Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of Canada Chair in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research: Dr. Keith Sharkey

Dr. Sharkey has fostered a natural interest in health and nutrition through his research on the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract).  His research is concentrated in three areas; the enteric nervous system, the role of endocannabinoids in treating GI disorders and how food intake is controlled.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the part of the nervous system that directly controls the gastrointestinal system. The enteric neurons, ENS nerves, control all gut functions. Dr. Sharkey has shown that the properties of enteric neurons are significantly altered in states of inflammation. He is currently studying  how these alterations contribute to functional changes that occur when the gut is inflamed.

A common side-effect of gastrointestinal problems is a loss of appetite, pain, nausea and vomiting. Dr. Sharkey is studying how the body’s own cannabinoid system (endocannabinoids) could aid in alleviating these symptoms.  The endocannabinoid system (ECS) tightly regulates neurotransmitter release in the brain and the ENS.  Endocannabinoids can have the same affect on an individual as cannabis does, such as an increase in appetite and a reduction in nausea and vomiting, but these actions occur without the mind altering side effects of smoked cannabis.

In addition to his research on the GI tract, Dr. Sharkey is studying the neurobiology of obesity. He wants to understand the role of the brain and its connections with the gut in the control of food intake. He is specifically looking at stimuli produced by the gut that makes us want to eat or stop eating. These stimuli may be the key to preventing over eating.

GI disorders impact a great number of people. They may prevent people from living an ordinary life.  Individuals with chronic GI disorders may experience economic hardship due to an inability to work, or they may be prevented from actively engaging in social experiences. The physical and emotional side effects of GI disorders can be numerous. They may experience constant or regular pain, they may stop eating due to lack of appetite, and they may become depressed. Through Dr. Sharkey’s important research there is hope that more viable treatment options for GI disorders will become available.

More about Dr. Sharkey