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IBS affects up to 15% of the population and continues to provide the medical profession with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The pathophysiology is complex and until it is better understood management strategies will necessarily remain rather empirical.
Portal vein thrombosis occurs frequently in patients with cirrhosis, but it is unclear whether it is a cause or consequence of decompensation in cirrhosis. The heterogeneity of data on the influence of portal vein thrombosis on the natural history of cirrhosis has been added to in a new study.
Since the discovery of HBV in the 1960s, its life cycle and the natural history of infection have been delineated by many studies. In 2014, new findings concerning the host–virus interaction and new studies of HBV reactivation from occult HBV infection are of considerable interest.
Several key studies published in 2014 have shed light on the pathogenesis of IBD by investigating the molecular mechanisms controlling mucosal homeostasis and intestinal barrier function. These studies revealed that alterations of intestinal homeostasis drive chronic intestinal inflammation. Here, we describe these findings and discuss future directions for translational research in IBD.
Oesophageal cancer is characterized by poor prognosis, and curatively intended treatment is extensive and demanding. In 2014, well-designed clinical studies have advanced our knowledge of how to improve the treatment of oesophageal cancer at various tumour stages.
Evidence is mounting that molecular mechanisms underlie gut dysfunction and symptom generation in IBS. Although it is still an uphill struggle, this mounting evidence is a good starting point for the discovery of one or more IBS biomarkers.
The pathophysiology of IBS is complex with a number of different factors involved. Here, the authors highlight crosstalk between the gut microbiota, enteroendocrine system, immune system (including neuroimmune interactions) and intestinal permeability in the development of IBS. Insights into how these entities might interact are discussed.
Patients with IBD might be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. This Review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors (in particular, the role of IBD activity and IBD-related medications) and management of cardiovascular disease in patients with IBD. The potential effects of cardiovascular medications on IBD are also discussed.