World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory disease. With the emergence of biologics and other therapeutic methods, two biologics or one biologic combined with a novel small-molecule drug has been proposed in recent years to treat IBD. Although treatment strategies for IBD are being optimized, their efficacy and risks still warrant further consideration. This editorial explores the current risks associated with dual-targeted treatment for IBD and the great potential that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may have for use in combination therapy for IBD...

This editorial takes a deeper look at the insights provided by Soresi and Giannitrapani, which examined the therapeutic potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. We provide supplementary insights to their research, highlighting the broader systemic implications of GLP-1RAs, synthesizing the current understanding of their mechanisms and the trajectory of research in this field. GLP-1RAs are revolutionizing the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and beyond...

In recent years, with the extensive application of immunotherapy in clinical practice, it has achieved encouraging therapeutic effects. While enhancing clinical efficacy, however, it can also cause autoimmune damage, triggering immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Reports of immunotherapy-induced gastritis have been increasing annually, but due to its atypical clinical symptoms, early diag-nosis poses a certain challenge. Furthermore, it can lead to severe complications such as gastric bleeding, elevating the risk of adverse outcomes for solid tumor patients if immunotherapy is interrupted...

BACKGROUND: Radiomics has been used in the diagnosis of cirrhosis and prediction of its associated complications. However, most current studies predict the risk of esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) based on image features at a single level, which results in incomplete data. Few studies have explored the use of global multi-organ radiomics for non-invasive prediction of EVB secondary to cirrhosis. AIM: To develop a model based on clinical and multi-organ radiomic features to predict the risk of first-instance secondary EVB in patients with cirrhosis...

Gastrointestinal disorders encompass a spectrum of conditions affecting various organs within the digestive system, such as the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, liver, small intestine, and bile ducts. The role of autophagy in the etiology and progression of gastrointestinal diseases has garnered significant attention. This paper seeks to evaluate the impact and mechanisms of autophagy in gastrointestinal disorders by synthesizing recent research findings. Specifically, we delve into inflammation-related gastrointestinal conditions, including ul-cerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and pancreatitis, as well as gastrointestinal cancers such as esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers...

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies, characterized by poor prognosis and low survival rates. Traditional prognostic factors for pancreatic cancer offer inadequate predictive accuracy, often failing to capture the complexity of the disease. The hypoxic tumor microenvironment has been recognized as a significant factor influencing cancer progression and resistance to treatment. This study aims to develop a prognostic model based on key hypoxia-related molecules to enhance prediction accuracy for patient outcomes and to guide more effective treatment strategies in pancreatic cancer...

Hemorrhoids are a common and painful condition, with conventional treatments such as endoscopic rubber band ligation (ERBL) and injection sclerotherapy often falling short due to high recurrence rates and significant post-operative pain. A clinical trial by Qu et al introduces a novel approach called endoscopic poli-docanol foam sclerobanding (EFSB). This multicenter randomized trial involved 195 patients with grade II and III internal hemorrhoids and demonstrated that EFSB significantly reduced recurrence rates and post-procedural pain while improving symptom relief and patient satisfaction compared to ERBL...

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection and liver transplantation (LT) are the most effective curative options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, few patients with huge HCC (> 10 cm in diameter), especially those with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT), can receive these treatments. Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) can be used as a conversion therapy for them because it has the dual benefit of shrinking tumors and increasing residual hepatic volume. However, in patients with huge HCC, high lung absorbed dose often prevents them from receiving SIRT...

This letter emphasizes the need to expand discussions on gut microbiome's role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) by including the often-overlooked non-bacterial components of the human gut flora. It highlights how viral, fungal and archaeal inhabitants of the gut respond towards gut dys-biosis and contribute to disease progression. Viruses such as bacteriophages target certain bacterial species and modulate the immune system. Other viruses found associated include Epstein-Barr virus, human papillomavirus, John Cunningham virus, cytomegalovirus, and human herpes simplex virus type 6...

BACKGROUND: The incidence of hypertriglyceridemia (HTG)-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) is steadily increasing in China, becoming the second leading cause of AP. Clinical complications and outcomes associated with HTG-AP are generally more severe than those seen in AP caused by other etiologies. HTG-AP is closely linked to metabolic dysfunction and frequently coexists with metabolic syndrome or its components. However, the impact of metabolic syndrome components on HTG-AP clinical outcomes remains unclear...

In this editorial, we examine a paper by Koizumi et al , on the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists in alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The study determined whether elafibranor protected the intestinal barrier and reduced liver fibrosis in a mouse model of ALD. The study also underlines the role of PPARs in intestinal barrier function and lipid homeostasis, which are both affected by ALD. Effective therapies are necessary for ALD because it is a critical health issue that affects people worldwide...

Fusobacterium nucleatum ( F. nucleatum ) is a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium that plays a key role in the development of oral inflammation, such as periodontitis and gingivitis. In the last 10 years, F. nucleatum has been identified as a prevalent bacterium associated with colorectal adenocarcinoma and has also been linked to cancer progression, metastasis and poor disease outcome. While the role of F. nucleatum in colon carcinogenesis has been intensively studied, its role in gastric carcinogenesis is still poorly understood...

In this editorial, we discuss a recently published manuscript by Blüthner et al in the W orld Journal of Gastroenterology , with a specific focus on the delayed diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic intestinal disorder. A time lag may exist between the onset of inflammation and the appearance of signs and symptoms, potentially leading to an incorrect or delayed diagnosis, a situation referred to as the delayed diagnosis of IBD...

In this editorial, we comment on the recent article by Huang et al. The editorial focuses specifically on the molecular mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in HCC, and protective mechanism of Calculus bovis (CB) in HCC. Liver cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The most prevalent kind of primary liver cancer, HCC, is typically brought on by long-term viral infections (hepatitis B and C), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, excessive alcohol consumption, and other conditions that can cause the liver to become chronically inflamed and cirrhotic...

In this editorial, we comment on an article published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology . Celiac disease (CeD) is a disease occurring in genetically susceptible individuals, which is mainly characterized by gluten intolerance in the small intestine and clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malnutrition. Therefore, patients often need a lifelong gluten-free diet, which greatly affects the quality of life and expenses of patients. The gold standard for diagnosis is intestinal mucosal biopsy, combined with serological and genetic tests...

This editorial examines the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for aggressive cancers, particularly liver cancer. It highlights the study by Huang et al , which shows how Calculus bovis, a component of the TCM Pien Tze Huang, suppresses liver cancer by inhibiting M2 macrophage polarization via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This research emphasizes the importance of transitioning from effective TCM formulations to isolating active components and understanding their mechanisms. While the study provides valuable insights, it primarily focuses on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and does not delve deeply into the mechanisms of individual components...

Recent advancements in the treatment landscape of ulcerative colitis (UC) have ushered in a new era of possibilities, particularly with the introduction of Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription inhibitors. These novel agents offer a paradigm shift in UC management by targeting key signaling pathways involved in inflammatory processes. With approved JAK inhibitors (JAKis), such as tofacitinib, filgotinib, and upadacitinib, clinicians now have powerful tools to modulate immune responses and gene expression, potentially revolutionizing the treatment algorithm for UC...

BACKGROUND: This study examines the complex relationships among the neuroendocrine axis, gut microbiome, inflammatory responses, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of IBS and suggest potential therapeutic targets for improving patient outcomes. AIM: To investigate the interactions between the neuroendocrine axis, gut microbiome, inflammation, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with IBS...

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease worldwide with varying clinical presentations and risk factors. Prevalence data for Africa is lacking, but an increasing trend is expected due to demographic and epidemiological transitions. Although endoscopic studies for general gastrointestinal disorders have shown some patients with erosive esophagitis (EE), no studies in Ethiopia have investigated the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and severity of GERD using esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)...

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an innovative minimally invasive technique and has emerged as the preferred modality for treating achalasia and spastic esophageal disorders in numerous specialized centers worldwide. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common complication following POEM procedures. Recently, an article in the World Journal of Gastroenterology , providing a comprehensive update on post-POEM GER. In this article, the authors present novel insights and strategies that offer valuable implications for endoscopy...