A new study found that a specific gene variant, PNPLA3 rs738409, is linked to an increased risk of developing fatty liver and faster fibrosis progression in people with chronic hepatitis C. The study suggests this genetic predictor may also be used as a potential therapeutic target for treating the condition.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a powerful way to suppress hepatitis C by targeting different parts of the virus. Two prototype small molecule drugs, p7 inhibitors, attack the virus in distinct ways, suggesting they could be used together with 'direct-acting' drugs for more effective treatment.
A new drug telaprevir has been shown to offer a faster and stronger viral cure for hepatitis C than standard treatment, with 75% of patients cured compared to 44% on standard therapy. The study also found significant benefits in subgroups of patients who do not typically respond well to standard therapy.
The AGA Research Foundation has awarded $25,000 to ten high school students to support their research in digestive diseases. The recipients will participate in a minimum of 10 weeks of research at prestigious institutions.
Elastography and serum markers are non-invasive diagnostic options reviewed in an editorial, showing promise in detecting liver fibrosis. The use of diagnostic liver biopsy is declining due to its limitations, and these alternatives may be more advantageous to patients.
Researchers at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences have shown that the Mta1 gene is essential for Schistosoma haematobium to establish a productive infection and survival in the host. The study found that mice lacking the Mta1 gene were unable to support worm growth and egg production, highlighting the c...
The introduction of direct antiviral agents (DAA) has improved virus clearance rates, particularly in patients with genotype 1, but resource scarcity raises concerns about who to treat first. A proposed plan suggests triaging therapy to the neediest patients first.
Researchers discovered a protein isolated from beneficial bacteria, called p40, that supports intestinal epithelial cell growth and function, reducing inflammatory responses. Oral consumption of p40 prevented and treated colitis in animal models, providing a potential new therapeutic option for IBD.
A Stanford study suggests that digestive problems early in life may increase the risk of developing depression. Researchers found that laboratory rats subjected to mild stomach irritation showed signs of anxiety and depression, including changes in behavior and stress hormone levels.
Research at DDW 2011 reveals colonoscopy is effective in preventing and detecting colorectal cancer, but disparities persist among lower socioeconomic groups. Ambulatory surgical centers provide safe alternatives to hospitals for screening colonoscopies, while the administration method may impact patient outcomes.
Research at DDW 2011 shows that patients taking clopidogrel after polyp removal have a relatively low risk of bleeding. Teduglutide increases intestinal absorption, decreasing dependence on intravenous fluid in those with short bowel syndrome. Rifaximin reduces death rates in advanced liver cirrhosis and ascites patients.
Researchers found that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is linked to an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut, as well as a connection to food poisoning. The study suggests that military personnel are at a higher risk for developing IBS due to their increased exposure to gastroenteritis.
Research at Digestive Disease Week 2011 explores bariatric surgery benefits and risks, including increased hospitalization times and mortality rates in the elderly. Adolescents also show marked improvement in biochemical cardiac risk factors after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
University of North Carolina researchers presented three studies: meditation reduces irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and psychological distress; colonoscopy screening rates decreased among insured Americans during the recession due to high out-of-pocket costs; and diets high in fiber actually increase the risk of diverticulosis, not ...
A recent study at UCSD found that NOTES sleeve gastrectomy was effective and safe for morbidly obese patients, with no reported complications. The procedure eliminated the need for a large incision, resulting in shorter hospital stays.
Studies found that psychological issues contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms severity, while low-intensity exercise decreases colon polyps risk, particularly among overweight individuals. Mindfulness meditation also improves IBS symptoms and reduces pain.
Research at DDW 2011 highlights the need for improved screening and treatment of pediatric liver disease, as well as the benefits of smaller colonoscopies in young patients. Additionally, studies show that college athletes involved in high-intensity sports have a higher risk of functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Research at Digestive Disease Week 2011 reveals that a high carbohydrate intake increases the risk of developing gallstones during pregnancy. Additionally, symptoms of lactose intolerance may actually be linked to somatoform disorders, which can lead to counterproductive behaviors like restrictive diets.
Research at DDW 2011 presents innovative detection practices to increase liver disease detection rates and prevent premature death. Vaccination rates against hepatitis A and B in patients with chronic liver disease are low, highlighting the need for increased vaccination efforts.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Research Foundation has partnered with Horizon Pharma to provide research awards to fellows and students in gastroenterology/hepatology. This year, three fellow abstract prize recipients have been awarded $1,000 each for their outstanding work. Additionally, eleven student abstract pri...
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that an antioxidant called MitoQ can prevent damage to the liver caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The study suggests that MitoQ may be a useful agent for treating liver damage caused by prolonged, habitual alcohol use.
A new study published in JAMA found that neither vitamin E nor the diabetes drug metformin successfully reduced liver enzymes in children and teens with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, a biopsy of the liver showed improvement in injury pattern with vitamin E therapy in patients with severe fatty liver disease. The study high...
A recent study found that nearly 40% of virological breakthroughs in patients receiving nucleoside analogs for chronic hepatitis B were not related to antiviral drug resistance. Non-adherence to medication was identified as a common cause of reemergence.
Research finds that high maternal viral load and HIV co-infection are risk factors for HCV transmission to child, while a genetic variation in the IL28B gene is associated with spontaneous HCV clearance. The study analyzed 145 mothers infected with HCV and found that 61% of those with a certain IL28B variant were HCV-RNA positive.
A three-year follow-up study of patients with chronic hepatitis C who received long-term peginterferon therapy found increased mortality rates attributed to non-liver related causes, primarily in patients with bridging fibrosis. The excess mortality was mainly linked to unrelated complications and did not emerge until three years into ...
A Phase II dose-ranging study of BMS-790052 plus PEG-interferon alfa and ribavirin showed higher rates of sustained virologic response compared to PEG-interferon alfa and ribavirin alone. The regimen achieved up to 92% SVR12 in treatment-naïve patients with hepatitis C genotype 1.
A double-blind parallel group study of 59 patients showed significant reductions in alkaline phosphatase levels with Obeticholic Acid, a novel bile acid receptor agonist. The results suggest that OCA may be an effective treatment for primary biliary cirrhosis, particularly at the 10mg dose.
A recent study found that using acute kidney injury (AKIN) criteria in hospitalized cirrhotic patients can predict outcomes and improve diagnosis. The AKIN criteria is more sensitive than current definitions, considering a ≥50% increase in serum creatinine within 48 hours as renal failure. This may lead to better management of health s...
A two-year trial found that switching from entecavir to lamivudine resulted in a 24% virologic rebound rate and 12% drug-resistance rate. Patients who continued on entecavir therapy maintained undetectable HBV DNA levels.
A new three-drug cocktail has been shown to eliminate the hepatitis C virus in patients more effectively than the current two-drug regimen, with significantly higher rates of sustained virologic response. This breakthrough treatment offers new hope for patients who have not responded to previous therapy.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a novel mechanism in gene regulation that contributes to the development of liver cancer. AEG-1 and SND1 proteins were found to increase RISC activity, leading to increased tumor growth. Inhibiting SND1 is proposed as a potential new avenue for treating liver cancer.
Cognitive impairment in liver disease patients may not be fully reversible and can affect driving safety. Doctors are advised to carefully evaluate cirrhotic patients for hepatic encephalopathy and address driving issues with them.
A study found vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, with severity linked to liver dysfunction. The research highlights the importance of monitoring vitamin D levels in all cirrhosis patients, with further studies needed to determine optimal supplementation.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that chronic pancreatitis cases are not exclusively caused by alcohol consumption, with over 50% of patients having no identifiable cause. Genetic factors and environmental interactions may play a role in disease development.
A recent study found that hepatitis C patients in the US are twice as likely to be uninsured, with only a third having access to antiviral therapy. The lack of adequate health insurance coverage is a significant barrier to treatment, particularly for those with comorbidities.
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation has awarded four new grants to improve HBV and HCV awareness, prevention and care in China and India. The grants aim to reduce hepatitis-related health disparities in Asia, with a focus on mobilizing local communities' healthcare armaments.
A randomized clinical trial found that fast-track rehabilitation programs significantly accelerate the restoration of gastrointestinal functions after resection of colorectal cancer. Fast-track care also reduces postoperative complications and hospital stay time for patients.
Researchers propose a new classification system for SOD based on anatomy, symptoms, endoscope tests, and radiological imaging. This four-type classification demonstrates significant advantages in guiding diagnosis and treatment in China compared to the conventional Milwaukee criteria.
Recent research suggests that liver resection patients are at risk of developing hepatic vein thrombosis, which can lead to pulmonary embolism. The study reports two cases where thrombi formed in hepatic veins following surgery.
A study published in Hepatology found that HIV-infected patients with liver cancer have a higher risk of dropping off the transplantation wait list compared to HIV-negative patients. Despite this, overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates are not significantly affected following liver transplantation.
Two studies found that ITPA variants protect against treatment-related anemia in HCV patients, enabling safer use of antiviral therapy and reducing the need for erythropoietin treatment. The variants also help select patients who may tolerate higher doses of ribavirin, increasing the likelihood of viral clearance.
Researchers found that hydrolyzed wheat flour baked goods are not toxic to celiac disease patients, with some even developing subtotal atrophy without clinical complaints. The study suggests further research on therapies to reduce gluten toxicity beyond the standard gluten-free diet.
A deficiency in Toll-like receptor 2 leads to changes in gut bacteria resembling those of lean animals, suggesting a new way to manage weight and intestinal problems. This discovery builds on previous research demonstrating the protective effect of TLR2 deficiency against obesity.
A study found that combined treatments for severe acute pancreatitis are safe and effective in managing the disease, resulting in shorter hospitalizations and fewer radiological procedures. Primary conservative treatment also showed promise in avoiding surgery and improving patient outcomes.
A study by German researchers discovered a link between the PNPLA3 gene and liver cirrhosis in Caucasian alcoholics, revealing that those carrying a specific genetic variant may be at a higher risk of developing the condition. The study found that up to 50% of these high-risk individuals may progress to cirrhosis.
Researchers found radiofrequency ablation to be a safe and effective therapy for managing hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients. The procedure resulted in high complete response rates, with 98.5% of patients achieving disease-free status.
Research shows anti-microbial medications are a leading cause of drug-induced liver injury, with women and minorities disproportionately affected. Liver transplantation offers excellent survival rates, but further investigation is needed to understand the impact of alcohol use and diabetes.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that IBD patients with hospital-acquired infections experience increased mortality and prolonged hospital stays. The majority of infections among hospitalized IBD patients are health-care associated, with severe liver disease patients being at highest risk.
A new scoring system for diagnosing Wilson's disease in pediatric patients has been developed, demonstrating 93% positive and 92% negative predictive values. The test's effectiveness was tested on children with mild liver disease and asymptomatic individuals, showing no significant improvement from the penicillamine challenge test.
A new study reveals that telaprevir significantly improves sustained viral response rates for first-time hepatitis C patients to 75%, even for African-Americans and those with advanced liver fibrosis. The regimen's shorter treatment time also produces lower discontinuation rates for side effects compared to standard therapy.
A study from Rhode Island Hospital found that 33 individuals were responsible for 305 cases of medical intervention to remove intentionally swallowed foreign bodies, resulting in estimated hospital costs of over $2 million. The most common items ingested were pens, batteries, knives, and razor blades.
A new index of adipose dysfunction, visceral adiposity index (VAI), is directly correlated with viral load and independently associated with steatosis and necroinflammatory activity in patients with G1 CHC. VAI score also linked to insulin resistance, fibrosis, and moderate-severe necroinflammatory activity.
Research suggests adiponectin inhibits leptin-induced migration of liver cancer cells, slowing tumor growth and improving disease-free survival. The study's findings offer a promising therapy for obese liver cancer patients by targeting the oncogenic actions of leptin.
Researchers found a strong association between obesity and an increased risk of liver cancer, as well as adenoma recurrence in patients with colorectal polyps. Additionally, studies revealed that inflammatory bowel disease is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease.
Patients treated with terlipressin for gastrointestinal bleeding due to portal hypertension experienced a significant reduction in serum sodium concentration. The study suggests that monitoring serum sodium closely and avoiding high-sodium solutions may help prevent adverse events.
Researchers found that weight-based dosing of taribavirin achieves comparable efficacy to ribavirin for treating chronic hepatitis C, with lower rates of anemia. The study suggests a safer alternative for HCV treatment while maintaining efficacy.
A new multi-center study of 854 children with Crohn's disease found a significantly lower 5-year cumulative risk of bowel surgery compared to previous reports. The study also showed an increased risk of surgery for children diagnosed between ages 13 and 16, but no link to early immunomodulator therapy.
A new study found that adherence to practice guidelines reduces bleeding in cirrhosis patients, with 82% of those without bleeding receiving their screening EGD within six months. Patients who did not bleed were more likely to have received their screening EGD within the six-month window compared to those who bled.
Two studies found that infliximab and certolizumab pegol can effectively maintain remission of Crohn's disease for up to 18 months. Continuous therapy was more effective than interrupted therapy in preventing disease recurrence. Lower doses of infliximab also showed promise in maintaining intestinal mucosa integrity.
The European Association for the Study of the Liver has released clinical practice guidelines for managing ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and hepatorenal syndrome in patients with cirrhosis. The guidelines aim to improve disease outcomes and symptoms for cirrhotic patients.