Arab Journal Of Gastroenterology[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Identification of gastric mucosal carcinogenesis-related genes based on cross-sectional multi-stage samples: Expression and functional validation of LILRA4 and IGF2BP3.
Liu L, Zhang MM, Xu J … +1 more , Hu Y
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 Jun · PMID 42373332 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To identify the key genes differentially expressed across the gastritis-GC spectrum based on multi-stage gastric mucosal samples. METHOD: Five datasets associated with gastric mucosal carcinogenesis were obtai...
OBJECTIVE: To identify the key genes differentially expressed across the gastritis-GC spectrum based on multi-stage gastric mucosal samples. METHOD: Five datasets associated with gastric mucosal carcinogenesis were obtained from the GEO database. DEGs between gastritis and GC were first determined. Four ML models, including LASSO, random Forest, SVM-RFE, and Boruta, were used to screen out DEGs. DCA and ROC analyses were performed to identify the highest discriminative potential model, followed by the identification of hub genes within the highest discriminative potential model. The expression pattern across the gastritis-GC spectrum and the potential pathways of hub genes were then explored. Their expression and prognosis differences in GC were then validated using TCGA data, followed by drug sensitivity assessment. RT-PCR, CCK-8, and transwell assays were used to detect the gene expression, cell viability, invasion, and migration. RESULT: Among 4 ML models, LASSO with 20 genes was the highest discriminative potential model to distinguish the gastritis from GC. After importance ranking on 20 genes, LILRA4 and IGF2BP3 were identified as the most important DEGs. Their expressions exhibited an upward trend within the gastritis-GC spectrum. A series of regression analyses, such as ordinal regression, trend regression, and GAM, all confirmed that their expression was significantly higher in GC compared to gastritis. Pathway analysis revealed that they were involved in metabolism and autophagy. LILRA4 was associated with GC status and negatively correlated with drug sensitivity. LILRA4 or IGF2BP3 overexpression promoted GC cell viability, invasion, and migration. CONCLUSION: LILRA4 and IGF2BP3 may be associated genes differentially expressed across the gastritis-GC spectrum. They may have the potential to screen high-risk groups for GC in patients with gastritis.
Interpretation of liver stiffness measurement in patients with mixed liver disease etiologies.
El Ray A, El Ghannam M, Rautou PE
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 Jun · PMID 42362465 · Publisher ↗
Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE)-based liver stiffness measurement (LSM) is widely used for non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension in chronic liver disease. In daily practice,...
Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE)-based liver stiffness measurement (LSM) is widely used for non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension in chronic liver disease. In daily practice, LSM values are often interpreted using etiology-specific fibrosis cut-offs embedded in device software. However, an increasing proportion of patients now present with mixed liver disease etiologies, particularly combinations of metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) with viral or alcohol-related liver disease. In such patients, applying singleetiology cut-offs may lead to misclassification of fibrosis stage and portal hypertension risk. We highlight the limitations of this approach and argue that LSM should be interpreted within a broader clinical context, integrating platelet count, biochemical markers, and validated risk-stratification algorithms rather than relying solely on fibrosis staging tables.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of heme metabolism-related genes in early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma.
Yang W, Wang J, Gao X … +1 more , Chen D
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 Jun · PMID 42362464 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence continues to rise globally, with treatment efficacy constrained by the tumor microenvironment's high heterogeneity and challenges in early diagnosis. Heme metabolism p...
BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence continues to rise globally, with treatment efficacy constrained by the tumor microenvironment's high heterogeneity and challenges in early diagnosis. Heme metabolism plays a crucial role in tumor progression, yet its specific function in the development of early-stage HCC remains poorly understood. METHODS: This study comprehensively employed univariate and multivariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression models to systematically identify heme metabolism-related genes (HMRGs) significantly associated with early HCC prognosis. Key diagnostic biomarkers were further identified through Support Vector Machine Recursive Feature Elimination and Extreme Gradient Boosting algorithms. Immune microenvironment characteristics were comprehensively analyzed across different prognostic subgroups based on immune infiltration assessment. Additionally, consensus clustering methods revealed molecular subtyping with distinct prognostic features in early-stage HCC. RESULTS: This study identified four key HMRGs as diagnostic genes for early-stage HCC and constructed a robust diagnostic model based on these findings. Additionally, six HMRGs significantly associated with prognosis were screened. Immune infiltration analysis revealed higher Tregs infiltration and lower NK cells infiltration in the high-risk group. Furthermore, consensus clustering analysis divided early-stage HCC into two molecularly heterogeneous subtypes. CONCLUSION: By systematically analyzing the molecular functions and immune profiles of HMRGs in early-stage HCC, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of its underlying pathology and lays the groundwork for more tailored treatment strategies.
Role of gut microbiota modulation in preventing and treating sarcopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis: A narrative review.
Yang M, Liu T, Qin Y … +3 more , Cai R, Yang X, Tang C
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 May · PMID 42049541 · Publisher ↗
Sarcopenia, a common and serious complication in patients with liver cirrhosis, is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Accumulating evidence highlights the gut-liver-muscle axis as a key regulatory pathway unde...
Sarcopenia, a common and serious complication in patients with liver cirrhosis, is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Accumulating evidence highlights the gut-liver-muscle axis as a key regulatory pathway underlying muscle wasting in cirrhosis, with disruptions in the gut microbiome taking center stage. This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms by which gut microbiota dysregulation contributes to sarcopenia in cirrhosis, examining how compromised intestinal integrity, inflammatory responses, and disrupted metabolism of key compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids, branched-chain amino acids, and bile acids, play pivotal roles in this pathological process. We also critically examine the scientific evidence supporting approaches that target gut microbiome health, aiming to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview for clinicians and researchers.
Elastography as a diagnostic tool for assessment of liver stiffness in children with cystic fibrosis.
Yassin NA, Radi EM, Gaber Y … +3 more , Yosry A, Alem SA, Elbasha N
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 May · PMID 42049540 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease (CFLD) is a leading cause of mortality. There is no specific test for CFLD diagnosis. Elastography is a noninvasive imaging method for assessing chronic...
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease (CFLD) is a leading cause of mortality. There is no specific test for CFLD diagnosis. Elastography is a noninvasive imaging method for assessing chronic liver disease. We aim in this work to assess the degree of liver stiffness in children with CF using transient elastography (TE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 50 children with CF during their outpatient care and 25 healthy children as a control group. Recruitment started in December 2020 until January 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, then resumed from June 2021 till June 2022. The study included a clinical picture, biochemical analysis, and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) using TE (FibroScan). RESULTS: Abnormal elastography was reported in 8% of CF children. Mean liver stiffness (LS) byTE was non significantly higher among CF cases when compared with controls (Mean ± SD: 4.9 ± 3.86 Kpa vs 3.85 ± 0.64 Kpa) (P = 0.326). LSM significantly positively correlated with age (r = 0.409; p = 0.003). AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) was significantly higher among patients with CF than control (P < 0.001). Cystic fibrosis liver disease (CFLD) was diagnosed in 8/50 patients (4%). CONCLUSION: Transient elastography can be used to assess liver diseases in patients with CF. AST and ALT do not correlate with LSM.
Trends in Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence among asymptomatic populations: Present findings and past evidence.
Zeb I, Ibrahim S, Shaukat H … +10 more , Naeem M, Ikram T, Ur Rahman T, Nabi G, Saidal A, Ghani M, Alhomrani M, Alsanie WF, Alamri AS, Elkhadragy MF
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 May · PMID 42036271 · Publisher ↗
Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium infecting >50% of the world's population and is endemic in Pakistan, however reports on asymptomatic individuals are limited. The present study investigated the prevalence...
Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium infecting >50% of the world's population and is endemic in Pakistan, however reports on asymptomatic individuals are limited. The present study investigated the prevalence and associated risk factors of H. pylori infection in asymptomatic humans of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in Pakistan, and an overview of previous records in Pakistan. Asymptomatic individuals (n = 600) of age ranges 12-75 years were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and blood samples were taken for serological assay. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 45% (270/600), significantly higher in males (157, 58%) than females (113, 42%) (P = 0.0003), and peaked in the 31-50 year's (145, 54%), with lowest prevalence in 11-30 year's age group (43, 16%) (P = 0.0001). Marital status was significantly correlated with the infection (P = 0.0001). Higher prevalence was observed in the lower socioeconomic class (170, 63%) compared to middle (90, 33%) and upperclass (10, 4%) (P = 0.0112). Risk was high in tap water (120, 44%) and well water drinkers (105, 39%) (P < 0.0001). A non-significant association of infection was observed among the smokers (75, 28%) and non-smokers (195, 72%) (P = 0.7608). Awareness level and education showed strong association, with infection higher in illiterates (143, 53%) and the lowest prevalence was found in individuals with higher education (23, 9%) (P < 0.0001). Spatially, the infection was high in Swat (55, 20%), followed by Upper Dir, Lower Dir, and Buner (each 34, 13%), Malakand and Shangla (26, 10%), and Chitral (21, 8%) (P < 0.05). Nationally, reported prevalence varies widely from <10% in selected groups to >80% in high-risk cohorts, with high infection rates in Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, Islamabad, and Abbottabad. Serological assays are frequently used; however, histopathology, stool antigen test, and^13C-urea breath tests are sensitive and accurate for confirming active infection across Pakistan. Preventive measures on an urgent basis should be taken by the health authorities to diagnose and treat the infection at a very early stage.
Correspondence on "A. Changes in liver stiffness and non-invasive markers in chronic hepatitis C virus patients with and without HIV co-infection following interferon-free antiviral treatment".
Daungsupawong H, Wiwanitkit V
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 May · PMID 42034463 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
miR-195 mimic, a new therapeutic strategy for suppressing CDK6 expression and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma: a pilot study.
Wali T, Ejaz S, Zahra SE … +7 more , Rehman Arif MA, Hussain F, Shahid M, Baigum M, Nudrat A, Naz F, Zia S
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 May · PMID 42034462 · Publisher ↗
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a leading cause of death worldwide, is primarily caused by uncontrolled cellular proliferation, invasion and metastasis leading to tumor development in the liver. miR-195 regulates G1 to S...
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a leading cause of death worldwide, is primarily caused by uncontrolled cellular proliferation, invasion and metastasis leading to tumor development in the liver. miR-195 regulates G1 to S phase transition in the cell cycle by targeting CDK6. In the current study, expression of miR-195 was significantly reduced while that of CDK6 was upregulated in HCC patients. The results of expression analysis were supported by the Pearson correlation coefficient indicating a moderate negative (r = -0.459, p = 0.02) relation between miR-195 and CDK6. However, the association of miR-195 and CDK6 with age and sex was not statistically significant. The predicted secondary and tertiary structures of miR-195 showed the presence of loops, stems, and flanking regions. Further, in silico analysis identified potential amino acid residues in CDK6, CDK4 and Cyclin D1 proteins interacting with the miR-195. We designed a mimic RNA of miR-195 by mutagenesis at 4 points. The mimic RNA_3 of miR-195 presented a well-defined stable structure showing strong binding interactions with CDK4 and Cyclin D1 and comparable interactions with CDK6. In conclusion, our study has demonstrated the potential of using miR-195 mimic RNA as a therapeutic strategy to target the CDK6 gene in HCC with reduced miR-195 expression.
Myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease in Crohn's disease: an exceptional neurological manifestation.
Charifi M, Rechach A, Fissah M … +4 more , Bengherbia L, Belkacemi MO, Kesraoui S, Chibane A
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42034461 · Publisher ↗
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is a rare demyelinating syndrome of the central nervous system (CNS). Its association with other autoimmune diseases is uncommon. We present a uniqu...
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is a rare demyelinating syndrome of the central nervous system (CNS). Its association with other autoimmune diseases is uncommon. We present a unique case of MOGAD in a 53-year-old man with Crohn's disease, highlighting significant diagnostic challenges. The patient had been diagnosed with Crohn's disease one year prior, with azathioprine treatment that was ineffective. He underwent surgery for ileal stenosis and an incidental hepatic hydatid cyst. Six weeks later, he developed bilateral optic neuritis and acute myelitis with significant neurologic deficits. After a thorough diagnostic workup and exclusion of other etiologies, including multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), MOG-IgG seropositivity supported the diagnosis. Immediate high-dose corticosteroid therapy resulted in almost complete recovery of visual and motor functions. This case report highlights the importance of considering rare entities such as MOGAD in patients with Crohn's disease who present with severe, simultaneous bilateral optic neuritis and myelitis, a core clinical phenotype of MOGAD, even when some imaging features (e.g., orbital MRI) are atypical. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can significantly improve outcomes, as seen in this patient.
Double-barreled drug-induced liver injury and the unmasking of latent primary biliary cholangitis: A case of amoxicillin-clavulanate and warfarin interaction.
Alhaddad O, Elsabaawy M, Samara M … +5 more , Wagdy K, Elsisy H, Ehsan N, Badran H, Waked I
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42031612 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) remains a diagnostic challenge, particularly in the setting of polypharmacy. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is the most frequent cause of idiosyncratic DILI worldwide, typically prod...
BACKGROUND: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) remains a diagnostic challenge, particularly in the setting of polypharmacy. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is the most frequent cause of idiosyncratic DILI worldwide, typically producing a delayed cholestatic pattern. Warfarin-associated hepatotoxicity is rare but recognized, and coadministration of potentially hepatotoxic or interacting agents may exacerbate hepatic injury or coagulopathy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation on long-term warfarin therapy presented with progressive jaundice two weeks after completing a 10-day course of amoxicillin-clavulanate for otitis media. Laboratory tests revealed marked hepatocellular injury (ALT 2023 U/L [ULN 45], AST 2194 U/L [ULN 40], bilirubin 6 mg/dL [ULN 1.2], INR 7). Viral hepatitis serologies, including hepatitis E, were negative. Autoimmune testing showed ANA 1:640, AMA 1:80, ASMA 1:80, and elevated IgG (3000 mg/dL). Liver biopsy demonstrated features of resolving hepatocellular and canalicular damage on a background of early primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Warfarin withdrawal and vitamin K administration normalized INR and improved liver enzymes. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates a multifactorial liver injury wherein amoxicillin-clavulanate served as the primary hepatotoxin, with possible warfarin-related hepatotoxicity and coagulopathy superimposed on latent PBC. It emphasizes the need for vigilance when prescribing interacting with or hepatotoxic agents to patients on chronic anticoagulation. The case further demonstrates the supportive-but not definitive-role of RUCAM in polypharmacy-related DILI assessment, reinforcing the primacy of comprehensive clinical judgment.
Pancreatitis due to afferent loop syndrome: A case report and a brief review of the literature.
Etik DÖ, Dişibeyaz S, Özmert EH
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 Apr · PMID 42031611 · Publisher ↗
Afferent loop syndrome (ALS) should be a part of the differential diagnosis in a patient with acute pancreatitis with a history of gastric surgery. Although it is a rare clinical entity, association of ALS with acute pan...
Afferent loop syndrome (ALS) should be a part of the differential diagnosis in a patient with acute pancreatitis with a history of gastric surgery. Although it is a rare clinical entity, association of ALS with acute pancreatitis can lead to poor clinical outcomes. Herein, we report the case of a 41-year-old man with a history of subtotal gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass who presented with abdominal pain and tenderness. Treatment of choice in this case was purely medical. A brief review of similar cases in the literature highlights the wide array of etiologies of acute pancreatitis due to ALS and reveals a broad spectrum of treatment options from medical to surgical.
The mutational and transcriptional status of RYR in CRC and its indication for prognosis.
Hu J, Peng M, Ou Q … +1 more , Zhou Y
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 May · PMID 42031610 · Publisher ↗
Aberrant calcium signaling, particularly the ryanodine receptor (RYR) signaling, is linked to cancer development. Currently, little is known about the status of RYR in colorectal cancer (CRC), and the correlation of RYR...
Aberrant calcium signaling, particularly the ryanodine receptor (RYR) signaling, is linked to cancer development. Currently, little is known about the status of RYR in colorectal cancer (CRC), and the correlation of RYR with CRC phenotypes remains unclear. We analyzed genetic alterations in RYRs using data from 587 patients with CRC in the TCGA database. Mutations were spread across RYR channels without identified hotspot mutations. RYR2 exhibited the highest mutation frequency (59%), with mutually exclusive mutations between RYR2 and RYR1/RYR3. RYR2 revealed significantly elevated transcription in CRC tissues, while RYR1 and RYR3 revealed decreased transcription. Patients with RYR mutations had higher tumor mutational burden (TMB). Stage-related differences in RYR1 and RYR2 transcription were detected. Although age was correlated with RYR1 mutation status, no significant differences in age or BMI were found between patients with low and high RYR transcription. Age, clinical stage, and tumor location were identified as prognostic factors, with age, clinical stage, and location being independent risk factors. In conclusion, RYRs exhibited variable mutational and transcriptional profiles in CRC, with RYR2 revealing unique patterns. Age, clinical stage, and tumor location represent independent risk factors in CRC with RYR mutations.
Evaluation of senna-based laxatives' candies: A cross-sectional study on constipation management.
Malik S
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 May · PMID 41968030 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal disorder, significantly imposing a substantial economic burden and impacting quality of life. The prevalence of constipation in Pakistan is 16.1...
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal disorder, significantly imposing a substantial economic burden and impacting quality of life. The prevalence of constipation in Pakistan is 16.1%, indicating increased need of management within the Pakistani population. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a herbal candy and to evaluate the awareness, practices, usage patterns, and sensory perception of laxative for constipation management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from 2024 to 2026. A total of 386 participants were selected for the study to determine the efficacy of laxative candy in relieving constipation. Approval for the study was granted by the Local Research Ethics Committee of the University. However, appropriate statistical tests were used to analyze the data collected. RESULTS: The study results revealed that 57.4 % of participants took treatment measures for constipation. For one month, 34.6 % used sennative and 59.4 % experienced constipation relief for 3-4 days. For its taste and effectiveness the product was positively rated. A total of 70 % participants found laxative candies more effective than previous treatments. However, 19.9 % participants reported side effects having abdominal pain and cramps. Whereas, 79.8 % reported the product safe. Further, the correlation analysis revealed strong associations laxatives (r = 1.000, p < 0.01), and 74.9 % were willing to recommend the product. CONCLUSION: For relieving constipation, sennative observed to be an effective and well-tolerated option. Further, research is needed to evaluate efficacy in broader populations and long-term safety.
Adding Senna alkaloid to laxative agents in bowel preparation for pediatric colonoscopy: a clinical trial study.
Mahdavi Mortazavi SM, Immanieh MH, Honar N … +3 more , Moghtaderi M, Karbasian F, Monjezi L
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 May · PMID 41866261 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Bowel preparation is a crucial step in ensuring the success of pediatric colonoscopy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding Senna alkaloid syrup to laxative agents for bowel prep...
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Bowel preparation is a crucial step in ensuring the success of pediatric colonoscopy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding Senna alkaloid syrup to laxative agents for bowel preparation in children scheduled for colonoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This double- blind controlled trial study compared two bowel preparation methods in children attending the gastrointestinal ward at Namazee Hospital, affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. The study was conducted in 2024. Eligible patients were randomized into two groups: one receiving conventional laxative agents and the other receiving conventional agents plus polyethylene glycol-3350 (PEG-3350) syrup. Efficacy was analyzed using the Aronchick Scale, alongside safety evaluations. RESULTS: A total of 64 children completed the study: 32 patients (17 girls, 15 boys) in the Senna group and 32 patients (11 girls, 21 boys) in the control group. The mean age of participants was 11.03 ± 4.60 years (range: 1 to 18 years). There was a statistically significant difference in colon cleansing between the Senna group and the conventional group based on Aronchick Scale (p < 0.001). The Senna group had no children requiring repeat bowel preparation. No side effects were reported in either group. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that incorporating Senna into routine bowel preparation protocols may improve outcomes and could become standard practice for pediatric colonoscopy. (Clinical trial number: IRCT20250426065473N1).
Chat-based Artificial Intelligence model as a source of information for Inflammatory bowel disease.
Jena A, Jain S, Chandnani S … +4 more , Singh AK, Patel ST, Rathi P, Sharma V
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 May · PMID 41846185 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence models could be a promising tool for providing scientific information to patients. The aim was to study the accuracy of the responses provided by Chat GPT (Generative Pre-trained Trans...
BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence models could be a promising tool for providing scientific information to patients. The aim was to study the accuracy of the responses provided by Chat GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer tool) to common questions related to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). METHODS: Questions about broad domains of IBD (basic knowledge, symptomatology, diagnosis, therapeutics, prevention, nutrition, emotional, and social domains) were entered as new chat options in Chat GPT twice. The responses were assessed for quality (very poor, poor, acceptable, good, or very good) and accuracy (comprehensive, correct but inadequate, mixed - correct with incorrect/outdated data, and completely incorrect). RESULTS: A total of 340 questions were included. The quality of responses in Chat GPT to overall questions in IBD was predominantly acceptable to good quality (82.4% in the first response and 78.2% in the second response). Poor quality responses constituted a minority (4.1% in the first response and 3.2% in the second response). The accuracy of responses to questions in all domains of IBD was correct but inadequate in 76.7% in the first response and 67.3% in the second response. Mixed correct with incorrect or outdated responses to questions in IBD were seen in 9.4% and 11.2% in the first responses and second responses, respectively. Each domain has variable quality and accuracy in responses. CONCLUSION: Chat GPT predominantly provided correct but inadequate answers to common questions in IBD, with good to acceptable quality answers. The model could be optimized in ducing the incorrect responses for better use.
Beyond viral elimination: the emerging epidemic of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-viral hepatitis overlap.
Mohamed R, Abdelmagid AM, Ali AM … +2 more , Kamel AM, Cordie A
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 May · PMID 41846184 · Publisher ↗
Egypt's landmark success in eliminating HCV and controlling HBV proves that large-scale, coordinated public health strategies can yield transformative results. However, the rising burden of MASLD now threatens these achi...
Egypt's landmark success in eliminating HCV and controlling HBV proves that large-scale, coordinated public health strategies can yield transformative results. However, the rising burden of MASLD now threatens these achievements. Confronting this emerging epidemic with the same urgency, innovation, and scale will be critical to safeguarding the gains of the past decade and securing the future of global liver health.
Three decades of change: schistosomiasis, hepatitis C, and the rise of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in Egypt.
El-Kassas M, Esmat G
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 Mar · PMID 41839719 · Publisher ↗
Chronic liver disease (CLD) profile in Egypt has shifted dramatically over three decades: schistosomiasis dominated through the 1980s, hepatitis C virus (HCV) became the principal cause from the 1990s-2010s, and metaboli...
Chronic liver disease (CLD) profile in Egypt has shifted dramatically over three decades: schistosomiasis dominated through the 1980s, hepatitis C virus (HCV) became the principal cause from the 1990s-2010s, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is now rising as viral hepatitis recedes. Drawing on national surveys and programmatic data, this editorial clarifies the timeline and drivers of that transition and translates them into policy. Schistosomiasis declined with praziquantel-based control, while iatrogenic transmission during mid 20th-century parenteral antischistosomal therapy fueled an unparalleled HCV epidemic; by 2008, anti-HCV prevalence reached 14.7% among adults aged 15-59 years with roughly one in ten chronically infected. Egypt established a coordinated HCV program in 2006 and, from 2014, rapidly scaled direct-acting antivirals alongside nationwide testing and standardized care pathways. In 2018-2019, the "100 Million Healthy Lives" campaign screened 57 million citizens and treated about 4 million, contributing the largest single-country share of global HCV cures and earning WHO validation of progress toward elimination. As HCV wanes, MASLD has emerged within a population carrying heavy burdens of obesity and diabetes; national screening recorded anthropometrics for around 50 million adults, with 39.84% meeting obesity criteria (women 49.51%, men 29.53%) and nearly three-quarters overweight or obese when projected to 2022 population counts. Priorities now are to consolidate HCV gains-targeted testing, micro-elimination, and post-SVR risk-stratified HCC surveillance-while building integrated primary-care MASLD pathways using simple non-invasive fibrosis triage, staged referrals, and pragmatic, equitable coverage. With its HCV-era infrastructure, Egypt is positioned to lead a standardized, regionally scalable response to MASLD.
miR-126-3p serves as a biomarker of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and modulates the molecular mechanisms of IBD through regulation of DICER1.
Geng Y, Peng J, Chen Q
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 May · PMID 41839718 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) imposes a dual burden, physiological and psychological, on patients. This study focused on miR-126-3p to explore its role in the progression of IBD and its potential clinical...
BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) imposes a dual burden, physiological and psychological, on patients. This study focused on miR-126-3p to explore its role in the progression of IBD and its potential clinical value. METHODS: Patients with IBD (including 45 ulcerative colitis [UC] and 36 Crohn's disease [CD]) and controls (50) were enrolled, and clinical data were collected. RT-qPCR was used to quantify miR-126-3p and DICER1 expression. ROC curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic value of miR-126-3p. Pearson analysis was used to evaluate the associations between miR-126-3p and inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR, TNF-α, IFN-γ) and disease activity scores. In vitro IBD models were established by treating the HT-29 cells with DSS and IEC-6 cells with LPS. Bioinformatics approaches and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-126-3p targets DICER1. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. ELISA was used to quantify inflammatory cytokines across groups. RESULTS: miR-126-3p was upregulated in UC and CD patients, and correlated with inflammatory markers and disease activity, showing strong ability to distinguish patients from healthy individuals. miR-126-3p targeted DICER1. Downregulation of miR-126-3p reduced the production of proinflammatory factors and ROS induced by DSS or LPS, while silencing DICER1 partially attenuated the protective effect of miR-126-3p inhibition. CONCLUSION: miR-126-3p is a promising biomarker for IBD diagnosis and assessment of disease activity. The miR-126-3p/DICER1 axis is involved in IBD pathophysiology, suggesting that modulating this axis may provide a therapeutic intervention for IBD.
Dropped gallstones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy revealed by perihepatic abscess.
Ayari M, Azouz SB, Rejeb SB … +1 more , Jomni T
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 Mar · PMID 41839717 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Which quadruple therapy should be prescribed as first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection? Results of a prospective study comparing concomitant and bismuth therapy.
Bahlaoui O, Darhoua S, Nadi A … +4 more , Belabbes F, Delsa H, Khannoussi W, Benelbarhdadi I
Arab J Gastroenterol · 2026 May · PMID 41839716 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a major global health concern associated with peptic ulcer disease, chronic gastritis, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, and gastric canc...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a major global health concern associated with peptic ulcer disease, chronic gastritis, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, and gastric cancer. Rising antibiotic resistance, particularly to clarithromycin and metronidazole, has reduced the efficacy of standard triple therapy, prompting guidelines to recommend quadruple regimens. This study aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, and patient adherence of concomitant quadruple therapy (QC-14) versus bismuth-based quadruple therapy (QB-10) as first-line treatments in a Moroccan population. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized study, 86 adult outpatients with H. pylori infection confirmed by active diagnostic tests (histology, 13C-urea breath test, or stool antigen test) were enrolled between January and June 2024 at two university hospitals in Casablanca, Morocco. Patients initially identified by serology were included only if infection was subsequently confirmed by an active test. Participants were randomized to receive either QC-14 (omeprazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole for 14 days) or QB-10 (omeprazole, bismuth subsalicylate, tetracycline, metronidazole for 10 days). Eradication was assessed 4-6 weeks post-treatment. Safety, adverse events, and adherence were evaluated. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Endoscopy was performed in 69.7 % of patients, revealing erythematous gastritis in 91.6 % and peptic ulcer disease in 8.3 %. Eradication rates were 79.5 % for QB-10 and 76.1 % for QC-14 (p = 0.53). Adverse events occurred in 31.8 % (QB-10) and 23.8 % (QC-14) (p = 0.776); diarrhea was more frequent in QC-14 (15 %), while discolored stools were reported only in QB-10 (18.2 %). Adherence exceeded 93 % in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both concomitant and bismuth quadruple therapies are effective, safe, and well-tolerated first-line treatments for H. pylori eradication, achieving > 75 % eradication rates. The choice of regimen may depend on local resistance patterns, cost, and patient-specific factors. Further multicenter studies with resistance profiling are warranted.
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