Dr. Anil K. Rustgi has received the 2017 Julius Friedenwald Medal from the American Gastroenterological Association for his significant contributions to all aspects of gastroenterology, including research and clinical medicine. He is a leading expert in GI cancers and pre-cancerous changes.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme that can break down small amounts of gluten within the digestive system, reducing symptoms in gluten-sensitive patients. The study found that taking the enzyme tablet while consuming gluten-containing foods prevented a significant amount of it from entering the small intestine.
A study found that specific genetic markers can predict which HCV patients are likely to improve with treatment, helping minimize the need for liver transplants. Researchers identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the PNPLA3 gene as a key indicator.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, a non-surgical procedure, has been shown to be safe and effective for individuals with obesity who are not candidates for weight-loss surgery. Patients treated with ESG achieved greater weight loss than laparoscopic banding but less than laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that tablet-based, multimedia-enhanced training significantly improved internal medicine exam performance. The integrated program combined theoretical training with clinical practice, utilizing digital media and learning materials to enhance knowledge acquisition.
A study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that patients with rectal cancer who undergo chemotherapy and radiation have excellent survival rates and low rates of cancer recurrence. These 'complete responders' may not benefit from surgery, raising questions about the safety of a watch-and-wait approach.
Dr. Chad M. Walesky receives the ASIP Young Scientist Leadership Award for his contributions to liver cancer pathogenesis, including a novel function of HNF4α as a tumor suppressor. His work has been published in top journals such as The American Journal of Physiology and Hepatology.
A study of 1350 cirrhotic patients found that statin use reduced the risk of liver decompensation in a dose-dependent manner. Statins may provide benefits to patients with HBV- or HCV-related cirrhosis, improving survival rates.
The ANSWER study shows that long-term administration of human albumin improves survival rate in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Treatment also enhances ascites management, quality of life, and reduces severe complications and hospitalization.
A new European study demonstrated that patients with chronic HCV and severe liver damage can be safely removed from the liver transplant list after successful direct-acting antiviral therapy. The study showed a favorable outcome over a year later, with only one patient dying from rapidly progressing hepatocellular carcinoma.
The new Clinical Practice Guidelines define the use of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive modalities in managing patients with various liver diseases. The guidelines provide a range of generally accepted approaches for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of specific liver diseases.
The journal highlights several notable research findings, including the benefits of quitting smoking abruptly, low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular prevention, and statins in rheumatoid arthritis. These updates aim to promote excellence in medicine and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers recommend that doctors exclude common liver issues before testing for rare conditions. Directed testing means ordering tests for the most common causes of sudden severe liver issues first, followed by tests for rare, dangerous autoimmune or genetic disorders that attack livers.
The AGA has created an Obesity Practice Guide to guide and personalize innovative obesity care for safe and effective weight management. The program includes a framework focused on business operational issues related to the management of obese patients, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
A new study found that lower vitamin D levels in blood increase the risk of clinical relapse in UC patients. Patients with higher vitamin D levels when in remission were less likely to experience a relapse.
A new study has found that fructose consumption is independently associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and high uric acid concentrations in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD, a growing cause of liver disease in Western countries, affects up to 30% of the general population.
Following screening guidelines for HCC in cirrhotic patients significantly increases life expectancy, with a 5-month average gain compared to 'real life' monitoring. Cost-effectiveness analysis reveals that standardized surveillance is cost-effective at $1754/yr per life year gained in French costs and $32,415/yr in US costs.
Researchers discovered that paracetamol damages liver cells by disrupting tight junctions, leading to cell death and organ dysfunction. The study aims to develop alternative methods for testing paracetamol toxicity and identify potential targets for new drugs.
Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Medicine found that butyrate corrected a gut microbiome imbalance and reduced gut leakiness in mice with ALS. The treated mice lived longer than control mice and showed improved neuromuscular function.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that liver injury activates blood clotting, which then stimulates liver repair using an experimental model of high-dosage acetaminophen. The study identified fibrinogen as a critical protein in this process.
Researchers have discovered that plant-derived products, such as proanthocyanidin (PAC), can inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) entry into host cells and potentially treat treatment-resistant strains. PAC also enhances the effectiveness of antiviral drugs like tenofovir, offering a promising new approach to combatting HBV.
The new position paper provides recommendations on the timing and content of introducing complementary foods, as well as methods of feeding and specific dietary practices. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring adequate iron intake from complementary foods for all infants, especially those on vegetarian diets.
A new study identifies malondialdehyde as a key player in hepatic inflammation and finds it can be neutralized by specific natural antibodies. The research provides a promising approach towards a potential therapy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Professor J. Calvin Coffey reclassified the mesentery as a single, continuous structure connecting the intestine to the abdomen, leading to potential advances in surgeries and disease diagnosis. Further study of mesenteric science could result in less invasive procedures, faster recovery times, and lower costs.
The new guidelines developed by the NASPGHAN recommend regular screening for NAFLD in all obese children between 9-11 years old using a simple liver enzyme test. Lifestyle changes such as improving diet and increasing physical activity are also recommended as first steps in treatment.
Research reveals a strong connection between fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease, with individuals with fatty liver at higher risk of developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Herbal and dietary supplements are linked to liver injury in the US, affecting 20% of cases. The study identifies performance-enhancing products as major contributors to this toxic effect.
NAFLD affects 64 million individuals worldwide, with annual direct medical costs of $103 billion in the US and €35 billion in Europe. The economic burden is even higher when including societal and indirect costs.
Researchers investigate how queuine, produced by gut bacteria, affects breast cancer risk and growth. High levels of queuine-modified tRNAs may speed up protein production in rapidly dividing cancer cells.
A study published by the American Gastroenterological Association found that adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnosed in childhood have better educational levels and higher annual incomes compared to their healthy counterparts. This news may alleviate anxiety for parents of newly diagnosed patients, providing reassurance ...
A recent study links a disease-associated microbial state to increased risk of developing IBD in genetically- and environmentally-susceptible individuals. Another study found that exposure to high altitude conditions triggers local acid sensing pathways leading to disease progression in IBD patients. Meanwhile, research highlights the ...
Researchers developed a novel method to quantify NAFLD progression to advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. The technique combines multiple non-invasive measures, including heavy water labeling and MRI assessments, to predict individual clinical fibrotic disease progression.
A new analysis reveals a substantial increase in US liver-related hospitalizations for cirrhosis and acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF), resulting in significant economic burdens. Hospitalization rates nearly doubled, with inpatient costs rising twofold for cirrhosis and fivefold for ACLF.
A SickKids-led project explores the effects of severe malnutrition on children's livers, finding that dysfunctional mitochondria and peroxisomes contribute to impaired nutrient utilization. The study identifies a key gene, PEX2, involved in peroxisome loss during starvation.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has launched a new PatientINFO Center to provide high-quality, readable information on colorectal cancer. The center addresses gaps in existing resources, offering detailed information on screening options, risk factors, and prevention strategies.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that sleep apnea worsens non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese adolescents. The study, published in the Journal of Hepatology, suggests that obstructive sleep apnea and low nighttime oxygen levels can promote the progression of the disease.
A new review suggests that reducing the alcohol content of beer or other drinks could lower blood alcohol levels in drinkers, leading to fewer injuries and chronic diseases. The researchers found no evidence that drinkers can distinguish between beers of different strengths, making weaker beer a viable alternative.
Obstructive sleep apnea and low nighttime oxygen are linked to NAFLD progression in children. Researchers found a correlation between severity of sleep-disordered breathing and oxidative stress, which promotes the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis show differing patterns among ethnic minorities in the US. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of CLD and cirrhosis in Japanese Americans, Latinos, Native Hawaiians, and others.
Researchers have created a diagnostic model called the Framingham Steatosis Index (FSI) that can accurately predict nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The FSI is highly predictive and may become a cheaper alternative to screen for liver fat.
Researchers have found that chromatin remodeling proteins, essential for DNA replication and gene expression, are frequently mutated in human cancers. These mutations indicate tumor suppressive functions, making chromatin remodelers promising new targets for targeted cancer therapy.
A team of UNC School of Medicine researchers played a critical role in amending diagnostic criteria questionnaires for functional GI disorders. The Rome IV publication updates the diagnostic tools available to clinicians, incorporating research on symptoms and patient experiences. These changes improve treatment options for millions of...
Researchers discovered that stem cells isolated from young mice can accelerate repair of stomach ulcers when transplanted into older mice. Additionally, studies redefined the role of the gut microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease and found potential therapeutic applications for acute alcoholic liver disease using a scavenger compound.
A 40-year study of nearly 45,000 Swedish men found that being overweight in late adolescence significantly increases the risk of developing severe liver disease later in life. The study adjusted for various confounding factors and found a 64% increased risk for overweight men compared to those with low normal weight.
A new treatment option is being developed to help people with obesity - swallowing gas-filled balloons that reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness. Patients using the Obalon 6-month balloon system lost an average of 6.81 percent of their weight, compared to 3.59 percent in the control group.
Researchers found a significant increase in colorectal cancer cases under 50 years old, with advanced stages at diagnosis. The study suggests healthcare providers need to be more vigilant in detecting symptoms in younger patients.
A new study found significant racial disparities in liver cancer survival rates, with black patients facing a 33% increased risk of death and being transplanted less often. The disparity is attributed to factors such as larger tumor sizes at diagnosis, lower access to care, and higher prevalence of viral hepatitis.
Researchers found that fecal microbiota transplantation effectively treated ulcerative colitis, with 27% of patients achieving symptom-free status. The study, which used a multi-donor approach, showed promise as an alternative treatment option for UC patients resistant to conventional therapies.
A study found that patients who ate solid foods before a colonoscopy had better bowel preparation and higher patient satisfaction rates. The low-residue diet included foods like eggs, cheese, and chicken breast, which made the process easier and less uncomfortable for patients.
At DDW 2016, AGA presents notable clinical practice data and basic science research on the gut microbiome. The conference features seven highlighted abstracts focusing on obesity management, hollow organ failure, and upper GI cancers.
A randomized clinical trial found that sitagliptin was not significantly better than a placebo in reducing liver fat in patients with NAFLD. However, advanced imaging techniques such as MRI-PDFF and magnetic resonance elastography proved to be accurate and useful in measuring disease state and progression.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that celiac disease is most common among Americans from the Punjab region of India. The study analyzed over 400,000 intestinal biopsies and identified significant differences in celiac disease rates across various ethnic groups.
Patients with compensated HCV cirrhosis who respond to antiviral therapies have similar survival rates as the general population, according to a new study. The study found that treatment should be given as early as possible to achieve maximum benefit.
Recent CMGH articles suggest that targeting gut microbial populations may help prevent or treat Crohn's disease. A new study also identifies a potential therapy for chronic pancreatitis by reducing fibrosis and damage to the pancreas.
Regular aspirin use was linked to a significantly reduced risk of developing bile duct cancer, according to a recent study. The findings suggest that additional research on the potential of aspirin for preventing bile duct cancer is warranted.
A large retrospective study found that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) independently contributes to increased atherosclerosis and cardiovascular mortality. Patients with fatty liver were more likely to develop carotid plaques over time, highlighting the need for thorough cardiovascular and metabolic work-ups in NAFLD patients.
A Mayo-led study found that aspirin use is associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing bile duct cancer. The study showed that individuals who took aspirin had a more than two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half-fold lesser chance of developing the disease compared to those who did not take aspirin.
A new study presents Norursodeoxycholic acid as a viable treatment option for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare condition characterized by inflammation and scarring in the bile ducts. The treatment significantly reduced levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and had similar rates of adverse events compared to placebo.
A new study reveals high levels of hepatitis B markers among unvaccinated refugee populations in northern Germany, highlighting a significant public health concern. The research found that nearly one million asylum applications were lodged in Germany last year, with many coming from unstable states where health systems have broken down.
Researchers found that an investigational injectable treatment, RG-101, combined with direct-acting antivirals resulted in high virologic response rates among patients with genotype 1 and 4. The four-week treatment course showed promise in reducing Hepatitis C treatment time.