Articles tagged with Gastroenterology
A nationwide survey by the American Gastroenterological Association found that nearly two-thirds of Americans recognize obesity as a chronic disease, while over 80% believe insurance should cover its treatment. However, barriers such as high out-of-pocket costs and lack of coverage for procedures or medications hinder access to weight-...
A new study finds that GLP-1 drugs tirzepatide and semaglutide reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from any cause in patients with type 2 diabetes. Both medications provide strong cardioprotective effects and may be integrated into clinical cardiovascular practice.
A study published in Science reveals that the enteric nervous system (ENS) plays a key role in maintaining gut balance and protecting against harm. Researchers mapped ENS responses to different conditions, including allergies and parasitic infections, using mouse models with fluorescent tagging systems.
POEM offers excellent dysphagia relief in complex cases, while LHM is preferred for patients with hiatal hernias or concerns about PPI use. POEM excels in type III achalasia and redo procedures, while LHM remains the option for patients with reflux risk.
A new study demonstrates the safety and tolerability of enteral ventilation in a first-in-human trial, using rectal delivery of perfluorocarbon liquid. The researchers aim to improve oxygen levels in patients with blocked airways or severely limited lung function.
The Critical Path Disease Modeling Coalition (CP-DMC) aims to develop regulatory-grade, quantitative disease progression models for pediatric Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These models will transform clinical trial data into actionable descriptions of disease trajectories and treatment response.
Researchers found that specific bacteria, such as Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Fusobacterium species, are associated with AIG-related neuroendocrine tumors. The study suggests that changes in host metabolism occur before alterations in the gastric microbiota, potentially creating a microenvironment that favors tumor growth.
Researchers found microplastic exposure changes the human gut microbiome, with some shifts resembling patterns linked to diseases. Microplastic-induced changes in microbial composition may serve as a bacterial stress response, potentially affecting overall well-being.
A new study reveals that both sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and low- or non-sugar-sweetened beverages (LNSSBs) are significantly associated with a higher risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Replacing either beverage with water significantly reduces MASLD risk.
A simple blood analysis can predict the risk of developing severe liver disease, enabling earlier detection and potentially improving treatment outcomes. The CORE model, developed by Karolinska Institutet researchers, is based on three routine blood tests and has been shown to be highly accurate in predicting liver disease risk.
Researchers developed MCA to address technical difficulties in esophageal atresia repairs; the technique involves prior approximation of esophageal ends followed by endoscopic delivery of magnets for anastomosis creation. Optimal compression force, surface coating, and tissue preparation are critical factors for successful implementation.
Gastroparesis affects thousands of people worldwide, causing nausea and quality-of-life disruptions. The new AGA guideline recommends tailored treatment plans based on individual patient needs, using metoclopramide or erythromycin as initial pharmacological therapy.
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in colorectal carcinogenesis, with dysbiosis promoting chronic inflammation and facilitating carcinogenesis. Probiotics, dietary interventions, and microbiome-informed immunotherapy show promise in restoring microbial balance and improving responsiveness to immunotherapy.
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.
Researchers have developed a soft, thread-like implantable biosensor/stimulator called NeuroString that can host hundreds to thousands of independent electronic channels. This breakthrough enables the tracking of various biological events, such as intestinal contractions, neuron activity, and biochemical secretion.
Researchers used AlphaFold3 to predict the structure of human bitter taste receptors, achieving higher accuracy than previous models. The study found similarities and differences in the structures of T2Rs, shedding light on their function and potential role in health and pharmaceutical research.
Dr. Gianluca Ianiro has been awarded a €1.5 million ERC Starting Grant to investigate the precision modulation of the gut microbiome in post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome. The project aims to identify key microbial species associated with acute disease and develop novel modulation strategies.
Two new papers highlight the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to digestive health and nutrition influenced by life circumstances. Stress can disrupt the brain-gut-microbiome balance, leading to increased craving for high-calorie foods.
Researchers at Osaka University have identified transcription factors RUNX2 and BHLHE40 as crucial for inducing T cells involved in Crohn's disease. Overexpression of these factors promotes inflammatory cytokine production and tissue-retentive properties, making them potential novel therapeutic targets.
A UCLA Health study found that taking an 8-strain probiotic daily reduces the risk of pouchitis, a common inflammatory condition. However, the treatment's cost-effectiveness depends on the patient's likelihood of flare-ups, with benefits only seen in patients with frequent relapses.
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.
Researchers discovered that GLP-2 analogs reshape the intestinal environment by expanding villi and crypts, increasing regulatory T cells, and improving nutrient absorption. This breakthrough offers new hope for patients with short bowel syndrome and potentially benefits immunocompromised individuals.
A new investigational drug, ION224, shows promise in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious form of fatty liver disease. By targeting the DGAT2 enzyme, the drug helps reduce fat buildup and inflammation, two major drivers of liver damage.
The IBD Living Guidelines Real-World Evidence Study evaluates the clinical and operational impact of AGA's first living guideline on managing ulcerative colitis. Latica's proprietary data platform and robust clinical datasets are used to uncover real-world insights on treatment adoption, care pathways, and patient outcomes.
Researchers have identified shared gene signatures and key mechanisms underlying the progression from chronic liver cirrhosis to acute-on-chronic liver failure. Metabolic dysfunction, including altered glycolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways, plays a central role in both conditions.
Transthyretin amyloidosis has transitioned from a fatal underdiagnosed disease to one with multiple effective treatment avenues, including gene editing and targeted therapies that have shown significant improvements in neuropathy scores and quality of life. Ongoing clinical trials aim to halt and potentially reverse disease progression.
A prospective study found that better control of inflammation during childhood leads to less stiffening of the esophagus and fewer disease complications. The study suggests that stiffness of blood vessels in the esophagus could be an important biomarker for disease progression, indicating which patients may benefit from current therapies.
A recent meta-analysis found that Helicobacter pylori eradication may be associated with an increased risk of developing or experiencing reflux oesophagitis. The study analyzed data from 30 studies and showed a statistically significant increase in RE risk in RCTs, but not in cohort studies. Age, underlying diseases, region, and durati...
The AGA Incubator: Improving GI Care will select ten startups to participate in a six-month program with monthly workshops and personalized support. The selected companies will have the opportunity to gain investment from the AGA GI Opportunity Fund and connect with potential customers, mentors, and investors.
Researchers developed a neoAg mRNA-based vaccine that induces higher frequency of neoAg-specific cytotoxic T cells in mice, leading to tumor regression and eradication. The combination with anti-PD-1 therapy enhances antitumor efficacy, especially against peritoneal metastasis.
A new survey reveals that IBS symptoms continue to significantly impact patients' daily lives and productivity, with disruptions occurring nearly 19 days per month. Patients report missing more work/school days due to their symptoms and spending less time with family and friends.
Research reveals that Faecalibacterium prausnitzii inhibits the growth of Fusobacterium varium, promoting a balance in the gut microbiota. This interaction is likely to occur through direct contact between the bacteria, and may have implications for improving intestinal health.
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.
A global study found that cancer immunotherapies carry a hidden risk: cholestasis, a serious liver condition. Researchers urge aggressive monitoring of liver function, particularly in younger adults and women.
The Mount Sinai Hospital has been listed among the nation's top 20 hospitals for care excellence by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26, with top-10 rankings in five specialties and top-20 rankings in nine. The hospital was also rated High Performing in all 22 procedures and conditions assessed by U.S. News.
Researchers discovered a rare case where two cancer-related mutations coexisted in a woman with FAP and a history of endometrial cancer. This case may reveal new insights into how different genetic mutations can cooperate to promote cancer development.
Research review finds handgrip strength is a reliable predictor of cirrhosis complications and outcomes, including malnutrition, muscle loss, cognitive impairment, hepatic encephalopathy, and mortality. Regular HGS assessments can inform timely personalized interventions to enhance patient quality of life.
A research team at Osaka Metropolitan University has developed an AI model that can detect fatty liver disease from chest X-ray images with an accuracy rate of 0.82-0.83. This breakthrough has the potential to improve early detection and treatment of the disease, which affects one in four people worldwide.
A pilot study found that the Mediterranean diet provided symptom relief for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with 73% of participants experiencing improvement. The low FODMAP diet was also effective but led to greater improvements in abdominal pain intensity and IBS severity score.
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.
AGA President Dr. Lawrence Kim is an endoscopy expert and diversity champion who will ensure the society is inclusive for all gastroenterologists. He aims to secure research viability and support next-generation leaders.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a modular biosensor called SENSBIT that can continuously track drug concentration profiles in real time. The device has remained functional for up to seven days when implanted directly into the blood vessels of live rats.
A retrospective study found that allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant is a highly effective method for treating children with monogenic inflammatory bowel disease, resulting in sustained medication-free remission in over 90% of patients. The treatment also led to significant improvements in growth, reduced hospital visits, and...
Researchers found AI outperformed physicians in answering GI cancer questions, with oncologists preferring ChatGPT's responses nearly 80% of the time. Additionally, fewer patients are getting surgery for benign colon polyps as endoscopic techniques rise, reducing serious complications and mortality rates.
The UCLA Walter and Shirley Wang Center for Integrative Digestive Health will offer comprehensive care, support, and guidance for patients with gastrointestinal disorders. The new center utilizes an integrative health approach to treat GI diseases and improve quality of life.
A phase II trial found that PD-1 blockade with dostarlimab induced complete tumor clearance and resolved the need for surgery in patients with early-stage mismatch repair-deficient cancers. This approach showed promise for preserving organs, improving quality of life, and potentially increasing survival.
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.
A study published in Journal of Proteome Research reveals that inflammation and aging contribute to the development of non-viral liver cancer. Researchers analyzed gene expression and metabolites in normal and affected samples, identifying potential therapeutic targets for chemoprevention.
The study directly compared Droplet-based scRNA (D-scRNA) and Picowell-based scRNA (P-scRNA) platforms for analyzing human mucosal biopsies. D-scRNA provides more detailed insights, but requires resources and may introduce contamination. P-scRNA is gentler, more resource-efficient, but less effective in capturing rare cell types.
A study using machine learning models found that people with IBD are at risk for premature death when developing other chronic health conditions earlier in life. Chronic conditions like arthritis, hypertension, and mood disorders were common causes of death among those with IBD.
A new clinical guideline from the American Gastroenterological Association suggests that artificial intelligence-assisted colonoscopy may improve polyp detection rates, but its impact on preventing colorectal cancer remains uncertain. The guideline recommends a cautious approach to widespread adoption, emphasizing the need for further ...
The Asia-Pacific region's H. pylori treatment practices show a growing consensus on primary and secondary prevention, but differences in antimicrobial resistance and medical resources persist. Establishing uniform standards for gastric cancer prevention will be crucial to addressing these disparities.
Patients with severe ischemic stroke show impaired gastric motility and autonomic dysfunction, with reduced normal gastric slow waves and increased sympathetic activity. These findings suggest a link between gastric myoelectrical rhythms and autonomic function in ischemic stroke.
The American Gastroenterological Association has chosen 16 exceptional gastroenterologists and hepatologists for its Future Leaders program. The selected doctors will work on career development projects over 18 months, focusing on the future of the digestive diseases field.
Researchers found that semisynthetic bile acid NorUDCA inhibits pro-inflammatory T helper 17 cells and promotes anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells in the intestine. This could lead to new therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
A cross-sectional survey revealed high costs, inadequate training, and poor financing as major challenges to gastrointestinal endoscopy practice in Nigeria. Locally developed innovations have eased the practice, preventing it from collapsing.
Repeated esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy enhance lesion detection, particularly in cases with active bleeding or poor visualization. The diagnostic accuracy of these procedures increases patient outcomes.
The updated recommendations from the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer aim to achieve a benchmark of 90% exams with adequate bowel preparation. The guidelines focus on optimizing bowel preparation before, during, and after colonoscopy, including patient education, dietary restrictions, and choice of preparation agent.
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.
A Japanese version of the Esophageal Hypervigilance and Anxiety Scale has been developed and validated for clinical use in Japan. The scale, which evaluates symptom-specific hypervigilance and anxiety for esophageal symptoms, showed validity comparable to standardized mental and physical health surveys.