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The gastrointestinal tract is involved in COVID-19, gastrointestinal symptoms can occur and marked changes in the gut microbiota have been observed. This Perspective highlights interactions between the gut microbiota and SARS-CoV-2 infection and increasing interest in the gut–lung axis.
The use of antibiotics affects the gut microbiota. Fenneman and colleagues discuss the role of antibiotics in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of several inflammatory conditions that involve the digestive tract: types 1 and 2 diabetes, eosinophilic oesophagitis, coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
Global alcohol consumption has increased in the past two decades and is projected to increase further. In this Review, Loomba and colleagues discuss the global epidemiology of alcohol-associated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, including risk factors, trends and projections.
Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the oesophagus with distinct clinicopathological features and a relationship to other atopic diseases. This Review provides an updated overview of the pathogenesis and clinical management of EoE and discusses treatment options.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein-targeting compounds are in or entering clinical development without a standardized nomenclature. We propose a naming convention for these core-targeting antiviral products to provide clarity and accelerate HBV drug development.
Despite the paucity of women in endoscopy holding leadership roles, inroads are being made as more female endoscopists are promoted within this exciting field in gastroenterology. There are many benefits from increasing diversity in the workplace, including boosting morale, minimizing gender bias, providing role models and improving patient outcomes.
Practical recommendations on achieving equitability in biomedical research can advance essential efforts to balance research representation. In this Comment, we highlight how to generate interoperable and robust datasets, engage in thoughtful partnerships with researchers across geographies and cultures, and embrace innovative opportunities to push microbiome research beyond the gut and beyond bacteria.
There are limited available treatment options for the management of abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This Review provides an overview of the gastrointestinal endocannabinoid system and its potential as a therapeutic target for the treatment of pain in IBS.
Antibodies targeting tumour necrosis factor have substantially advanced the treatment of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Understanding pharmacokinetics and therapeutic drug monitoring has led to increased efficacy and durability of response. Primary non-response is more common in ulcerative colitis than in Crohn’s disease, highlighting the need for alternative biologic agents and oral small molecules.
Mucus, produced by goblet cells, provides the intestinal tract with an additional layer of protection. This Review discusses the role of mucus and goblet cells in intestinal health and disease, and dissects the underlying regulatory mechanisms.
In science as in life, the language we choose to use is of great importance and power. This is particularly true in discussion of medical conditions. More care is needed to sensitively discuss diseases and patient care.
The influence of nerves on cancer is beginning to be understood. This Review discusses emerging insights into the role of the nervous system in gastrointestinal cancer and of nerves as components of the tumour microenvironment, highlighting underlying mechanisms and its potential as a therapeutic target.