Digestive Disorders
Articles tagged with Digestive Disorders
Better together: New combination therapy improves outcomes in the most difficult-to-treat patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Researchers have developed a new combination therapy that shows promising results in treating patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The treatment, which combines two mechanisms of action, has been shown to improve clinical remission rates by more than 20 percentage points compared to existing therapies.
Biodegradable, all-metal microrobots could transform drug delivery and biopsy procedures
Researchers have developed a new class of biodegradable, all-metal microrobots that can penetrate tissue and deliver medications without causing damage. These microrobots demonstrate both strength and safety in testing on mice, paving the way for potential applications in drug delivery and biopsy procedures.
A gene that keeps stem cells from losing their way
Researchers have identified a gene, eIF4G2, crucial for keeping adult intestinal stem cells stable and functional. The study reveals that the gene plays a vital role in regulating protein production and maintaining stem cell identity.
Stopping and restarting certain GLP-1s to lose weight may make the drug less effective
A preclinical study found that mice stopped and restarted GLP-1s gained less weight over time, with a significant decrease in muscle mass. The researchers suggest that clinicians help patients preserve muscle mass while on these medications through exercise or nutrition.
Rectal cancer is striking earlier and killing faster
A study finds that rectal cancer mortality is increasing rapidly among adults under 45, with Hispanic and Western US populations experiencing the steepest rises. The study calls for earlier screening and increased awareness to combat this growing trend.
Yes, that late-night snacking is probably messing up your gut
A new study suggests that eating late at night can disrupt bowel function and lead to constipation and diarrhea. Individuals who experienced high levels of chronic stress and ate more than 25% of daily calories after 9pm were more likely to report bowel problems, highlighting the impact of meal timing on gut health.
Study finds sex- and race-based disparities in IBS diagnosis rates among US adults
A national survey found significant disparities in IBS diagnosis across sex and racial groups in the US. Men and Black patients are less likely to receive a formal diagnosis compared to women and white patients, despite similar reported healthcare-seeking behavior and symptom severity.
Antidepressant unable to prevent chemotherapy-associated nerve damage
A randomized trial found that duloxetine does not prevent painful neuropathy caused by oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with stage II or III colorectal cancer. The study suggests that duloxetine should only be used for managing existing neuropathy, not prevention.
Early life stress linked to long-lasting digestive issues
A new study suggests that early life stress during pregnancy and early childhood can lead to long-term digestive issues, including gut pain and motility challenges. The research found that early life stress can shape the development of gut-brain communication, contributing to gastrointestinal symptoms in both mice and humans.
New trial seeks to improve sharing of genetic colorectal cancer risks
A new clinical study aims to improve communication between patients and families about genetic risks of colorectal cancer. The trial will compare two methods of sharing genetic test results with close relatives, with the goal of learning which approach helps more family members get necessary genetic testing.
Children with Crohn’s have distinct gut bacteria from kids with other digestive disorders
A study by NYU researchers found that children with Crohn’s disease have a unique microbiome signature, characterized by more pro-inflammatory and less protective bacteria. This could lead to personalized treatments for pediatric Crohn’s disease.
New alliance trial seeks to reduce delays in gastrointestinal cancer treatment
A new clinical trial, PAGODA, seeks to minimize treatment interruptions and help patients complete their chemotherapy as planned. The trial will test a structured plan to guide doctors in making small, proactive changes to chemotherapy doses to prevent treatment delays.
Control valve discovered in gut’s plumbing system
Researchers uncover a key ion channel, TRPM4, that regulates intestinal fluid balance and identify a new druggable site. This discovery provides a blueprint for designing targeted treatments for gastrointestinal disorders.
SickKids-led study reveals promising gut-targeted therapy for C. difficile infections
A SickKids-led study reveals how bile acids can bind to block C. diff's most dangerous toxin, leading to the development of a new compound that neutralizes the toxin directly in the gut. This approach preserves gut health and targets the toxin with precision, offering hope for safer treatments.
American Gastroenterological Association streamlines Crohn’s disease treatment guidance as new therapies expand options
The American Gastroenterological Association has released an updated clinical guideline on the pharmacological management of moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease, recommending early use of high-efficacy therapies to improve patient outcomes. The guideline organizes treatments by efficacy to simplify decision-making for gastroenterologist...
Gluten sensitivity: It’s not actually about gluten
A landmark study has redefined non-coeliac gluten sensitivity as part of the gut-brain interaction spectrum, suggesting that symptoms are triggered by fermentable carbohydrates and expectations. The findings have major implications for diagnosis, treatment, and public health messaging.
New role of gut bacteria provides hope for a novel IBS treatment
Research from the University of Gothenburg has identified two bacteria that can produce bioactive serotonin, a key player in bowel movements and brain function. These findings suggest new avenues for treating functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS.
Microbiome and nanoparticle discoveries hold promise for treating gut pain
Researchers discovered a new enzyme produced by Bacteroides fragilis that activates pain signaling. The enzyme is targeted with nanoparticles to develop treatments for gut pain in inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. The studies aim to restore balance between good and bad bacteria to reduce symptoms.
Reelin: A protein to heal the gut and treat depression?
Researchers found that Reelin-based therapeutics could help restore the integrity of the gut barrier, reducing inflammation and symptoms of depression. The study suggests a promising new treatment targeting both brain and gut processes.
A2 milk is not always the best option for milk-sensitive individuals
A recent Finnish study found that protein-hydrolysed lactose-free A1A2 milk was better tolerated by lactose-intolerant individuals than A2 milk. The study suggests that individual lactose tolerance is a key factor in causing gastrointestinal symptoms.
Milk matters: How donor human milk storage affects preemie gut health
A new study from the Medical University of South Carolina reveals that shorter storage durations of donor human milk are linked to reduced gastrointestinal complications in premature infants. The findings suggest minimizing milk storage time may help preserve protective properties crucial for preterm gut health.
uOttawa developing AI-powered tool to personalize diets for people living with IBD
Researchers at uOttawa are developing an AI tool to provide personalized dietary strategies for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The project aims to match specific types of carbohydrates to individual patients' unique gut microbiomes.
Autistic children more likely to experience persistent stomach problems
A new study published in Autism found that autistic children are more likely to experience ongoing gastrointestinal problems than their typically developing peers. These symptoms can affect sleep, communication, sensory processing and behavior, and often don't have an identified medical cause.
The gut immune system is altered in mouse model of Alzheimer’s, providing a new target for therapeutics
Researchers found that a high fiber diet reduced Alzheimer's-related frailty and tremor in mice by restoring balance in the gut immune system. This discovery provides a potential new therapeutic pathway for the disease.
Kennesaw State researcher taps engineering background to discover solutions for stomach diseases
A researcher at Kennesaw State University is creating digital twins of the human stomach using advanced medical imaging, biomechanics testing, and computational modeling. This could lead to a better understanding of gastrointestinal disorders and more accurate diagnoses.
Scientists find a microbial molecule that restores liver and gut health
Researchers found that a compound produced by Lactobacillus bacteria can reverse liver and gut damage caused by aflatoxin exposure. The molecule, 10-hydroxystearic acid, activated PPARα signaling to repair liver tissue and support gut health.
Low FODMAP diet improves leaky gut in study
A low FODMAP diet has been shown to improve colonic barrier function and reduce mast cell activation in patients with IBS-D. The study found that the diet reduced symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain, and improved intestinal permeability.
Discovery of role of gut hormone in chronic diarrhoea could aid development of new tests and treatments
Researchers found that INSL5 levels are high in patients with bile acid diarrhoea, leading to more watery stool. The hormone could aid development of a blood test and points towards a potential new treatment for the condition.
Digestive cancers in China: A two-decade burden with uneven gains in life expectancy
A recent national study reveals complex patterns of burden and survival trends for digestive system malignancies (DSMTs) in China. Despite progress in reducing mortality from some cancers, the overall impact remains significant, with notable disparities across demographic and geographic lines.
Caltech's new "smart capsule" to study the health of the GI tract
Researchers at Caltech have created a 'smart capsule' called PillTrek that can measure various biomarkers in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, providing real-time profiling. The device is tiny, wireless, and inexpensive, and has the potential to revolutionize diagnosis and monitoring of diseases.
New ASU research hunts down drug-resistant microbes
Researchers from ASU and international collaborators tested a handheld DNA sequencing device at six chicken slaughterhouses in Indonesia. The study found signs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria spreading from wastewater into nearby rivers, highlighting the need for targeted solutions to reduce its spread.
Fecal transplants: Promising treatment or potential health risk?
New research warns against widespread use of Fecal Microbiota Transplants (FMT) due to potential for long-lasting, unintended health consequences. Mismatches in gut ecosystems can lead to changes in metabolism, behavior, and energy balance.
Psilocybin enters gastroenterology: First-ever psychedelic study targets treatment-resistant IBS
A pioneering research brings psychedelic medicine into gastroenterology, exploring psilocybin's effects on treatment-resistant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dr. Erin E. Mauney's study modulates interoception and uses integrated therapy sessions with neuroimaging to track brain changes.
Can gastroesophageal reflux disease without concomitant eosinophilic esophagitis cause high-level esophageal eosinophilia?
A review examines the evidence and mechanisms behind GERD-associated eosinophilia and whether GERD alone can meet EoE-level eosinophilic thresholds. High-level esophageal eosinophilia is rare in GERD without concomitant eosinophilic esophagitis.
First-ever long read datasets added to two Kids First studies
The release of long-read sequencing datasets for two Kids First studies provides a fuller understanding of how genetics contributes to childhood cancers and congenital disorders. The datasets include improved genome assembly capabilities, facilitating variant discovery and potential targeted therapy development.
Landmark 20-year screening program drives down colorectal cancer cases, deaths
A 20-year initiative that offered flexible screening options at a major health system doubled screening rates and cut cancer incidence by a third, halving deaths. The program eliminated racial disparities in outcomes, with Black patients' deaths declining from 52.2 to 23.5 per 100,000.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for rapid liver regeneration triggered by glutamate
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism of liver regeneration triggered by glutamate, which accelerates liver regeneration in minutes through changes in macrophage metabolism. Hepatocytes producing glutamine synthetase play a key role in this process.
Pediatric chronic disease prevalence has risen to nearly 30% in the last 20 years
The study found that nearly 1-in-3 young people now live with pediatric onset conditions that significantly affect their lives. Young adults are more likely to develop chronic conditions if they have lower socioeconomic status.
School absence patterns could ID children with chronic GI disorders, research suggests
Children who frequently miss school due to abdominal complaints are more likely to have gut-brain axis disorders like IBS, which can be missed by medical tests. The study found that frequent absences were nearly five times more likely to be caused by functional GI disorders than specific illnesses.
Do starchy carbs cause cavities?
A new study published in Microorganisms explores the impact of starch on oral health and finds that high AMY1 copy numbers alter the oral microbiome, increasing disease risk. The researchers discovered that populations with a history of agriculture and starch consumption have more copies of the gene, which provides a survival advantage.
Crohn's & Colitis Congress® spotlights key IBD research findings
Crohn's & Colitis Congress showcases cutting-edge research on IBD treatment barriers, genetic factors, and cardiovascular safety. Key studies reveal significant financial sacrifices made by patients to access care and identify epigenetic clues for Crohn's disease development.
Beyond the gut: A new frontier in IBS treatment by targeting the brain
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have found that opioid delta-receptor agonists can alleviate stress-induced IBS symptoms in a validated mouse model by targeting the central nervous system. The study suggests that these drugs could provide a more definitive solution for IBS with minimal adverse effects.
Unlocking the clock: The role of the circadian system in inflammatory bowel diseases
Research highlights the critical link between the body's circadian clock and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Disruptions in circadian rhythms exacerbate inflammation, suggesting that aligning treatment strategies with natural biological cycles could improve patient outcomes.
Over 4 million US adults with chronic liver disease can be grouped into unique risk groups based on barriers to care
A new UCLA study categorizes people with chronic liver disease into four unique risk groups based on barriers to outpatient care, increasing the likelihood of hospitalization. The study highlights the need for interventions aimed at reducing avoidable hospitalizations among the highest-risk individuals.
New study shows how salmonella tricks gut defenses to cause infection
A new UC Davis Health study has uncovered the mechanisms by which Salmonella bacteria evade the body's natural defenses in the gut. The research found that Salmonella alters the gut's nutrient environment to fuel its replication in the large intestine, creating an imbalance that helps the pathogen survive. This new understanding could ...
Winners of Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2024 announced
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2024 have been named, including the One Health Microbiome Center at Penn State and researchers Dr. François Thomas and Dr. Helen Onyeaka.
Novel procedure combined with semaglutide may eliminate insulin dependency in type 2 diabetes
A new treatment strategy combining ReCET and semaglutide has been shown to eliminate insulin therapy in 86% of type 2 diabetes patients, improving sensitivity to endogenous insulin. The novel procedure, which employs electroporation, is compliance-free and disease-modifying, addressing ongoing patient adherence issues.
‘Weekend warrior’ physical activity may help protect against more than 200 diseases
Researchers found that weekend warrior and regular physical activity patterns were associated with substantially lower risks of over 200 diseases. Weekend warrior activity was found to be just as effective at decreasing risk as more evenly distributed exercise activity.
Cleveland Clinic researchers discover new bacterium that causes gut immunodeficiency
Researchers identified T. immunophila as a key player in breaking down the gut's protective immune barrier, leading to increased susceptibility to pathogens and delayed repair of the gut barrier. The discovery provides a promising new avenue for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's, and ulcerative colitis.
Landmark study reveals how antibiotics contribute to inflammatory bowel disease risk
A new study published in Science Advances has found that antibiotics disrupt the protective mucus layer in the intestine, increasing the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers discovered that antibiotics damage the mucus barrier in a microbiota-independent manner, facilitating bacterial penetration and gut inflammation.
A window into the body: groundbreaking technique makes skin invisible
Using tartrazine, researchers create transparency in tissues by matching refractive indices, revealing hidden organs and structures. This technique has implications for diagnosing injuries, digestive disorders, and cancers.
Mayo researchers develop tool that measures health of a person’s gut microbiome
A Mayo Clinic team developed a computational tool that analyzes the gut microbiome with at least 80% accuracy. The Gut Microbiome Wellness Index 2 identifies subtle changes in gut health, enabling proactive health indicators and potential prevention of chronic diseases.
Gut bioelectricity provides a path for bad bacteria to cause diseases
A team of researchers at UC Davis Health discovered a novel bioelectrical mechanism that allows Salmonella bacteria to navigate the gut lining and find vulnerable entry points. The study found that Salmonella bacteria detect electric signals in FAE, which helps them move towards openings in the gut where they can enter.
Trust and acceptance among gastroenterologists for AI to be used in clinics and hospitals, finds NTU Singapore study
A recent NTU Singapore study found that eight in ten gastroenterologists accept and trust the use of AI-powered tools in diagnosing and assessing colorectal polyps. The study, which surveyed 165 doctors in the Asia-Pacific region, also found that more experienced gastroenterologists perceived a lower risk of AI tools.
Studies on risks of weight-loss drugs and more presented at Digestive Disease Week
Research presented at Digestive Disease Week 2024 reveals the risks associated with weight-loss drugs and alpha-gal syndrome. Studies found that GLP-1 weight loss drugs may increase the risk of biliary disease and gastroparesis, while an alpha-gal syndrome diagnosis is linked to GI symptoms in females.
Endoscopic studies presented at Digestive Disease Week
Research highlights patient comfort with AI in endoscopy and liability concerns. A new study found that robotic gallbladder removal is associated with lower odds of conversion to open surgery and hospitalization.
Biomarker for gastric cancer and other cancer studies set for digestive disease week
Studies reveal distinct differences in oral microbiomes of patients with gastric cancer, premalignant conditions, and healthy controls. Researchers also found a surge in colorectal cancer incidence among young patients under 45, while late-stage gallbladder cancer is on the rise in non-Hispanic Blacks.
Patients seen by female gastroenterologists have significantly less health care utilization than patients seen by male providers
A recent study found that patients seen by female gastroenterologists have significantly less healthcare utilization than those seen by male providers. Female patients, in particular, experience lower rates of emergency department visits and primary care office visits after receiving initial consultations from female gastroenterologists.
Colorectal cancer cases more than tripled among teens over two decades
Between 1999 and 2020, colorectal cancer incidence grew by 500% among children ages 10-14, 333% among teens aged 15-19, and 185% among young adults ages 20-24. Researchers highlight the need for tailored approaches to screening and awareness of signs and symptoms.