A new study found that screening only high-risk patients for celiac disease is more cost-effective than universal screening, preventing bone loss and fractures in patients with undiagnosed or subclinical disease. The strategy also reduces unnecessary endoscopic evaluations of healthy individuals.
Researchers at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine identified the disruption of iron uptake receptor TfR1 in Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected cells. The study shows that TfR1 mediates HCV entry and contributes to hepatic iron overload, a common complication in chronic HCV infections.
Researchers found a strong association between low vitamin D levels and high HBV replication in patients with chronic HBV. The study suggests that vitamin D may help control HBV levels and proposes further investigation of its therapeutic potential.
The American Gastroenterological Association has announced the inaugural AGA Investing in the Future Student Research Fellowship Award recipients, supporting underrepresented minority students in digestive disease and nutrition research. The program aims to stimulate an interest in gastroenterological research and provide students with...
Researchers found that a new antiviral treatment could halve chronic HCV prevalence among people who inject drugs in 15 years. In cities like Edinburgh, where chronic prevalence is lower, the treatment is projected to reduce HCV rates by 25%. Doubling treatment rates and increasing budget may be needed to scale up the therapy.
A study found that patients taking tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antagonists are at risk of developing acute liver injury, with most cases involving autoimmunity or hepatocellular injury. The condition is typically resolved after discontinuing the drug, but some patients may experience recurrence.
A new evidence-based algorithm guides treatment of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease in children, recommending simultaneous kidney and liver transplantation for select patients. The approach aims to decrease overall mortality and morbidity, particularly in those with end-stage renal disease and congenital hepatic fibrosis.
A new study published in NEJM finds that sofosbuvir achieves a response rate of 93% for genotype 2 and 61% for genotype 3 patients. This represents a significant improvement over traditional interferon-based treatments, which often have limited efficacy in these patient populations.
Researchers identified a specific profile of patients suffering from acute-on-chronic liver failure syndrome, characterized by high mortality rates and organ malfunctions. The study provides new diagnostic criteria for the condition, which is associated with cirrhosis and can be linked to patient age and medical history.
Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) without advanced fibrosis do not have higher mortality risk, according to new research. However, those likely to progress to advanced fibrosis had a 69% increase in mortality compared to those without fibrosis.
A multi-center analysis shows fully covered self-expanding metal stents can effectively resolve painful and potentially life-threatening benign biliary strictures. The study found that 91.6% of patients had symptom relief after metal stent removal, with successful stricture resolution rates varying by patient group.
A new study published in Hepatology found that hepatitis C transmission from an infected partner during sex is extremely rare in monogamous heterosexual relationships. The researchers recruited 500 couples and found a maximum incidence rate of 0.07% per year, equivalent to roughly 1 case per 190,000 sexual contacts.
A study found that nearly one percent of newly incarcerated inmates with IV drug history have acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Systematic screening could identify over 7,000 new HCV cases across the U.S. annually among asymptomatic inmates.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that using high-definition imaging tools during screening colonoscopies can increase adenoma detection rates by up to 25% in women and 41% in men. The study suggests that national benchmarks for detecting polyps may be too low, especially when using advanced technology.
Researchers have discovered that daclatasvir, a direct acting antiviral agent, targets the HCV protein NS5A and also blocks viral secretion from infected cells. The study provides insight into the drug's modes of action and suggests a more accurate estimate of the HCV half-life.
Researchers have identified a microRNA liver gene, miR-27b, which regulates lipid (cholesterol or fat) levels in the blood. The study found that miR-27b is sensitive to high triglycerides and is involved in lipid metabolism.
A recent study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that injecting botulinum toxin A (Botox) into the stomach does not cause weight loss. The Mayo Clinic researchers used a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to compare the effects of BTA to placebo.
A recent study found that many teenagers who received a complete hepatitis B vaccine series as infants can still contract the virus, especially if they have high-risk mothers or weak immune systems. Researchers suggest that a booster shot at age 15 may be necessary to prevent reinfection.
A Mayo Clinic-developed two-hour training course increased adenoma detection rates among experienced endoscopists, lowering colorectal cancer risk. The study found that even non-academic physicians can benefit from the training.
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have developed a synthetic compound that reverses the effects of fatty liver disease by suppressing lipid production in the liver. The compound, SR9238, also significantly lowered total cholesterol levels and reduced markers for liver damage.
A recent study found that rural US residents are less likely to follow colorectal cancer screening guidelines due to the time required for travel and limited access to healthcare. The researchers also noted that lack of health insurance and primary care provider shortages contribute to this disparity.
Children born prematurely are at increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic exposure to acid reflux. The study found that being small for gestational age or having a short duration of gestation also increases the risk of esophagitis.
The adult antiviral drug tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF) has been found to be safe and effective in treating adolescents with hepatitis B virus (HBV), with a virologic response rate of 89% in pediatric participants. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence on the management of chronic HBV in children and teens.
Researchers identified a genetic variant on chromosome X that predicts high-risk men who drink heavily are at risk for developing chronic pancreatitis. The discovery enables doctors to identify patients with early signs of pancreatitis or acute attacks, allowing them to take preventative action and give the pancreas a chance to heal.
A new study published in Hepatology found that African American women co-infected with HIV and HCV have lower liver-related mortality rates compared to Caucasian and Hispanic women. This finding suggests that racial disparities in liver disease may be influenced by other factors beyond just the presence of the virus.
A recent study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that increased use of colonoscopy screening may be responsible for the significant decrease in colorectal cancer incidence over the past decade. The study analyzed data from over 2 million patients and found a correlation between Medicare's extension of colonoscopy covera...
A recent UCSF study found that most liver transplant candidates who died or were removed from the transplant list received one or more liver donation offers prior to death/delisting. The study suggests that efforts to reduce wait-list mortality must target multiple factors beyond just organ availability.
Researchers at the University of Southampton will investigate manipulating natural killer cells to attack hepatocellular cancer (HCC) cells. The study aims to create a method for clinical trials using NK cells for immunotherapy, with potential for improving treatment outcomes for HCC patients.
The American Gastroenterological Association has launched new iPad apps for its journals, including Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. The apps offer full-text and PDF views, note-taking and bookmarking functionality, and are free to download from the Apple App store.
Dysynergic defecation is a condition where the brain and gut communicate improperly, leading to constipation and abdominal pain. Researchers have developed a biofeedback system that helps patients relearn normal behavior and restore communication between the brain and gut, showing an 85% success rate.
Researchers aim to understand the natural history and progression of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a liver disease that can cause damage in children and adults. The multi-center study will provide information on treatment options for companies developing pharmaceuticals.
A recent study found that treating hepatitis C in prison can be just as effective as treatment for non-incarcerated patients, with 43% of prisoners achieving a sustained viral response. The research highlights the importance of providing antiviral therapy to incarcerated individuals to curb the spread of hepatitis C.
Stem cells found in cord blood have the ability to migrate to the intestine and contribute to its cell population, suggesting a potential treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. The cells' innate ability to form blood vessels may also improve vessel abnormalities found in IBD.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Acidified Liquid promotes significantly higher weight, length, and head circumference growth in preterm infants compared to powdered fortifiers. The ultra-concentrated liquid fortifier is well-tolerated and safe for use in neonatal care settings.
Researchers found that high fructose intake is associated with more severe depletion of liver ATP, a compound involved in energy transfer between cells. Elevated uric acid levels may serve as a marker for increased fructose consumption and hepatic ATP depletion.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that patients without a pancreas can control their blood sugar levels as effectively as type 1 diabetes patients using insulin replacement. The study's findings suggest that removing the entire pancreas is reasonably safe and effective for diabetes management.
A study found that only 31.1% of moderate-to-severe IBD patients would qualify for biologic trial participation due to strict inclusion criteria. The study highlights the need for more pragmatic approaches to capture real-world treatment effects.
Scientists have identified biomarkers that predict rapid onset of liver damage in hepatitis C patients after a liver transplant. These markers appear soon after the transplant and before clinical evidence of liver damage, offering new hope for personalized monitoring and treatment options.
A new study found that hepatitis A vaccination in children under 2 years old is highly effective, with most retaining protection for at least 10 years. The vaccine's effectiveness was not affected by the transfer of mothers' antibodies to their child, contradicting previous concerns.
A study of children with chronic hepatitis C found that those treated with peginterferon alpha experienced significant changes in height, weight, and BMI, which were reversible after treatment cessation. Height-for-age scores did not return to baseline for many children two years after stopping therapy.
A study published in Hepatology reports a promising new therapy for liver fibrosis, a scarring process associated with chronic liver disease that can lead to organ failure. The NADPH oxidase inhibitor GKT137831 was found to suppress fibrotic gene expression and prevent further fibrosis in mouse models.
MDC researchers have developed a new treatment approach for acute liver failure by utilizing the protein ARC, which stops excessive apoptosis in the liver. The treatment, TAT-ARC, has been shown to reverse liver failure and restore function in mice, offering a promising new hope for patients with this life-threatening disease.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that liver cancer cells lose the ability to produce glucose due to microRNA-23a overexpression. Suppressing miR-23a might reverse this process and offer a new treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer.
A recent study found that most celiac disease patients do not receive adequate medical follow-up, which can lead to non-compliance with a gluten-free diet. The study suggests that gastroenterologists need to improve communication with patients to ensure timely follow-up care and improve outcomes in celiac disease.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that aspirin use may protect against Barrett's esophagus (BE), the largest known risk factor for esophageal cancer. High-dose aspirin was significantly associated with decreased BE risk, but caution is advised due to potential cardiovascular benefits.
Researchers at UC San Diego identified a key enzyme in malaria parasites that could lead to new anti-malarial drugs. The team discovered a selective inhibitor, ML276, which stops parasite growth even in resistant strains.
A recent study published in Hepatology found that levels of hepatitis C virus (HCV) were higher among African-American and male injection drug users. The study also revealed that HCV RNA levels are influenced by demographic, viral, and human genetic factors, making it an important predictor of treatment response.
A study found that liver stiffness measured by transient elastography is an independent predictor of liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma, and mortality in cirrhotic patients coinfected with HIV/HCV. The measurement also predicts potential recovery and survival in patients with cirrhosis.
Researchers created a mouse model to study the role of AEG-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, demonstrating its acceleration of disease progression and angiogenesis. The study paves the way for novel therapies targeting AEG-1.
The AGA journals, Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, maintained strong standing with high impact factors in 2011. Both journals received a significant number of citations and had outstanding immediacy indices.
The guidelines provide evidence-based information for diagnosing and managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is rapidly becoming the most common cause of cirrhosis in the US. The condition can lead to liver cancer and failure, emphasizing the need for standardized medical care.
A new study from VCU School of Medicine has identified molecular changes that may explain the severity of liver disease and risks to heart health in patients with fatty liver. The findings suggest increased cholesterol production and decreased expression of a receptor that takes up cholesterol, leading to cardiovascular disease.
The AGA Research Foundation awards 11 high school students $2,500 grants to perform digestive disease or nutrition research for a minimum of 10 weeks. The program aims to stimulate interest in gastroenterological research careers and has identified nearly 223 students since its creation.
A new study suggests that chronic hepatitis B virus infection may be as high as 2.2 million cases in the US, with foreign-born individuals contributing significantly to this burden. The prevalence is higher than previously reported and affects up to 400 million individuals worldwide.
A 16th-century Korean child's mummified liver has revealed a unique hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C2 sequence common in Southeast Asia, providing insight into the virus's evolution and spread. The ancient genome is the oldest full viral genome described in scientific literature.
New research published in Hepatology found that moderate exercise does not improve lipoprotein concentrations in obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. While exercise reduced intrahepatic triglyceride content, it did not change liver lipoprotein levels or body weight.
A new study explores the progression of diseases leading to liver damage, affecting diverse populations, including young people. The research shows that obesity is putting teens at risk for developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which may lead to lifelong problems and serious consequences.
The Multisociety Sedation Curriculum for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy provides a comprehensive framework for training gastroenterologists in procedure sedation. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of practice and research based on ethical principles, aiming to balance patient comfort with safety.
Researchers found that patients prefer colonoscopy over computed tomography colonography, despite its more invasive nature. The study highlights the importance of a patient's experience in the process of colonoscopy and suggests that colonoscopy is the preferred test for screening average-risk patients.
New research presents key insights into preventing and treating bowel diseases, which affect millions worldwide. Studies show that dietary additives, hormone replacement therapy, and even high-altitude travel may cause or exacerbate these diseases.