CONTACT INFORMATION

JOYCE VAN DE VEN

VISITING STUDENT

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic relapsing inflammations of the gastrointestinal (GI)-tract caused by disruptions of host-microbial balance. IBD patients often develop extraintestinal manifestations, particularly in the upper GI-tract, significantly impacting their quality of life. These can include oral manifestations like hyposalivation and xerostomia. While several studies associate IBD with oral pathology, the underlying linking mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Using murine models of colitis, our laboratory has revealed a compelling association between intestinal inflammation and salivary gland (SG) dysfunction and atrophy. Based on preliminary data and known pathways involved in SG physiology, the potential “wires” linking the gut-SG axis could be bloodborne soluble factors, elements of the autonomic nervous system, or both. The aim of my internship is to delve deeper into understanding the potential contribution of these mechanisms in mediating the link between colitis and SG pathology. This research could pave the way for potential treatments to mitigate SG dysfunction in IBD patients.