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The health-care sector produces significant amounts of waste and greenhouse gas emissions. In turn, environmental damage can have a negative effect on health, including gastrointestinal health. Two articles in this month’s issue prompt us to reflect upon the connections between gastrointestinal health, the health-care sector and the environment.
A new report from the World Health Organization has evaluated the risks of dietary exposure to nanoplastic and microplastic particles (NMPs) to human health. Although challenges in the detection of NMPs in food and beverages remain, it is clear that humans are being exposed. Presently, no convincing evidence of adverse health effects are found, but major knowledge gaps remain.
Barrett oesophagus is not detected before its progression to oesophageal adenocarcinoma in over one-half of patients, and improvements in screening for Barrett oesophagus in primary care could substantially reduce mortality associated with this cancer. Advances in screening technology will help, but collaboration of gastroenterologists with primary care providers is essential.
A prospective study suggests that the risk of liver fibrosis with methotrexate treatment has been overestimated. The findings suggest the need to reconsider the intensive strategies and the screening tools that are recommended for monitoring liver fibrosis in patients receiving methotrexate.
Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary liver cancer, and its incidence is rising worldwide. This Review discusses the immunology of cholangiocarcinoma and provides a comprehensive overview of the preclinical and clinical immunotherapy studies.
Gasdermins (GSDMs) are proteins primarily involved in pyroptosis, among other cellular functions. This Review provides a comprehension summary of GSDM biology, focusing on the gastrointestinal tract and addressing clinical implications and future research.
In this Review, Huang et al. highlight global trends in the epidemiology of cirrhosis, including contributions of various aetiologies of liver disease, and consider what needs to be done to address projected increases in the burden of cirrhosis.
Health care contributes to the climate change burden, and measures should be taken to mitigate these effects. This Perspective discusses the carbon footprint of surgery in gastroenterology and hepatology and offers an overview of sustainable strategies.
