Volume 15 Issue 8, August 2018

In a new study, Maier et al. reveal that non-antibiotic drugs intended to target human cells have off-target effects on the growth of human gut bacteria at clinically relevant concentrations. These results emphasize the need for a new field of metagenomic toxicology aimed at a more comprehensive understanding of the toxicity of compounds for humans and their associated microbial communities.

The efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy for the prevention of preneoplastic lesions in gastric cancer remains controversial. A new placebo-controlled trial and a large-scale observational study tackle this problem and show the positive effects of eradication therapy.

The combination of increasing disease prevalence and the prospect of approved pharmacological treatments has made the development of noninvasive biomarkers for NAFLD and NASH a research priority. In this Review, the authors comprehensively summarize the features of current and potential biochemical, imaging and genetic biomarkers.

Infant colic is a source of major distress for caregivers and the affected infant. In this Review, the authors explore the evidence for gastrointestinal, psychosocial, microbial and neurogenic factors in the pathogenesis of the condition. Diagnostic and management strategies are also discussed.

Mitochondria have many key roles, including in cellular metabolism and cell fate decision. This Review explores the role of mitochondrial function and metabolism in homeostasis of the intestinal epithelium in health and disease, highlighting the involvement of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response.