan.

    Residencies: Pediatrics, Dow Medical College and Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan; Pediatrics, University of Chicago Children’s Hospital (formerly known as Wyler Children’s Hospital).

    Fellowship: Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, The Floating Hospital for Children, New England Medical Center, Tufts University.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of Pranav Shivakumar.

    Pranavkumar Shivakumar, PhD

    investigates how inflammatory natural killer (NK) and CD8 T-cells work in concert to initiate and propagate acute inflammatory injuries to bile ducts in biliary atresia. He also investigates the role of complement activation in a mouse model of experimental atresia and how complement activation products contribute to epithelial injury and inflammatory cell recruitment.

    513-636-3676
    pranav.shivakumar@cchmc.org

    A photo of Pranavkumar Shivakumar.
    High Res

    Pranavkumar Shivakumar, PhD

    Academic Information

    Instructor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-3676

    Fax: 513-636-5581

    Email: pranav.shivakumar@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Dissecting molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in the pathogenesis of biliary atresia

    Education and Training

    PhD: University of Bombay, Bombay, India, 2002.

    MPharm: University of Bombay, Bombay, India, 1997.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of Noah Shroyer.

    Noah F. Shroyer, PhD

    is focused on understanding development and diseases of the intestine. He seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms of intestinal epithelial differentiation, and to apply this knowledge to gain insight into major diseases of the intestine such as colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.

    Visit the Shroyer Lab.

    513-636-0129
    noah.shroyer@cchmc.org

    A photo of Noah Shroyer.
    High Res

    Noah F. Shroyer, PhD

    Academic Information

    Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-0129

    Fax: 513-636-5581

    Email: noah.shroyer@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Intestinal epithelial development; colon cancer; inflammatory bowel disease.

    Visit the Shroyer Lab.

    Education and Training

    BS: Microbiology and Biochemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 1995.

    PhD: Cell and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2001.

    Postdoctoral: Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2001-2005.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications

    Grants

    The role of ATOH1 as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer. Primary Investigator. National Cancer Institute. Jan 2010 - Dec 2014. #R01 CA142826.
    A photo of Kris Steinbrecher.

    Kris A. Steinbrecher, PhD

    is interested in cell signaling events and transcription factors that regulate intestinal epithelial cell responses to infection and inflammation. His laboratory is focused on understanding the role of guanylate cyclase proteins, glycogen synthase kinase 3beta, and NF-κB in experimental colitis and intestinal tumorigenesis.
    Visit the Cohen-Steinbrecher Lab.

    513-636-4415
    kris.steinbrecher@cchmc.org

    Photo of Kris Steinbrecher, PhD.
    High Res

    Kris A. Steinbrecher, PhD

    Academic Information

    Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-4415

    Fax: 513-636-5581

    Email: kris.steinbrecher@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Inflammatory bowel disease; innate immunity; epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation 

    Visit the Cohen-Steinbrecher Lab.
     

    Education and Training

    PhD: Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 2001.

    Postdoctoral Fellowship: Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 2001-2005.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications
    A photo of Cynthia Wetzel.

    Cynthia C. Wetzel, PhD Program Manager, Digestive Health Center

    is the program manager of the Digestive Health Center (DHC) which is one of only 17 Silvio O. Conte Digestive Diseases Research Core Centers in the nation supported by the National Institutes of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases. The DHC, located within the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is the only center dedicated to pediatric digestive diseases research. Visit the DHC website.

    513-636-9605
    cynthia.wetzel@cchmc.org

    A photo of Cynthia Wetzel.
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    Cynthia C. Wetzel, PhD

    Program Manager, Digestive Health Center

    Academic Information

    Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-9605

    Fax: 513-636-5581

    Email: cynthia.wetzel@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Dr. Wetzel is the Program Manager for the Digestive Health Center.

    Education and Training

    BS: Biology, College of Mount Saint Joseph, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1994.

    PhD: Biomedical Research/Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, 1999.

    Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1999-2002.
    A photo of Stavra Xanthakos.

    Stavra A. Xanthakos, MD, MS Medical Director, Surgical Weight Loss Program for Teens

    is focused on identifying the biologic determinants of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), including potential gene-environment interactions with dietary intake during childhood and adolescence. One of her long-term research goals is to develop and apply mechanistically based therapies through clinical trials for NASH in childhood and adolescence.

    513-636-4415
    stavra.xanthakos@cchmc.org

    A photo of Stavra Xanthakos.
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    Stavra A. Xanthakos, MD, MS

    Medical Director, Surgical Weight Loss Program for Teens

    Co-Director, Steatohepatitis Center

    Academic Information

    Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-636-4415

    Fax: 513-636-7805

    Email: stavra.xanthakos@cchmc.org

    Show All

    Specialties

    Research Interests

    Prevalence, determinants and outcome of pediatric obesity-related liver disease (Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis); bariatric medicine; pediatric obesity and nutrition

    Clinical Interests

    Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis; pediatric obesity; bariatric surgery; nutrition

    Biography

    Stavra A. Xanthakos, MD, is an assistant professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the co-director of the Cincinnati Children’s Steatohepatitis Center, the medical director of the Surgical Weight Loss Program for Teens, and an attending physician in the Gastroenterology Division. She also partners with physicians and staff in Cincinnati Children’s Center for Better Health and Nutrition in the evaluation and management of pediatric patients suffering from severe pediatric obesity and related complications.

    Dr. Xanthakos received her medical degree from Duke University in 1997 and a Master of Science degree in Molecular Epidemiology from the University of Cincinnati in 2006. Her post-doctoral training, including residency, chief residency and fellowship were completed at Cincinnati Children's and she joined the faculty in 2005. During her fellowship, Dr. Xanthakos investigated the prevalence and outcome of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in young adult women as her master’s thesis in molecular epidemiology. Her current clinical and translational research is focused on identify the predictors and outcome of obesity-related liver disease (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis), in obese adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery. She is also a co-investigator in the NIH sponsored Teen LABS, a multicenter consortium investigating bariatric surgery in adolescents and in the NIH-sponsored NASH Clinical Research Network. Additional research interests of Dr. Xanthakos include the treatment and prevention of pediatric obesity, outcomes of bariatric surgery in adolescents, malnutrition in pediatric obesity, as well as identifying genetic and environmental risk factors for pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to enable better evaluation and treatment options. She also leads clinical quality improvement initiatives in the Steatohepatitis Center, which are aligned with divisional and institutional initiatives to achieve measurable improvements in children’s health and disease outcomes.

    Dr. Xanthakos has published extensively in the field of pediatric obesity, bariatric medicine and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. She regularly is invited to speak about pediatric obesity evaluation and management, particularly bariatric medicine, and pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

    Education and Training

    MD: Duke University, Durham, NC, 1997.

    MS: Molecular Epidemiology, University of Cincinnati, 2006.

    Residency: Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 1997-2000.

    Chief Residency: Cincinnati Children's, Cincinnati, OH, 2000-01.

    Clinical Fellowship: Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's , Cincinnati, OH, 2001-2004.

    Research Fellowship: Molecular Epidemiology in Children's Environmental Health, Masters of Science, 2002-2005.

    Certification: Pediatrics, 2008; Pediatric Gastroenterology, 2005.

    Publications

    View PubMed Publications

    Grants

    Adolescent Bariatrics: Assessing Health Benefits and Risks. Co-Investigator. National Institutes of Health. July 2006 - April 2011. #U01DK072493.

    Coenzyme Q as a Novel Biomarker for the Severity of Steatohepatitis. Co-Principal Investigator. National Institutes of Health. Jun 2010 - May 2011. #P30DK078392.

    Biological Determinants of Steatohepatitis after Adolescent Bariatric Surgery. Principal Investigator. National Institutes of Health. July 2008 - June 2013. #1K23DK080888.

    Clinical Research Network in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH CRN). Site Principal investigator. National Institutes of Health. Aug 2009 - Apr 2014. #U01DK061732.

    A photo of Chunyue Yin.

    Chunyue Yin, PhD

    studies the cellular and molecular basis of liver development and disease pathogenesis. She focuses on hepatic stellate cells, the key cell type responsible for hepatic fibrogenesis. She utilizes the zebrafish model to investigate the regulation of hepatic stellate cells during liver development and alcoholic liver injury, and their function in liver regeneration. Research in congenital biliary diseases is a second lab focus.

    Visit the Yin Lab.

    513-803-8096
    chunyue.yin@cchmc.org

    A photo of Chunyue Yin.
    High Res

    Chunyue Yin, PhD

    Academic Information

    Assistant Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics

    Phone: 513-803-8096

    Email: chunyue.yin@cchmc.org

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    Specialties

    Liver development; hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis; hepatic stellate cells; stem cells and regeneration; congenital biliary diseases; zebrafish genetics

    Visit the Yin Lab.

     

    Biography

    Dr. Yin conducted her doctoral research in Dr. Lilianna Solnica-Krezel’s laboratory at Vanderbilt University, where she investigated the molecular regulation of cell movements during zebrafish gastrulation and revealed the impact of gastrulation movements on somite development. In parallel, she participated in a forward genetic screen to identify novel regulators of zebrafish early development. She identified the calamity mutant that exhibits defects in notochord formation and pigmentation. Subsequent positional cloning revealed that a mutation in the atp7a gene, the zebrafish homolog of the human Menkes Disease gene, was responsible for the calamity mutant phenotypes. 

    With a strong interest in building zebrafish models for human diseases, she decided to conduct her postdoctoral research in Dr. Didier Stainier’s laboratory, which is at the forefront of zebrafish digestive organ research. She received a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to study pancreas development in zebrafish hands-off/han mutants that carry a mutation in the transcription factor gene hand2. Her research led to the discovery that the defective pancreatic development in han mutants is due to a failure in asymmetric gut looping. She also showed that gut-looping morphogenesis is dependent on extracellular matrix remodeling and revealed novel roles for Hand2 in this process. This work was published in Developmental Cell in 2010. Her work is now focused on the hepatic stellate cells and hepatic biliary cells. She has developed transgenic lines that mark these cell types and will use them and related reagents to characterize the cellular behaviors of these cells in liver development and disease, as well as the underlying molecular regulations.

    Education and Training

    BS: Evolution and Ecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, 2001.

    PhD: Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 2007.

    Postdoctoral fellow: Developmental Biology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 2012.

    Publications

    View PubMed publications

    Grants

    Regulation of hepatic stellate cells in development and alcoholic liver injury. Principal Investigator.  National Institute of Health. Sept 2011 – Aug 2013. K99 AA020514.
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