Articles tagged with Gastroenterology
A new device made from silicone and liquid metal, with knotted cords, measures pressure in the digestive tract similar to high-resolution manometry. The invention brings down cost and makes it easier to produce and deploy, offering a cheaper alternative for diagnosing dysmotility disorders.
Researchers found that female mice produce more of the FPR2 protein, which helps prevent NAFLD, and that estrogen mediates its production. This discovery highlights the need for sex-balanced animal experiments and could lead to novel treatments and gender-based therapies for NASH
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that certain Candida albicans yeast strains produce a potent toxin called candidalysin, which damages immune cells and triggers pro-inflammatory responses. The study suggests a possible way to personalize treatments for IBD patients by targeting these high-damaging strains.
Researchers discovered that the levels of Piezo2 decrease with age and its removal from gut serotonin cells slows down gut motility in mice, causing constipation. This finding could be a contributing factor to age-related constipation and provide a path to treatment.
A meta-analysis of 280,660 cases of colorectal cancer and 14,139 cases of adenoma found that taller individuals have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and precancerous colon polyps. The study suggests that adults over 4 inches (10 cm) above the average U.S. height may be at increased risk.
A regionwide, structured colorectal cancer screening program eliminated disparities in colorectal cancer death rates between Black and white Kaiser Permanente members. Organized screening outreach markedly increased screening rates and led to significant decreases in incidence and death rates.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has issued new clinical practice guidelines on systemic therapy for HCC, emphasizing the importance of consulting a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. The guidelines provide specific patient scenarios and treatment options to help hepatologists make informed decisions.
A new scoring system, MIAAH, accurately identifies patients at highest risk of death and those likely to survive from alcohol-associated hepatitis. The tool incorporates laboratory variables and demographic data, offering a valuable prognostic model for clinicians.
A team of researchers discovered that chance plays a significant role in the formation of individual gut microbiomes, with genetic, diet, and environmental factors influencing the odds of colonization. The study's findings have major implications for treatments like fecal transplants and probiotics.
Scientists have identified a key receptor in the digestive tract that triggers pain and inflammation in the colon. By blocking this receptor from entering cells, researchers found significant reduction in pain and inflammation. This discovery holds promise for treating inflammatory bowel disease.
University of Limerick professor J Calvin Coffey's groundbreaking research reveals the fundamental order of the abdomen, organizing all contents into two compartments. This simplicity explains behaviors of viral and bacterial infections, cancer, and other diseases.
A study of 1,000 patients found that some recoverees from hepatitis C still face liver cancer risks after treatment. Researchers propose a 2-step strategy combining FIB-4 and transient elastography/ultrasound to predict high-risk cases.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago identified changes in the gut microbiome that can lead to gestational diabetes. They found a specific metabolite, kynurenine, that is increased during pregnancy and contributes to insulin resistance.
Proton pump inhibitors are underutilized in high-risk patients due to knowledge gaps and barriers among specialties. Multi-component interventions can improve guideline-based use to prevent upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Researchers at MIT have developed an all-in-one approach to diabetes treatment, streamlining the process of blood glucose measurement and insulin injection. The new device can automate procedures such as pricking skin, collecting blood, calculating glucose levels, and dispensing insulin, reducing the need for multiple devices and makin...
A recent study by researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that Candida tropicalis fungus can trigger chronic inflammation in the gut microbiome of Crohn's disease patients. This imbalance of fungi and bacteria can create a predisposition to inflammatory bowel disease.
Research from MUSC suggests that physicians should be cautious when using laboratory tests to diagnose alcoholic cirrhosis due to false negative results. Patients with advanced liver disease often show subtle signs and symptoms in the early stages of cirrhosis.
A study found that primary care clinicians prefer noninvasive options for patients who are unwilling to undergo invasive procedures, concerned about work time, or unconvinced of the need for screening. The researchers suggest tailoring recommendations to patient preferences to improve adherence to colorectal cancer screening.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel polymer-based hydrogel that can prevent postoperative pancreatic fistulae, a frequent complication of pancreatic surgery. The Exceval hydrogel shows great promise for clinical applications due to its adjustable properties and high absorption abilities.
A cohort study of 165 patients with hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma found that treating the virus with direct-acting antivirals reduces tumor progression and metastasis. The study showed a 72% reduction in tumor progression and an 88% reduction in risk of death from HCC.
A study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found that antibodies secreted in the gut help control pathogenic forms of gut fungi like Candida albicans. However, patients with Crohn's disease often have impaired antibody function, leading to an overgrowth of harmful fungi.
A clinical study concludes that fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is not designed for diagnosis in emergency and inpatient settings. FIT should only be used for validated colorectal cancer screening, not for evaluating symptoms such as rectal bleeding or abdominal pain.
A new study found that low-dose CT scans are as accurate as standard-dose scans in diagnosing appendicitis and differentiating between uncomplicated and complicated cases. This breakthrough could lead to reduced radiation exposure for young patients, improving treatment outcomes.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released new clinical guidelines that recommend against extensive preprocedural testing to estimate clotting in patients with cirrhosis. This change aims to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with unnecessary blood clotting tests.
New research from an international team of scientists found that poor timing of influenza vaccination campaigns in Brazil led to increased premature births, lower birth-weight babies, and the need for more cesarean sections. The study suggests that earlier flu vaccination campaigns could better protect pregnant women and their babies.
A survey of over 50,000 people found that around 11% experience abdominal pain when eating, with symptoms also affecting mental health and daily life. The study highlights the need for meal-related symptoms to be considered in diagnosis and treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders.
A new study finds oesophageal cancer cases have tripled in under 50s, with increases attributed to lifestyle-related risk factors such as smoking and poor diet. The study also shows improved relative survival rates for younger patients, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that an existing drug, prucalopride, can improve cognitive function by enhancing activity in brain areas related to memory. In a study of 44 healthy volunteers, those taking prucalopride performed better on a memory test and showed increased activity in the hippocampus and right angular gyrus.
A recent study found that colorectal cancer diagnoses fell dramatically by 40% in a year during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline was attributed to the suspension of screening programs and postponed non-urgent colonoscopy investigations.
A multi-national survey of nearly 6,000 people found that gas-related symptoms are a common experience for most adults, with almost eight out of ten reporting symptoms in the previous 24 hours. The study also showed that these symptoms can have a significant impact on quality of life and mental health, particularly among younger people.
A multidisciplinary taskforce developed a Clinical Care Pathway for NAFLD/NASH, outlining practical guidance from screening to patient care management. The pathway aims to provide efficient, safe, and value-based care for patients with NAFLD and NASH, highlighting the importance of early interventions and shared decision-making.
Researchers have found that synthetic bile acid Nor-UDCA directly affects the immune system and reduces inflammation in chronic-inflammatory liver disease. The therapy also guides misdirected CD8-T cells back onto their correct path, allowing them to resume their normal function.
A multidisciplinary organization has reached consensus on guidelines for performing, interpreting, and reporting MR defecography. The consensus templates aim to standardize care for patients with evacuation disorders of the pelvic floor.
Gastrointestinal stroma tumors (GIST) are rare cancers that can be problematic to detect and treat. Researchers have identified the mutational drivers for GIST in the stomach and found a potential drug therapy, temozolomide, which showed promising results in treating patients with specific mutations.
A Korean National Health Insurance System study found frequent drinking is a more important risk factor for gastrointestinal cancers than the amount of alcohol consumed per occasion. This observational study suggests that individuals who drink frequently are at higher risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers.
Researchers identified predictive molecular biomarkers for non-response to anti-TNF and anti-integrin therapies in UC. Biomarkers in innate and adaptive immune systems, as well as proteolytic degradation, were found to be predictive of therapy non-response.
Researchers found that most IBS patients have visible bacterial biofilms in their gut under endoscopic examination, which can impair gut function. Biofilms can also occur in ulcerative colitis patients, and irrigation therapy shows promise in alleviating symptoms.
A new study found that coeliac disease cases in school-age children have doubled in the past 25 years due to mass screening. The prevalence of coeliac disease was found to be 1.6%, significantly higher than previously thought, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
A recent study has found that children born to mothers who took fish oil during pregnancy have faster problem-solving skills and better attention focus at age 10. The study, funded by the European Union, also showed that maternal fish oil supplementation had a lasting impact on brain function in school-aged children.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recommends early introduction of biologics for patients with moderate-to-severe luminal and fistulizing Crohn's disease. Biologics are the most effective treatment option, which should be used early rather than delaying their use until other treatments fail.
A new artificial intelligence tool can analyze patients' stool images to help diagnose chronic gastrointestinal issues such as IBD and IBS. The Smart Toilet technology provides a more accurate and timely diagnosis by collecting long-term data on stool form and presence of blood.
A consensus definition clarifies the characteristics of postbiotics, a category of non-living microorganisms with potential health benefits. The definition distinguishes postbiotics from probiotics and outlines their composition and application.
Researchers have developed a novel strategy to treat, prevent, and possibly reverse liver damages by exploiting small extracellular vesicles derived from interferon-γ pre-conditioned MSCs. The approach has shown promising results in reducing inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model of cirrhosis.
The American Gastroenterological Association has released new clinical guidelines recommending the use of intragastric balloons for patients with obesity who have not been able to lose weight with traditional strategies. The treatment is most successful when combined with lifestyle modifications and pharmacological agents, and can be u...
Research summarizes COVID-19 gastrointestinal symptoms in patients, detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA and virus particles in intestinal samples. Animal models suggest high susceptibility of intestines to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with potential faecal-oral transmission risks.
The International Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Diseases is a new subscription-based journal publishing articles on global significance gastrointestinal and liver diseases. It aims to publish experimental and theoretical results in detail, covering advancements in management and diagnosis of diseases.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a bilayered capsule that can deliver bile acids to the colon, reducing cramping and providing constipation relief. The new treatment has shown promise in preclinical studies and is expected to begin clinical trials within 18 months.
Researchers have identified specific geographic areas in the US where women diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer before age 50 face higher mortality rates. The study found nearly one quarter of adults in hot spot counties reported no physical activity, and fertility may contribute to this variation.
A new study has shown that a minimally-invasive ablation procedure can rejuvenate the lining of the duodenum, leading to significant improvements in blood glucose control and weight loss. In a pilot study, 75% of patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent the procedure were able to discontinue insulin therapy within six months.
A new study analyzed 1,435,350 patients with concurrent diabetes and obesity over a 20-year period. Bariatric surgery was found to significantly reduce the prevalence of pancreatic cancer (0.32% vs 0.19%, p<0.05) in obese diabetic patients. The majority of patients who underwent surgery were female.
A new study found that asthma and food hypersensitivity in children are associated with an increased risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) during adolescence. Children with IBS were nearly twice as likely to have had asthma, and almost half reported food hypersensitivity.
The AGA Fecal Microbiota Transplantation National Registry reported that FMT led to a cure of C. difficile infection in 90% of patients across 20 North American FMT practice sites, with few serious side effects. The study included 259 patients enrolled between December 2017 and September 2019.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recommends bidirectional endoscopy for asymptomatic patients with iron deficiency anemia to detect underlying causes such as gastrointestinal malignancy, peptic ulcer disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Non-invasive testing, including Helicobacter pylori and celiac disease testing...
A group of international scientists has developed a new definition for synbiotics, outlining a mixture of live microorganisms and selectively utilized substrates that confer a health benefit on the host. The definition aims to clarify scientific ambiguity and provide a foundation for science-based claims about synbiotic health benefits.
Researchers found patients in multidisciplinary clinics experienced greater symptom relief and improved wellbeing compared to standard care. Multidisciplinary clinics showed a 84% improvement rate, while standard care had a 57% improvement rate.
A new study from Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital found that three hours of weekly strength training combined with protein supplements can break the vicious circle of muscle loss in patients with cirrhosis. This leads to improved muscle strength, size, functional capacity, and quality of life.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends against using probiotics to treat most digestive diseases due to a lack of strong evidence supporting their efficacy. However, certain probiotic formulations may benefit patients in specific situations, such as preventing Clostridioides difficile infection or managing pouchitis.
A study of over 73,000 people in 33 countries found that four out of ten adults worldwide have functional gastrointestinal disorders. The disorders, which include symptoms like heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome, were more prevalent in women and associated with lower quality of life.
Recent studies on NAFLD have made significant progress in understanding the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition. The latest research emphasizes the importance of gut microbiota modulation to improve severity, as well as the role of hepatic inflammatory pathways in driving comorbidities.
A new study analyzed data from an international registry of 528 IBD patients with COVID-19, finding that increasing age, comorbidities, and corticosteroids are associated with severe illness. The study also suggests that steroid-sparing treatments may be crucial for maintaining remission in IBD patients during the pandemic.