Volume 13 Issue 11, November 2016

The first phase of chronic hepatitis B, the immune tolerance phase, is traditionally considered to be a quiescent stage of disease. Emerging data now suggests the contrary, with immunological, pathological and virological evidence supporting an underlying active disease, signifying the need to consider earlier treatment commencement.

A new study has advanced our knowledge on the pathogenesis of noncoeliac wheat sensitivity (NCWS), implicating the activation of innate immunity markers and immunological mechanisms at the basis of NCWS. However, limitations in the design of studies performed in this field will need addressing to help identify the root cause of NCWS.

The gastrointestinal safety of incretin-based therapies is controversial. Two new studies find no effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on acute pancreatitis risk, but increased risk of bile duct and gallbladder disease. However, no retrospective epidemiological studies can provide definitive answers, and nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea remain the most clinically relevant adverse effects of these drugs, compromising long-term adherence.

The development of indefinitely propagating human 'mini-guts' has led to a rapid advance in gastrointestinal research. This Review highlights the uses of enteroids, colonoids and organoids in functional transport physiology studies and host–pathogen studies.

In this Review, Allain and Opare-Sem discuss the diagnosis and management of HBV in low and middle income countries, where it is a major health issue. Factors affecting the treatment and monitoring of HBV-related liver disease are also summarized.

Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs in ∼20% of patients with ulcerative colitis. Here, the authors provide an overview of ASUC from pathophysiology to clinical management (including drug therapy and surgery).

This Review describes the current state of the evidence related to therapies for oropharyngeal dysphagia — focusing on treatments most clinically utilized and of current interest to researchers.