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Topic Review
Nutrient-Sensing Receptors outside and inside Gastrointestinal System
Intestinal nutrient-sensing receptors act as a crosstalk between dietary components, the gut microbiota, and the regulation of immune, endocrinological, and neurological responses.
  • 876
  • 28 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Vitamin D, microbiome, and IBD
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), which differ in the location and lesion extensions. Both diseases are associated with microbiota dysbiosis, with a reduced population of butyrate-producing species, abnormal inflammatory response, and micronutrient deficiency (e.g., vitamin D hypovitaminosis). Vitamin D (VitD) is involved in immune cell differentiation, gut microbiota modulation, gene transcription, and barrier integrity. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) regulates the biological actions of the active VitD (1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3), and is involved in the genetic, environmental, immune, and microbial aspects of IBD. VitD deficiency is correlated with disease activity and its administration targeting a concentration of 30 ng/mL may have the potential to reduce disease activity. Moreover, VDR regulates functions of T cells and Paneth cells and modulates release of antimicrobial peptides in gut microbiota-host interactions. Meanwhile, beneficial microbial metabolites, e.g., butyrate, upregulate the VDR signaling.
  • 873
  • 31 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia
Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the most common causes of mortality worldwide. Intestinal metaplasia (IM) is one of the preneoplastic gastric lesions and is considered an essential predisposing factor in GC development. Here we present a review of recent most relevant papers to summarize major findings on the molecular alterations in gastric IM. The latest progress in novel diagnostic methods allows scientists to identify various types of molecular alterations in IM, such as polymorphisms in various genes, changes in the expression of micro-RNAs and long noncoding RNAs, and altered microbiome profiles. The results have shown that some of these alterations have strong associations with IM and a potential to be used for screening, treatment, and prognostic purposes; however, one of the most important limiting factors is the inhomogeneity of the studies. Therefore, further large-scale studies and clinical trials with standardized methods designed by multicenter consortiums are needed. As of today, various molecular alterations in IM could become a part of personalized medicine in the near future, which would help us deliver a personalized approach for each patient and identify those at risk of progression to GC.
  • 873
  • 24 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis
More research has recently focused on the role of the gut microbiota in the development or course of numerous diseases, including non-communicable diseases. As obesity remains prevalent, the question arises as to what microbial changes are associated with increased obesity prevalence and what kind of prevention and treatment approaches it could provide.
  • 868
  • 05 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction in Gut Dysbiosis and Diseases
The intestinal mucosal barrier, also referred to as intestinal barrier, is widely recognized as a critical player in gut homeostasis maintenance as it ensures the complex crosstalk between gut microbes (both commensals and pathogens) and the host immune system. Highly specialized epithelial cells constantly cope with several protective and harmful agents to maintain the multiple physiological functions of the barrier as well as its integrity. However, both genetic defects and environmental factors can break such equilibrium, thus promoting gut dysbiosis, dysregulated immune-inflammatory responses, and even the development of chronic pathological conditions.
  • 867
  • 17 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Cholesterol-to-Coprostanol Conversion
Cholesterol (examples of synonyms 3β-hydroxy-5-cholestene or 5-cholesten-3β-ol) in the intestine may be either absorbed or undergo microbial conversion to different metabolites, of which non-absorbable coprostanol (examples of synonyms 5β-cholestanol or 5β-cholestan-3β-ol) is the end and predominant product found in feces. Note that multiple synonyms can be employed for a same steroid molecule, which does not help the reader to find his way. Cholesterol is a 27-carbon molecule with a structure formed by a polycyclic ring skeleton with a trans A/B ring junction, a β-hydroxyl group in the equatorial position at C3 (i.e., in plane of the molecule), a double bond at C5 (Δ5double bond), two methyl groups at C10 and C13, and a side chain at C17 (A).
  • 866
  • 26 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Nutritional Therapies on the Intestinal Microbiome
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, autoimmune disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with numerous genetic and environmental risk factors. Patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) often demonstrate marked disruptions of their gut microbiome. The intestinal microbiota is strongly influenced by diet. The association between the increasing incidence of IBD worldwide and increased consumption of a westernized diet suggests host nutrition may influence the progression or treatment of IBD via the microbiome. Several nutritional therapies have been studied for the treatment of CD and UC. While their mechanisms of action are only partially understood, existing studies do suggest that diet-driven changes in microbial composition and function underlie the diverse mechanisms of nutritional therapy. Despite existing therapies for IBD focusing heavily on immune suppression, nutrition is an important treatment option due to its superior safety profile, potentially low cost, and benefits for growth and development. These benefits are increasingly important to patients. In this entry, we will describe the clinical efficacy of the different nutritional therapies that have been described for the treatment of CD and UC. 
  • 863
  • 05 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Clinical, Morphological, and Pathogenetic Characteristics of NAFLD
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently one of the most common liver diseases. Unfavorable data on the epidemiology of metabolic syndrome and obesity have increased the attention of clinicians and researchers to the problem of NAFLD. The findings allow us to emphasize the systemic and multifactorial nature of the pathogenesis of liver parenchyma lesion. At the same time, many aspects of its classification, etiology and pathogenesis remain controversial.
  • 855
  • 10 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Minerals in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
The chronic character of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, results in various complications. One of them is osteoporosis, manifested by low bone mineral density, which leads to an increased risk of fractures. The aetiology of low bone mineral density is multifactorial and includes both diet and nutritional status. Calcium is the most often discussed minerals with regard to bone mineral density. Moreover, phosphorus; magnesium and sodium are also involved in the formation of bone mass. Patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases frequently consume inadequate amounts of the aforementioned minerals  or their absorption is disturbed, resulting innutritional deficiency and an increased risk of osteoporosis. 
  • 851
  • 06 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Fructose and the Liver
Fructose possesses an open-chain chemical conformation and is therefore much more reactive than glucose. Experimental studies have shown that a high fructose intake promotes oxidative stress, inflammation, higher serum uric acid levels, hypertriglyceridemia, higher systolic blood pressure, and insulin resistance(). In humans, the physiological impact depends on the formulation in which the fructose is consumed; consumption via solids and liquids differently affects microbiota composition, gut integrity, and liver toxicity.
  • 849
  • 12 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Functional Dyspepsia
Functional dyspepsia is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by postprandial fullness, early satiation, epigastric pain, and epigastric burning. The pathophysiology of the disease is not fully elucidated and there is no permanent cure, although some therapies (drugs or herbal remedies) try to reduce the symptoms.
  • 848
  • 03 Apr 2023
Topic Review
High-Fat Diet and Small Intestine
The high-fat diet (HFD) of western countries has dramatic effect on the health of several organs, including the digestive tract, leading to the accumulation of fats that can also trigger a chronic inflammatory process, such as that which occurs in non-alcohol steatohepatitis. The effects of a HFD on the small intestine, the organ involved in the absorption of this class of nutrients, are still poorly investigated.
  • 843
  • 19 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Psychogastroenterology
Psychogastroenterology focuses on how psychosocial factors play a role in gut diseases. Psychogastroenterologists are clinicians, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, who work in integrative or multidisciplinary care of patients with gastrointestinal disorders. The role of this field has been ranging from suggested prevention, a cure, to a Band-Aid for gut disorders.
  • 835
  • 07 Sep 2020
Topic Review
Genetics and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. It is closely related to obesity, insulin resistance (IR) and dyslipidemia so much so it is considered the hepatic manifestation of the Metabolic Syndrome. The NAFLD spectrum extends from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a clinical condition which may progress up to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NAFLD is a complex disease whose pathogenesis is shaped by both environmental and genetic factors.
  • 830
  • 15 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Hepatitis B Virus Nucleocapsid
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small enveloped DNA virus which replicates its tiny 3.2 kb genome by reverse transcription inside an icosahedral nucleocapsid, formed by a single ~180 amino acid capsid, or core, protein (Cp). HBV causes chronic hepatitis B (CHB), a severe liver disease responsible for nearly a million deaths each year. Dynamic changes in Cp chemical modification and capsid conformation are crucial in the viral life-cycle and represent a promising new antiviral target.
  • 829
  • 07 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Placenta Extract on Liver
The placenta contains multiple biologically active substances, which exert antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and delayed aging effects. Its extract can improve hepatic morphology and function: on the one hand, it can reduce liver interstitial collagen deposition, lipogenesis, and inflammatory cell infiltration and improve fibrosis; on the other hand, it can prevent hepatocellular degeneration by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting inflammatory cytokine production, further improve hepatocyte apoptosis and necrosis, and promote hepatocyte regeneration, making it a promising liver-protective agent.
  • 828
  • 15 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Gastrointestinal and Liver Complications in Diabetes Mellitus
The number of diabetes mellitus patients has increased in developing countries, along with obesity and sedentary lifestyle. Besides macroangiopathy and microangiopathy, damage to the nerve fibers of the peripheral nervous system is the most common chronic complication of diabetes. Digestive complications in diabetic patients represent a consequence of diabetic autonomic neuropathy involving the gastrointestinal tract, but unfortunately not always evaluated by diabetologists. Aside from the complications encountered in the digestive tract, patients with diabetes mellitus are prone to developing liver diseases.
  • 825
  • 24 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Endoscopic Transpapillary
Endoscopic transpapillary defined as all types of advanced endoscopic interventions on pancreatic or billiary ducts through the major duodenal papilla. These interventions are mainly performed during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Access to duodenal papilla is achieved endoscopically. After reaching the duodenal papilla in descending part of duodenum, endoscopic interventions on pancreatic or billiary ducts through duodenal papilla are being performed under fluoroscopic control.
  • 822
  • 08 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Pain Management for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Up to 60% of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients experience abdominal pain in their lifetime regardless of disease activity. Pain negatively affects different areas of daily life and particularly impacts the quality of life of IBD patients. Despite the optimal management of intestinal inflammation, chronic abdominal pain can persist, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches are necessary. Integrating psychological support in care models in IBD could decrease disease burden and health care costs. Consequently, a multidisciplinary approach similar to that used for other chronic pain conditions should be recommended. 
  • 818
  • 05 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Liver Diseases and Nutritional Status
Liver fibrosis is the consequence of different inflammatory processes occurring in any chronic liver disease. Its progression determines the development of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. The natural history of cirrhosis is characterized by a compensated phase, with or without portal hypertension, and a decompensated phase characterized by the appearance of major complications, such as ascites, portal hypertensive bleeding, encephalopathy, and jaundice. Malnutrition is frequent in patients with liver cirrhosis, which progresses in parallel with the worsening of the disease. Its etiology is multifactorial, given the great impact of liver disease on multiple processes related to nutrition.
  • 813
  • 27 May 2021
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