Researchers have discovered that chronic liver diseases can cause cerebral molecular disturbances as early as two weeks after liver malfunction, even without physical symptoms. The study found two new molecules involved in the disease process: creatine and vitamin C.
A new study demonstrates that antiviral drugs for hepatitis C reduce liver-related deaths by nearly 50% in patients with a history of liver cancer. The finding reverses prior misconceptions about the relationship between hepatitis C and liver cancer recurrence.
A new pathway has been identified as a potential treatment target for Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease that affects millions in the US. The study suggests that blocking a specific protein receptor may ameliorate inflammation and fibrosis in CD patients.
Michelle Long, MD, MSc, assistant professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded a three-year, $495,000 Doris Duke Clinical Scientist Development Award to investigate the relationship between physical activity and NAFLD. The study aims to identify biomarkers of early disease and risk for progression.
Research suggests that PI3K inhibitors, a new class of cancer drugs, may cause an increase in pre-cancerous lesions in the pancreas of mice fed high-fat diets. The findings urge doctors to consider a patient's weight before prescribing these drugs, especially for those with pancreatic cancer who are obese.
Researchers discover that gastric stem cells release a protein called intelectin 1 to bind to Helicobacter pylori bacteria, preventing damage. This mechanism is triggered by the presence of H. pylori and stimulates stem cell proliferation and tissue regeneration.
Researchers found a 14-gene signature that predicts two-year transplant-free survival in children with biliary atresia. The antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine reduced liver injury and fibrosis, increasing survival times in mouse models.
Princeton University researchers have developed a scalable cell culture system that allows for detailed investigation of how host cells respond to infection with HBV and HDV. The system, called SACC-PHH, enables chronic HBV infection for up to 40 days, providing unprecedented opportunities to study host responses to hepatitis viruses.
A recent study published in the Journal of Hepatology found that a low-carb Mediterranean diet reduced liver fat by 30% and visceral fat by 25%, compared to low-fat diets. The study suggests that reducing hepatic fat is a more effective predictor of long-term health risks than visceral fat.
A study published at the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition's annual meeting found a significant correlation between advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in junk food and food allergy in children. Researchers observed higher levels of AGEs in children with food allergies compared to those with ...
A new blood test shows promise in replacing liver biopsies for children with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), a condition affecting one in 10 children. The test detects different types of fats in the blood, indicating inflammation and scarring.
A study published at the 52nd Annual Meeting of ESPGHAN found that high fiber intake during pregnancy is linked to a decreased risk of childhood coeliac disease. The study, which assessed over 88,000 children, showed that mothers with higher fiber intake had lower rates of coeliac disease in their offspring.
A recent study published in Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that removing the gallbladder can reduce the risk of stroke by 40% in patients with gallstones. The study analyzed data from 310,712 patients and observed a lower risk regardless of age or medical conditions.
Recent advances in stem cell biology have enabled long-term culturing of organotypic intestinal or hepatic tissues derived from tissue-resident or pluripotent stem cells. Organoids can recapitulate the in vivo architecture, functionality, and genetic signature of the corresponding tissue.
A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia finds that a skin patch may be useful in treating children with eosinophilic esophagitis triggered by milk. Nearly half of the 20 children who wore the Viaskin Milk patch saw improvements in their symptoms and normalization of biopsies after 11 months.
Research found that button batteries can cause gastric wall perforation and erosive injuries in 60% of cases, regardless of symptom presence or passage time. Clinicians should consider removing batteries promptly to avoid repeated ER visits and imaging.
A new study found FMT safe and effective in treating children with C. difficile, with success rates of 87% and predictors including fresh stool, colonoscopy, and recent treatment. The procedure was associated with fewer complications compared to adults, paving the way for future research.
The study found significant increases in colon and rectal cancer incidence among young adults in several high-income countries, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK. The incidence of colon cancer increased significantly each year in people aged 0-49 years, while rectal cancer incidence was most...
A recent study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found a significant association between glyphosate exposure and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in human subjects. The study, led by Paul J. Mills, PhD, examined urine samples from patients with NAFLD and healthy individuals, revealing higher levels of glypho...
New trials suggest whole body MRI can diagnose cancer stage more quickly and accurately than standard imaging for colorectal and non-small cell lung cancers. This reduces treatment decision time from an average of 13 days to 8 days, while costs are lowered by nearly a quarter in some cases.
A new minimally invasive procedure, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), has shown significant weight loss in a five-year study of over 200 obese patients. The procedure resulted in an average weight loss of up to 15-20% of total body weight, with less than 1% complications.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University use genome editing to create a human stem cell model of congenital hepatic fibrosis, uncovering molecular players that contribute to the illness. They identify IL-8 and CTGF as key genes involved in the disease's progression.
The AGA Research Foundation Awards Program has selected 52 promising researchers to receive funding, including 88% who are early-career investigators. The awardees will support clinical research and studies in gastroenterology and hepatology, with a focus on improving patient care and outcomes.
A new study shows that feces transplantation for Clostridium difficile colitis saves at least $1.2 million annually per 50 patients, reducing hospital costs from 37 to 20 days per year. The treatment provides significant cost savings without compromising patient care.
The study analyzed data from 16,089 average-risk colonoscopies performed by 56 providers, finding that endoscopist characteristics do not impact adenoma detection rate. However, lower sessile serrated polyp detection rates were associated with endoscopists performing lower volumes of colonoscopies and those further from their medical t...
A new study published in the Journal of Hepatology reports that whole-exome sequencing (WES) can diagnose the genetic cause of liver disease in a significant proportion of adult patients. The analysis identified four monogenic disorders in five unrelated adults, enabling new treatment options and shedding light on underlying molecular ...
A new study found that foreign body ingestions among children under six increased by 91.5% between 1995 and 2015, with coins being the most common item ingested. The rate of ingestions per 10,000 children rose from 9.5 in 1995 to 18 in 2015.
Hepatitis C transmissions in high-income countries could be reduced by up to 79%, with lower rates in low- and middle-income nations. New antiviral treatments have become available, but widespread adoption of prevention measures is crucial for meeting the World Health Organization's elimination targets.
A preclinical study has shown that a cancer preventive vaccine may be effective in preventing cancers associated with Lynch syndrome. The vaccine was found to reduce intestinal tumor burden and improve survival in mice with the genetic mutation, suggesting potential as a treatment option.
Scientists found that current WHO guidelines for chronic hepatitis B fail to detect 50% of patients in need of treatment in Ethiopia. The guidelines are based on European and American data, highlighting the need for regionalized approaches to identify patients with significant liver disease.
A large-scale study published in the Journal of Hepatology found that antiviral therapy significantly improves survival rates for kidney transplant recipients infected with hepatitis B or C. The study analyzed records of over 30,000 patients and confirmed that antiviral therapy should be systematically offered to these patients.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have made breakthroughs in treating liver cancer with a combination immunotherapy approach. This therapy successfully suppresses tumor growth and induces complete remission in some mouse models, offering new hope for patients diagnosed with this devastating disease.
Researchers identified the first genetic defect linked to biliary atresia, a mysterious liver disease causing liver transplantation in children. The study found five patients with disabling mutations in the gene PKD1L1, which was also linked to heterotaxy and congenital heart disease.
Researchers identified a genetic mutation in the PKD1L1 gene linked to Biliary atresia, a devastating condition that affects many children. The study found five patients with two copies of mutations and three additional patients with one mutation, providing new insights into the cause of the disease.
The American Gastroenterological Association has announced the 2019 recipients of the annual recognition awards, honoring outstanding contributions to the field of gastroenterology. The award winners include John I. Allen, MD, MBA, AGAF; Harry B. Greenberg, MD; and Timothy C. Wang, MD, AGAF.
A new study published in the Journal of Hepatology has identified a pathway connecting some antiretroviral (ARV) drugs with liver disease. The research suggests that ARV drugs interact with the pregnane X receptor, stimulating fatty acid uptake and cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
A recent study found that the MELD score does not fully identify patients with life-threatening syndrome ACLF-3, which involves multiple organ-system failures. ACLF-3 patients have a higher risk of being removed from the waitlist or dying while waiting for a transplant.
The proportion of U.S. liver transplants for alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) has doubled in the last 15 years, with a shift away from the six-month abstinence rule contributing to the increase. Despite this, ALD patients still appear to be disadvantaged in transplant access.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that using a toilet stool can help people with constipation, bloating, and incomplete bowel movements. The study showed that 71% of participants experienced faster bowel movements and 90% reported less straining.
This special issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology delves into the relationship between the gut microbiome and specific digestive diseases. Key findings include the role of the microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease, functional gastrointestinal diseases, colorectal cancer prevention, and pancreatic disease.
A new study by USC researchers reveals that a fatty diet can trigger changes in the immune system leading to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study identified a novel type of reparative macrophage that counteracts inflammation, offering potential pathways for future therapies.
Researchers identified optimal recipients for split liver transplants, including children weighing under 10 kilograms and those with rare diseases. Split liver transplants were found to have similar outcomes as whole liver transplants when adjusting for variables such as donor age and recipient health.
A large population study in sub-Saharan Africa discovered three new strains of hepatitis C, which may not be effective against current antiviral drugs. The findings highlight the need for further research and clinical trials to inform optimal treatment strategies and vaccine development.
The study provides new insights into targeting the human T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing protein-3 (hTIM-3) for treating various cancers. The high-resolution structure of hTIM-3 will help develop useful therapeutics.
A team from Osaka University has created a system to produce large numbers of human norovirus particles using intestinal epithelial cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. This breakthrough allows for the study of the virus and potential vaccine development without relying on human tissue or bile.
A randomised controlled trial found that gut-directed hypnotherapy delivered by psychologists was effective in relieving IBS symptoms, with benefits persisting at 9-month follow-up. Group hypnotherapy was as effective as individual sessions, potentially offering a new treatment option for IBS patients.
A new study found a clear negative correlation between climate factors and alcohol consumption, with colder regions and areas with less sunlight experiencing higher drinking rates. Climate is also tied to binge drinking and the prevalence of alcoholic liver disease, which claims many lives in patients with prolonged excessive alcohol use.
Researchers found fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to be an effective treatment for severe colitis caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors. The study showed both patients experienced significant improvements in inflammation and ulcerations after FMT, with reduced resemblance to their own pre-treatment gut microbiome.
A new study found that personalized medicine technique reduced treatment times by up to 6 weeks, with 21 patients remaining virus-free and no significant loss of efficacy. The results have the potential to save $10 billion annually in healthcare costs.
Researchers discovered that breastfeeding for over six months lowers the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mothers. Women who breastfed one or more children for longer periods had a lower risk compared to those who did not breastfeed or breastfed for under one month.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati recommend universal screening for all adults due to the rise in hepatitis C cases among younger patients. The new strategy is cost-effective and aims to prevent long-term health problems such as liver cancer and cirrhosis.
Researchers found that obese patients who underwent a combined liver transplant and weight-loss surgery experienced significant weight loss maintenance and reduced metabolic complications. The study suggests that this dual approach is safe and effective over the long term for treating obesity-related liver disease.
A new study found that a web-based intervention is an effective approach to manage lifestyle changes in patients with NAFLD, reducing weight, and improving dietary intake. The web-based program was compared to group counseling and showed similar effectiveness after two years.
A new six-year single-center study found a web-based program to be an effective approach to manage lifestyle changes in patients with NAFLD, comparable to group-based interventions. The web program reduced weight loss and improved liver health, suggesting counseling as a key therapeutic option until drugs are approved.
Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who consume moderate amounts of alcohol have a 36% decreased risk of early death, while heavy drinking increases the risk by 45%. The study suggests that moderate drinking may be beneficial for these patients.
A new study reveals that CD26/DPP-4 is a key player in the regeneration of acute liver wounds and may serve as a valuable biomarker for detecting hepatic disease. The molecule's enzymatic activity was shown to increase with reduced liver immune cell population, suggesting its potential use in non-invasive diagnosis.
A new study provides overwhelming evidence that direct-acting antiviral therapy is effective in curing hepatitis C in people who inject drugs. The research supports the removal of restrictions on accessing hepatitis C therapy based on recent drug use, aiming to improve public health policy globally.
Fatty liver disease is a complex condition that can lead to severe complications like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A new review article proposes the use of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to enable specific risk prognosis and individualized treatment.
Researchers at Loma Linda University Health found that kidney transplantation can be safely performed using organs testing positive for hepatitis C virus antibody but negative for active viral infection. The study expanded the number of kidneys available for those in need, addressing a shortage in organ donations.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles investigate the impact of obesity on metabolism and body temperature control, finding that post-prandial uridine levels increase in obese individuals. The study suggests including both lean and overweight subjects in metabolic research to prevent misleading outcomes.