Research Question
Digestive system diseases, such as gastritis, colorectal cancer, liver disease, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease, pose significant global health challenges. The impact of systemic factors (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular conditions) on the onset, progression, and severity of these diseases remains to be thoroughly investigated.
Research Objectives
This study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms by which systemic factors influence digestive system diseases, explore the interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors (such as smoking, diet, and physical activity), and identify novel biomarkers for early detection, precise diagnosis, and personalized treatment. By integrating multi-omics approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics) with UK Biobank data, we seek to provide a comprehensive understanding of these diseases, elucidate causal pathways, and offer evidence for more effective intervention strategies.
Scientific Rationale
Systemic factors are increasingly recognized as key drivers of digestive system diseases, but their precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Existing studies often lack insights into the underlying biology and causal relationships. This study will bridge these gaps by leveraging multi-omics data and large-scale epidemiological information from the UK Biobank to identify new biomarkers and clarify the role of systemic factors in disease progression.
