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Clinica Chimica Acta; International... Apr 2024Liver cirrhosis (LC) represents a significant hepatic disorder that persistently commands the attention of the scientific community, especially concerning its... (Review)
Review
Liver cirrhosis (LC) represents a significant hepatic disorder that persistently commands the attention of the scientific community, especially concerning its pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches. Metabolomics, the comprehensive profiling of an organism's metabolome, has been increasingly applied in the research of cirrhosis over the past decade. This review summarizes the recent advancements and applications of metabolomics within the context of LC research, in recent five years. It highlights the role of metabolomics in the diagnosis of LC, the assessment of prognostic markers, and the evaluation of therapeutic outcomes. The discussion focuses on the potential and challenges of metabolomics in LC research, including the evolution of analytical technologies, advancements in bioinformatics, and the challenges impeding clinical implementation. Additionally, the review anticipates the forthcoming developments in metabolomics related to LC research, with the objective of facilitating innovative approaches for early detection and intervention in LC.
Topics: Humans; Mass Spectrometry; Chromatography, Liquid; Metabolomics; Metabolome; Liver Cirrhosis
PubMed: 38556135
DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.117886 -
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Nov 2023Several patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) suffer from psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, and show specific...
BACKGROUND
Several patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) suffer from psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, and show specific personality traits. Despite this, there are few data about personality profiles' characterization in UC patients and about correlation of their psychopathological profile with their intestinal microbiota.The aim of our study is to analyze the psychopathological and personality profile of UC patients and correlate it with specific signatures of their gut microbiota.
METHODS
This is a prospective interventional longitudinal cohort study. We enrolled consecutive patients affected by UC attending to the IBD Unit of Center for Digestive Disease of "A. Gemelli" IRCCS Hospital in Rome and a group of healthy subjects, matched for specific characteristics. Each patient was evaluated by a gastroenterologist and a psychiatrist. Moreover, all participants underwent psychological tests and a collection of stool samples.
RESULTS
We recruited 39 UC patients and 37 healthy subjects. Most patients showed high level of alexithymia, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, as well as neuroticism and hypochondria, with obsessive-compulsive features at the behavioral level, which significantly impaired their quality of life and abilities at work. Gut microbiota analysis in UC patients demonstrated an increase in actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Saccharibacteria (TM7), with a reduction in verrucomicrobia, euryarchaeota and tenericutes.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study confirmed the presence of high levels of psycho-emotional distress in UC patients, alongside alterations of the intestinal microbiota, and highlighted some families and genera of bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus, Veillonella, Klebsiella, and Clostridiaceae) as potential markers of an altered gut-brain axis in these patients.
Topics: Humans; Colitis, Ulcerative; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Longitudinal Studies; Depressive Disorder, Major; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Bacteria
PubMed: 37280117
DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izad091 -
BMC Medicine Jan 2024In the post-pandemic era, a wide range of COVID-19 sequelae is of growing health concern. However, the risks of digestive diseases in long COVID have not been...
BACKGROUND
In the post-pandemic era, a wide range of COVID-19 sequelae is of growing health concern. However, the risks of digestive diseases in long COVID have not been comprehensively understood. To investigate the long-term risk of digestive diseases among COVID patients.
METHODS
In this large-scale retrospective cohort study with up to 2.6 years follow-up (median follow-up: 0.7 years), the COVID-19 group (n = 112,311), the contemporary comparison group (n = 359,671) and the historical comparison group (n = 370,979) predated the COVID-19 outbreak were built using UK Biobank database. Each digestive outcome was defined as the diagnosis 30 days or more after the onset of COVID-19 infection or the index date. Hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed utilizing the Cox regression models after inverse probability weighting.
RESULTS
Compared with the contemporary comparison group, patients with previous COVID-19 infection had higher risks of digestive diseases, including gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction (HR 1.38 (95% CI 1.26 to 1.51)); peptic ulcer disease (HR 1.23 (1.00 to 1.52)); gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (HR 1.41 (1.30 to 1.53)); gallbladder disease (HR 1.21 (1.06 to 1.38)); severe liver disease (HR 1.35 (1.03 to 1.76)); non-alcoholic liver disease (HR 1.27 (1.09 to 1.47)); and pancreatic disease (HR 1.36 (1.11 to 1.66)). The risks of GERD were increased stepwise with the severity of the acute phase of COVID-19 infection. Even after 1-year follow-up, GERD (HR 1.64 (1.30 to 2.07)) and GI dysfunction (HR 1.35 (1.04 to 1.75)) continued to pose risks to COVID-19 patients. Compared to those with one SARS-CoV-2 infection, reinfected patients were at a higher risk of pancreatic diseases (HR 2.57 (1.23 to 5.38)). The results were consistent when the historical cohort was used as the comparison group.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study provides insights into the association between COVID-19 and the long-term risk of digestive system disorders. COVID-19 patients are at a higher risk of developing digestive diseases. The risks exhibited a stepwise escalation with the severity of COVID-19, were noted in cases of reinfection, and persisted even after 1-year follow-up. This highlights the need to understand the varying risks of digestive outcomes in COVID-19 patients over time, particularly those who experienced reinfection, and develop appropriate follow-up strategies.
Topics: Humans; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; COVID-19; Cohort Studies; Reinfection; Retrospective Studies; SARS-CoV-2; Digestive System Diseases; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Liver Diseases
PubMed: 38195495
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03236-4 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2024Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid abundant in , has gained considerable attention for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and... (Review)
Review
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid abundant in , has gained considerable attention for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties. It exhibits the potential to prevent or slow the progression of various diseases, ranging from malignant tumors and viral infections to neurodegenerative disorders and ischemic diseases. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease, and viral hepatitis stand as prominent causes of morbidity and mortality in chronic liver diseases globally. The literature has substantiated CBD's potential therapeutic effects across diverse liver diseases in in vivo and in vitro models. However, the precise mechanism of action remains elusive, and an absence of evidence hinders its translation into clinical practice. This comprehensive review emphasizes the wealth of data linking CBD to liver diseases. Importantly, we delve into a detailed discussion of the receptors through which CBD might exert its effects, including cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), transient receptor potential channels (TRPs), and their intricate connections with liver diseases. In conclusion, we address new questions that warrant further investigation in this evolving field.
Topics: Humans; Cannabidiol; Receptors, Cannabinoid; Cannabis; Digestive System Diseases; Liver Diseases, Alcoholic; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
PubMed: 38397045
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042370 -
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of... Jul 2024Per-oral pancreatoscopy (POP) is a pancreas-preserving modality that allows for targeted pancreatic duct interventions, particularly in cases where standard techniques... (Review)
Review
Per-oral pancreatoscopy (POP) is a pancreas-preserving modality that allows for targeted pancreatic duct interventions, particularly in cases where standard techniques fail. POP specifically has an emerging role in the diagnosis, risk stratification, and disease extent determination of main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). It has also been successfully used for laser ablation of IPMNs in poor surgical candidates, lithotripsy for complex stone disease, and laser stricturoplasty. As experience with POP increases beyond select referral center practices, further studies validating POP efficacy with long-term follow-up will help clarify when POP-guided intervention is most beneficial in relation to surgical intervention.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatic Diseases; Endoscopy, Digestive System; Pancreatic Ducts; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Pancreatic Intraductal Neoplasms
PubMed: 38796290
DOI: 10.1016/j.giec.2024.02.007 -
Journal of Crohn's & Colitis Nov 2023Autoimmune pancreatitis [AIP] is rarely associated with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. The long-term outcomes of AIP and IBD in patients with coexisting AIP-IBD and...
BACKGROUND
Autoimmune pancreatitis [AIP] is rarely associated with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. The long-term outcomes of AIP and IBD in patients with coexisting AIP-IBD and predictors of complicated AIP course have rarely been reported.
METHODS
An ECCO COllaborative Network For Exceptionally Rare case reports project [ECCO-CONFER] collected cases of AIP diagnosed in patients with IBD. Complicated AIP was defined as a composite of endocrine and/or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and/or pancreatic cancer. We explored factors associated with complicated AIP in IBD.
RESULTS
We included 96 patients [53% males, 79% ulcerative colitis, 72% type 2 AIP, age at AIP diagnosis 35 ± 16 years]. The majority of Crohn's disease [CD] cases [78%] had colonic/ileocolonic involvement. In 59%, IBD preceded AIP diagnosis, whereas 18% were diagnosed simultaneously. Advanced therapy to control IBD was used in 61% and 17% underwent IBD-related surgery. In total, 82% of patients were treated with steroids for AIP, the majority of whom [91%] responded to a single course of treatment. During a mean follow-up of 7 years, AIP complications occurred in 25/96 [26%] individuals. In a multivariate model, older age at AIP diagnosis was associated with a complicated AIP course (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, p = 0.008), whereas family history of IBD [OR = 0.1, p = 0.03], and CD diagnosis [OR = 0.2, p = 0.04] decreased the risk of AIP complications. No IBD- or AIP-related deaths occurred.
CONCLUSIONS
In this large international cohort of patients with concomitant AIP-IBD, most patients have type 2 AIP and colonic IBD. AIP course is relatively benign and long-term outcomes are favourable, but one-quarter develop pancreatic complications. Age, familial history of IBD, and CD may predict uncomplicated AIP course.
Topics: Male; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Female; Autoimmune Pancreatitis; Pancreatitis; Retrospective Studies; Autoimmune Diseases; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease
PubMed: 37283545
DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjad097 -
Arquivos Brasileiros de Cirurgia... 2023Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder, and myotomy is one of the most used treatment techniques. However, symptom persistence or recurrence occurs in 9 to 20% of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder, and myotomy is one of the most used treatment techniques. However, symptom persistence or recurrence occurs in 9 to 20% of cases.
AIMS
This study aims to provide a practical approach for managing the recurrence or persistence of achalasia symptoms after myotomy.
METHODS
A critical review was performed to gather evidence for a rational approach for managing the recurrence or persistence of achalasia symptoms after myotomy.
RESULTS
To properly manage an achalasia patient with significant symptoms after myotomy, such as dysphagia, regurgitation, thoracic pain, and weight loss, it is necessary to classify symptoms, stratify severity, perform appropriate tests, and define a treatment strategy. A systematic differential diagnosis workup is essential to cover the main etiologies of symptoms recurrence or persistence after myotomy. Upper digestive endoscopy and dynamic digital radiography are the main tests that can be applied for investigation. The treatment options include endoscopic dilation, peroral endoscopic myotomy, redo surgery, and esophagectomy, and the decision should be based on the patient's individual characteristics.
CONCLUSIONS
A good clinical evaluation and the use of proper tests jointly with a rational assessment, are essential for the management of symptoms recurrence or persistence after achalasia myotomy.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Endoscopy; Esophageal Achalasia; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower; Esophagectomy; Myotomy; Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38088726
DOI: 10.1590/0102-672020230062e1780 -
Liver Transplantation : Official... Nov 2023An ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) results from a prolonged ischemic insult followed by the restoration of blood perfusion, being a common cause of morbidity and...
An ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) results from a prolonged ischemic insult followed by the restoration of blood perfusion, being a common cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in liver transplantation. At the maximum of the potential damage, IRI is characterized by 2 main phases. The first is the ischemic phase, where the hypoxia and vascular stasis induces cell damage and the accumulation of damage-associated molecular patterns and cytokines. The second is the reperfusion phase, where the local sterile inflammatory response driven by innate immunity leads to a massive cell death and impaired liver functionality. The ischemic time becomes crucial in patients with underlying pathophysiological conditions. It is possible to compare this process to a shooting gun, where the loading trigger is the ischemia period and the firing shot is the reperfusion phase. In this optic, this article aims at reviewing the main ischemic events following the phases of the surgical timeline, considering the consequent reperfusion damage.
Topics: Humans; Liver Transplantation; Liver; Reperfusion Injury; Liver Diseases; Immunity, Innate
PubMed: 37728488
DOI: 10.1097/LVT.0000000000000252 -
Use of oral diet and nutrition support in management of stricturing and fistulizing Crohn's disease.Nutrition in Clinical Practice :... Dec 2023Crohn's disease (CD), a form of inflammatory bowel disease, involves chronic inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. Intestinal strictures and fistulas are... (Review)
Review
Crohn's disease (CD), a form of inflammatory bowel disease, involves chronic inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. Intestinal strictures and fistulas are common complications of CD with varying severity in their presentations. Modifications in oral diet or use of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) are common approaches to manage both stricturing and fistulizing disease, although supporting research evidence is generally limited. In the preoperative period, there is strong evidence that EEN can reduce surgical complications. Parenteral nutrition (PN) is often utilized in the management of enterocutaneous fistulas, given that oral diet and EEN may potentially increase output in proximal fistulas. This narrative review highlights the current practices and evidence for the roles of oral diet, EEN, and PN in treatment and management of stricturing and fistulizing CD.
Topics: Humans; Crohn Disease; Constriction, Pathologic; Diet; Enteral Nutrition; Intestinal Fistula; Remission Induction
PubMed: 37667524
DOI: 10.1002/ncp.11068 -
Neuroscience Letters Jul 2023Although our understanding of the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing, the expanding body of knowledge does not simplify the equation but...
Although our understanding of the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing, the expanding body of knowledge does not simplify the equation but rather reveals diverse, interconnected, and complex mechanisms in IBD. In addition to immune overactivation, defects in intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) functioning, dysbiosis, and structural and functional abnormalities of the enteric nervous system are emerging as new elements contributing to the development of IBD. In addition to molecular changes in IBD, enteric glia from patients with Crohn's disease (CD) exhibits the inability to strengthen the IEB; these defects are not observed in patients with ulcerative colitis. In addition, there is a growing body of work describing that enteric glia interacts with not only enterocytes and enteric neurons but also other local cellular neighbours. Thus, because of their functions as connectors and regulators of immune cells, IEB, and microbiota, enteric glia could be the keystone of digestive homeostasis that is lacking in patients with CD.
Topics: Humans; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Intestines; Crohn Disease; Neuroglia; Neurons
PubMed: 37257681
DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137315