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2017 has witnessed key advances in knowledge about the metabolic capacities of the gut microbiota, enabling the progression of our understanding of the principles driving xenobiotic–bacteria–host interplay. This research paves the way for the long road towards personalized medicine and nutrition, which could be based on gut microbial metabolism.
Approximately half of patients diagnosed with oesophageal cancer have metastatic or unresectable disease. Here, the authors discuss the multidisciplinary interventions available to manage dysphagia, improve quality of life and prolong survival in these individuals.
The central studies published in 2017 address novel IBD therapeutic strategies and prediction of the future disease course or response to a distinct therapy. Together, these studies contribute to the understanding of the regulation of mucosal homeostasis and at the same time serve to develop novel personalized treatment algorithms in patients in whom a severe disease course can be predicted.
Surrogate end points are often used in clinical trials where the time to clinical outcomes is long. In patients with liver disease, these surrogate outcomes are rarely validated. Without validation, treatment effects reported in trials might not directly translate to patient benefit after licensing.
At the squamocolumnar junction of mice and humans,a new study has identified a unique population of transitional basal cells that express molecular markers of both oesophageal stratified squamous epithelium and gastrointestinal columnar epithelium. These transitional basal cells are an attractive candidate for the cell of origin for Barrett oesophagus.
Optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches hold great promise in neurogastroenterological research. In this Review, the authors discuss the advantages and limitations of available tools and cover optimal approaches for targeting specific cell types in the gut.
Cellular senescence is induced in response to various stresses and can either prevent or fuel disease and tumorigenesis. Here, the authors provide an overview of senescence aimed at gastroenterologists and hepatologists and detail how modulation of senescence might be used for therapeutic purposes.
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a public health concern in both developing and developed countries. Here, the authors describe advances in understanding HEV biology, clinical infection and the challenges still to be overcome in HEV research, particularly with respect to cell culture and animal models.
Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is an important cause of impaired development and stunting in children in the developing world. In this Consensus Statement, the authors assess the potential of optical biopsy technologies to facilitate the study and diagnosis of this global burden.
Chronic opioid use is increasing worldwide and has negative effects in the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. This Review summarizes the evidence and consequences of opioid misuse in gastroenterology, as well as alternative pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies for pain management in patients with gastrointestinal disorders.