Alhaddad O, Elsabaawy M, Eissa M
… +3 more, Abdelhafeez R, Rewisha E, Waked I
Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40582900
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Splenic siderotic foci are scar tissue composing freckles, usually less than 1 cm. They turn reflective after further deposition of calcium. These foci are also known as Gamna-Gandy bodies and are most encountered in sev...Splenic siderotic foci are scar tissue composing freckles, usually less than 1 cm. They turn reflective after further deposition of calcium. These foci are also known as Gamna-Gandy bodies and are most encountered in severe and long-standing portal hypertensive - congestive splenomegaly. Herein, we present a case of an unusual sonographic depiction of reflective foci wholly embracing an average-sized spleen and imposing a clinical dispute.
Guo X, Lei R, Li J
… +4 more, He Q, Shang G, Lin R, Ding Z
Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40582899
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BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Solid gelatin sponge is widely used in surgery but cannot be used endoscopically. A fluid gelatin sponge (FGS) was prepared for this research. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The hemostatic effect of the...BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Solid gelatin sponge is widely used in surgery but cannot be used endoscopically. A fluid gelatin sponge (FGS) was prepared for this research. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The hemostatic effect of the FGS on gastrointestinal wound bleeding was evaluated through pig experiments. One bleeding ulcer was randomly sprayed with FGS, and the other bleeding ulcer was sprayed with normal saline. Endoscopy was performed after 2 h, 3 days, and 14 days for the evaluation of the hemostatic effect and the quality of ulcer healing. At 14 days, the central tissue of the ulcer was biopsied. In addition, FGS dynamic coagulation and gastric juice mixing experiments were performed in vitro. RESULT: The FGS group had a higher initial hemostasis success rate and shorter hemostasis time than the NC group. The rebleeding rate of ulcer was significantly higher in the NC group than that in the FGS group (75 % vs. 25 %). Fourteen days after the operation, the ulcer healing quality in the FGS group was significantly better than that in the control group. The degree of inflammation and fibrosis of ulcer tissues in the FGS group was lower, whereas microvessel density was higher. In addition, IL-6 mRNA levels in ulcerated tissues of the FGS group were not significantly different from those in the NC group and normal group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The adoption of self-made FGS under endoscopy achieved a good hemostatic effect on intestinal bleeding wounds, inhibiting rebleeding and accelerating wound healing.
El-Kassas M, Al-Naamani K, Elbadry M
… +35 more, Awad A, Tharwat M, Debzi N, Zemmouchi S, Abdulla M, Zakaria D, Esmat G, El-Karaksy H, Waked I, Shaltout I, Medhat MA, El-Shabrawi M, Abdeen N, Al-Khairalla M, Akroush MW, Alali AA, Almattooq M, Yaghi C, Tumi A, Elmehdawi R, Benazzouz M, Attia MF, Sanai F, Idlbi S, Labidi A, Houni AE, Beshyah S, Lakhdar A, Atef Z, Abdel Rahman AG, Saleh R, Al-Rifai A, Alqahtani S, Elzouki AN, Alswat K
Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 May · PMID 40379545
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Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 May · PMID 40374485
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BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The aim of this study was to explore and evaluate the clinical effect of phenobarbital combined with ursodeoxycholic acid in the treatment of neonatal cholestasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 100 inf...BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The aim of this study was to explore and evaluate the clinical effect of phenobarbital combined with ursodeoxycholic acid in the treatment of neonatal cholestasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 100 infants were divided into two groups using the random number method, with 50 cases in each group. The PB group was given routine treatment and phenobarbital, and the combination group received the same treatment as the PB group and was additionally given ursodeoxycholic acid. Observe the liver function indicators (γ-glutaminyl transferase (γ-GGT), aspartate transferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)), serum bilirubin (the total bilirubin (TBIL), and direct bilirubin (DBIL)), total effective rate and adverse reactions of the children. RESULTS: After treatment, the levels of γ-GGT, AST, ALT DBIL, and TBIL in both groups of children were reduced (P < 0.01). the jaundice index of children in the combination group was clearly reduced (P < 0.05) and was obviously lower than that of the PB group (P < 0.05). Moreover, children in the combination group had more daily defecation times than the PB group, and the time to first discharge and yellowing of meconium was shorter than that in the PB group (P < 0. 05). The total effective rate of treatment in the combination group was obviously higher than that in the PB group (94.00 % VS. 78.00 %, P < 0.05), and the average time for complete resolution of jaundice also was shorter than that in the PB group (P < 0.05). A few children develop diarrhea, which occasionally causes skin itching, rash, and other adverse reactions, but most of them are mild and will not affect the treatment effect or prognosis. CONCLUSION: Phenobarbital combined with ursodeoxycholic acid can improve the liver function of children to a greater extent in the treatment of neonatal cholestasis. It can also reduce serum bilirubin concentration, has good clinical efficacy, does not cause serious adverse reactions, and has good safety.
Elzouki AN, Elshafei MN, Elzouki I
… +5 more, Abu-Ageila M, Waheed MA, Habas E, Doi S, Danjuma MI
Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40360320
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BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of prophylactic anticoagulation on incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), bleeding events, and mortality in hospitalized cirrhotic patients. M...BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of prophylactic anticoagulation on incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), bleeding events, and mortality in hospitalized cirrhotic patients. METHODS: We utilized the following databases (EMBASE, PubMed, MedRxiv and google-scholar) to search for studies that satisfied the reviewers pre-specified inclusion criteria. The incidence of VTE, bleeding risks, and mortality were assessed using a quality effect meta-analytic model. RESULTS: From screening of 539 studies, a total of 9 studies (n = 6275 patients) satisfied inclusion criteria. Our results suggested no significant difference in the primary outcome of VTE events in both groups of cirrhotic patients who received and did not receive anticoagulation for VTE prophylaxis, (OR:0.9, 95 % CI:0.50-1.62). Similarly, there was a non-significant reduced risk of bleeding events in hospitalized cirrhotic amongst patient cohorts receiving VTE prophylaxis compared to those who did not (OR:0.51, 95 % CI:0.22-1.14). Analysis of three studies showed no significant difference in mortality in both groups (OR 1.02, 95 % CI:0.8-1.31). CONCLUSION: In a pooled examination of studies evaluating outcomes in patients exposed to VTE prophylactic anticoagulation, we found no significant difference in the burden of VTE or mortality between treated and untreated patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). The retrospective design of a plurality of studies enrolled in the review meant further prospective studies are needed to objectively ascertain the efficacy and safety of VTE prophylaxis amongst patient cohorts with CLD.
Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40360319
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BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: This study aims to examine the impact of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) gastritis, a condition that induces chronic inflammation in the body, on subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and choroi...BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: This study aims to examine the impact of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) gastritis, a condition that induces chronic inflammation in the body, on subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and choroidal vascular index (CVI) measurements. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, data were collected from 76 patients who visited the gastroenterology clinic, had their H. pylori diagnosis confirmed through gastric biopsy, and had not yet received treatment. An additional 76 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals formed the control group. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was measured using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). CVI measurements were obtained by dividing the subfoveal choroidal area in the EDI-OCT images into luminal and stromal areas using the image binarization technique. RESULTS: The mean SFCT was 359.14 ± 24.23 µm in the H. pylori-positive group and 353.62 ± 12.78 µm in the control group, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.782). Similarly, the choroidal vascular index (CVI) was 0.63 in the H. pylori group and 0.62 in the control group, with no significant difference observed (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: Results indicate that SFCT and CVI measurements do not undergo significant changes during the active phase of H. pylori infection compared to the control group.
Sayed D, Bakry R, Mikhail N
… +4 more, Faris M, Rageh F, Samir Abdelhafiz A, Ghareeb D
Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 May · PMID 40360318
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BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: South Egypt Cancer Institute (SECI) is the largest oncology university hospital in Upper Egypt. HBV and HCV are amongst the most important viral infections in cancer patients due to their impair...BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: South Egypt Cancer Institute (SECI) is the largest oncology university hospital in Upper Egypt. HBV and HCV are amongst the most important viral infections in cancer patients due to their impaired immunity. Nosocomial infection is among the most important sources of infections of these viruses. However, estimation for the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among healthcare workers (HCWs) dealing with oncology patients as well as identifying HCV genotypes have not been recently investigated. METHODS: The study consisted of a survey of HCWs in direct contact with blood as a part of their daily work. HCV/Ab, HBsAg and anti-HBc IgM were detected in 505 employees, RT-PCR was performed on HCV-positive persons. RESULTS: Prevalence was 7.5 % for HCV with marked drop in younger age group and 2.0 % for HBV. The age groups affected were mostly from 30 to < 40 for HBV and ≥ 50 years for HCV. Three-quarters of anti-HCV-positive were also positive by RT-PCR. Males had significantly more HBV infections than females. Gender didn't affect the rates of HCV infection.HCV genotyping was determined in 20 HCWs who were positive for HCV-RNA. Except for only one, all infections were HCV genotype 4. The commonest place for exposure to HCV was the pediatric inpatient wards (14.3 %), while operation rooms and adult inpatient wards were the highest exposure places for HBV (5.1 % and 2.6 %, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The marked drop in the prevalence of HCV infection, as well as the relatively lower prevalence of HBV infection among HCWs provides evidence for the effectiveness of infection control measures applied in healthcare over the past few years.
Zheng J, Tu Y, Jin H
… +3 more, Sun H, Shen G, Tong H
Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40345957
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BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been recognized as a multifactorial disease arising from precursor lesions and characterized by chronic inflammation. Therefore, the inflammatory response is one of...BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been recognized as a multifactorial disease arising from precursor lesions and characterized by chronic inflammation. Therefore, the inflammatory response is one of the critical indicators for the diagnosis of CRC. Timely and effective screening is an effective strategy to reduce the incidence and mortality of CRC. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the differences in white blood cell count (WBC) in patients with colorectal adenoma (CRA) and CRC. The second aim was to estimate the diagnostic performance of using a panel of serum tumor markers and WBC for CRC screen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a database of patients who were diagnosed with CRA and CRC. Serum tumor markers and blood routine examination data were completed before receiving any anticancer therapy. RESULTS: A total of 538 participants were enrolled, including 169 health participants, 195 patients with CRA and 174 patients with CRC. Lymphocyte counts were lower in CRC than CRA and healthy participants. Neutrophil counts were higher in CRC and CRA than healthy participants. The CEA levels were higher in CRA and CRC than healthy participants, and higher in CRC than CRA. The areas of tumor TAP were larger in CRC than CRA and healthy participants. The ferritin levels were lower in CRC than CRA and healthy participants. The 8-marker panel yielded an AUC of 0.854 higher than single marker. There is no difference in the diagnostic performance of TAP, CEA, ferritin and NLR. CONCLUSIONS: There are a lot of high sensitivity and specificity methods for CRC screening. However, most screening programs suffer from poor participation rates. Herein, our 8-marker panel is cost-effective and high-performance screen system for the detection of CRC and is crucial for enhancing the participation rates in current screening programs.
Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 May · PMID 40340195
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BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Ferroptosis and pyroptosis, two forms of cell death, are increasingly reported for their pivotal roles in cancer biology. However, the understanding of the combined ferroptosis-pyroptosis (FPto...BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Ferroptosis and pyroptosis, two forms of cell death, are increasingly reported for their pivotal roles in cancer biology. However, the understanding of the combined ferroptosis-pyroptosis (FPtosis)-related gene signature in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains limited. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive investigation of the FPtosis-related signature in CRC. Data integration from both the training and validation cohorts was performed. The FPtosis-related signature was established. We evaluated the prognostic significance of the signature through Kaplan-Meier analysis, as well as univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. Functional analyses were conducted to explore the underlying biological mechanisms. Additionally, we analyzed the correlations between the FPtosis-related signature, immune infiltration, and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) immunotherapy. RESULTS: The FPtosis-related signature demonstrated significant prognostic potential and can serve as an independent biomarker for predicting outcomes. The signature showed correlations with advanced tumor stage, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. Subgroup analyses revealed the valuable predictive role of the FPtosis-related signature in predicting survival across different clinical subgroups, including age, gender, tumor stage, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis status, and distant metastasis status. Moreover, the signature exhibited positive associations with inflammation and the infiltration of diverse immune cells, such as neutrophils, M0 and M2 macrophages, and regulatory T cells (Tregs). In microsatellite instable (MSI) CRC, the expression of most ICB genes was higher in the high-FPtosis group compared to the low-FPtosis group. CONCLUSION: The FPtosis signature can effectively predict the prognosis of CRC and had the potential to improve the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40340194
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BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of celiac patients, their predisposition to depression, and possible related factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was p...BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of celiac patients, their predisposition to depression, and possible related factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was planned as a case-control study and conducted between May 2023 and August 2023 at Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul. The study included 81 patients with celiac disease (CD) aged 18-65 years who were followed up at the Gastroenterology outpatient clinic and 79 healthy controls who were admitted to the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic. Participants were administered the Celiac Disease Questionnaire (CDQ), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 24 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). RESULTS: The study was conducted with 160 participants, of whom 73.8 % (n = 118) were female and 26.3 % (n = 42) were male. Age and gender distributions were similar. The celiac group had significantly lower scores of the WHOQOL-BREF "Overall Health" subscale compared to healthy controls (p = 0.004, Cohen's d = 0.46). However, no significant differences were observed in other WHOQOL-BREF subscales or depression levels (p > 0.05). In the celiac group, higher education levels (undergraduate and postgraduate) were associated with better QoL scores (η = 0.11, p = 0.015), while lower education was linked to higher depression scores (p = 0.019). A strong negative correlation was found between CDQ scores and BDI scores (r = -0.529, p = 0.001), indicating that higher depression levels were associated with lower QoL.When controlled for confounding variables, gender and CD turned out to be independently related to overall health subscale scores. CONCLUSION: In patients with CD, both the QoL scale CDQ and the WHOQOL-BREF scores were found to be ahead of the curve in our study. It was also observed that the WHOQOL-BREF scale "overall health" subscale score was lower in celiac patients, while other sub-parameters and depressive symptoms were comparable to healthy individuals The lower "Overall Health" subscale scores highlight the need for targeted interventions.
Zhang Q, Chen L, Liu J
… +3 more, Chen W, Zhou M, Chen C
Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40335377
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BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) combined with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) has been increasingly used to remove large common bile duct (CBD) stones. However, the clinical...BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) combined with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) has been increasingly used to remove large common bile duct (CBD) stones. However, the clinical outcomes of stone extraction have rarely been investigated in regard to the size of the balloon. The aim of this study was to assess the short- and long-term outcomes of 12- and 15-mm EPLBD with a limited EST for large CBD stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients without prior endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) who received 12- or 15-mm EPLBD in combination with a limited EST for large CBD stones at our center between January 2013 and December 2020 were recruited. Matched pairs with 12- and 15-mm EPLBD were generated. RESULTS: A total of 161 patients were included, with 50 patients successfully matched in each group. The total procedure time (36.8 min vs. 47.3 min, p = 0.003) and the tone removal time (30.5 min vs. 39.2 min, p = 0.008) were significantly lower in the matched 15-mm EPLBD group, while the initial and overall stone removal success rates were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). The matched 15-mm EPLBD group had a lower incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) compared to the matched 12-mm EPLBD group (2.0 % vs. 16.0 %, p = 0.031). The cumulative long-term biliary complications were not statistically different between the two groups (log-rank test p = 0.612). CONCLUSION: 15-mm EPLBD combined with a limited EST shortened the procedure time and reduced the incidence of PEP without increasing long-term biliary complications compared to 12-mm EPLBD combined with a limited EST.
Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 May · PMID 40335376
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BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: This study developed a novel nomogram to predict the incidence of coronary atherosclerosis (CA) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and evaluated its predictive value. PATIE...BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: This study developed a novel nomogram to predict the incidence of coronary atherosclerosis (CA) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and evaluated its predictive value. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 13,658 patients with GERD from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database were analyzed. The patients were randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 9,560) and a validation cohort (n = 4,098) at a 7:3 ratio. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses were performed to identify associated risk variables. Then a nomogram was developed to predict the rate of CA in patients with GERD. The model's performance was evaluated using the concordance index, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis. RESULTS: LASSO regression identified nine potential predictors of CA. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate these predictors and establish the final model. The concordance index was 0.750. The areas under the curve for the training and validation cohorts were 0.7500 and 0.7297, respectively. CONCLUSION: Age, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, sodium, bicarbonate, creatinine, and chloride were identified as predictors of CA. The developed nomogram provides a reliable and convenient tool for predicting CA in patients with GERD.
Abdel Alem S, Abdellatif Z, Mohamed R
… +4 more, Elsharkawy A, Fouad R, Esmat G, Cordie A
Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 May · PMID 40335375
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BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: HIV alone can induce liver fibrosis whereas co-infection with HCV presents a significant challenge in hastening the development of chronic liver disorders such a liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and...BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: HIV alone can induce liver fibrosis whereas co-infection with HCV presents a significant challenge in hastening the development of chronic liver disorders such a liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatic malignancy. Information on the influence of HIV on liver stiffness (LS) after treatment with direct-acting antiviral (DAAs) agents is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in LS using transient elastography (TE) and fibrosis scores (Fibrosis-4 [FIB-4] and AST-to-platelet ratio index [APRI]) before the initiation of treatment and six months after the end of treatment (EOT) with DAAs in HCV/HIV co-infected patients compared with HCV mono-infected patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All consecutive chronic HCV patients treated with DAAs during 2016-2020 were retrospectively recruited. TE was performed at baseline and SVR24. Fibrosis scores such as FIB-4 and APRI were calculated in parallel. Improvement of liver fibrosis was defined as any changes in the fibrosis category at baseline to a lower fibrosis category at SVR24. RESULTS: Of 288 HCV-infected patients, 217 (75.3 %) were HCV mono-infected and 71 (24.7 %) were HCV/HIV co-infected. A significant decrease in TE values was noted at SVR24 compared with baseline (10.3 kPa vs. 7.9 kPa, respectively; P= <0.0001 in HCV mono-infection; 5.9 kPa vs. 5.3 kPa, respectively; P= <0.0001 in HCV/HIV co-infection). Moreover, the proportion of HCV mono-infected patients who had stable, improvement, and worsening in fibrosis stage at follow-up was 50.2 %, 43.3 %, and 6.5 %, respectively while it was 54.9 %, 32.4 %, and 12.7 %, respectively in HCV/HIV co-infection. In multivariable analysis, the higher fibrosis category was the only factor that influenced the improvement of liver fibrosis at follow-up, whereas HIV co-infection wasn't confirmed. CONCLUSION: patients with HCV mono-infection and HCV/HIV co-infection experienced a rapid and significant improvement in LS and fibrosis indices. This improvement was more pronounced in those with high fibrosis grades at baseline.
Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 May · PMID 40335374
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BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Esophageal variceal bleeding is affected by various risk factors. We hypothesized that increased exposure to gastric acid in patients with abnormal gastroesophageal flap valve (GEFV) might incr...BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Esophageal variceal bleeding is affected by various risk factors. We hypothesized that increased exposure to gastric acid in patients with abnormal gastroesophageal flap valve (GEFV) might increase esophageal variceal bleeding. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between GEFV and esophageal variceal bleeding episodes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 300 consecutive patients with esophageal varices and a documented GEFV during esophagogastroduodenoscopy were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to: the Hill's grade of flap valve (grade 1,2- normal and grade 3,4- abnormal), size of varices - large (>5 mm) and small (<5 mm) and the number of bleeding episodes into: Group A with ≤ 1 and Group B with ≥ 2 bleeding episodes. We compared GEFV and various other factors to the number of variceal bleeding episodes. RESULTS: 224 patients (74.60 %) had a normal and 76 (25.40 %) had an abnormal GEFV. Clinical variables were statistically significant in the abnormal GEFV group (P < 0.0.5). Propensity score matching was done to reduce the significant differences in the clinical background at baseline between the 2 groups. 152 patients (76 in each group) were analysed after propensity score matching. A significant difference between the two groups disappeared except for number of bleeding episodes. Binary logistic Cox regression analysis was applied using the clinical variables to assess their role in predicting recurrent variceal bleeding. On univariate analysis, abnormal GEFV and large varices were significantly associated with recurrent esophageal variceal bleed (P = 0.001). On Multivariate analysis, abnormal GEFV (OR 7.25, 95 % CI 3.27- 16.08, P = 0.001), History of EVL (OR 6.21, 95 % CI 1.98- 12.22, P = 0.03) and large varices (OR 5.70, 95 % CI 2.45- 13.20, P = 0.001) were independent predictors for recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding. CONCLUSION: Abnormal GEFV, History of EVL and large varices are independent risk factors for recurrent esophageal variceal haemorrhage.
Gao S, Zhang W, Gao X
… +8 more, Ye B, Hu W, Yang H, Chai H, Yang J, Tang Q, Zhao G, Zhu J
Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40328565
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BACKGROUND: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and hepatocyte injury contribute to liver fibrosis progression and subsequent cirrhosis. Literature showed that cinnamaldehyde (CA) could alleviate fibrosis procession...BACKGROUND: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and hepatocyte injury contribute to liver fibrosis progression and subsequent cirrhosis. Literature showed that cinnamaldehyde (CA) could alleviate fibrosis procession and steatosis. However, its specific role in liver fibrosis remains largely unexplored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced in vivo, and CA was administered for 4 weeks. Liver inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis, and proliferation were evaluated using histological, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. CYP2A6 and Notch3 expression levels were also measured. In vitro, TGF-β stimulated LX2 cell activation was used, and siCYP2A6 was employed to evaluate the anti-fibrosis mechanism of CA. RESULTS: CA effectively improved liver function and reduced fibrosis in CCL4-treated rats, significantly decreasing serum ALT, AST, GGT, TBIL, and HAase levels (all p < 0.05), with a notable increase in ALB in the high-dose group. Histologically, CA reduced hepatic disorganization and collagen proliferation, significantly diminishing fibrotic areas in the CA-H group (p < 0.05). CA also downregulated α-SMA and collagen I expression, and suppressed TGF-β activity. In TGF-β1-stimulated LX2 cells, CA treatment led to significant reductions in CYP2A6 and Notch3 expression (p < 0.05), highlighting its regulatory effects on key fibrotic pathways. CONCLUSIONS: CA alleviated CCL-induced liver fibrosis with inhibition of HSCs activation and liver inflammation and reduced hepatocyte apoptosis, potentially linked to the HSCs-mediated CYP2A6/Notch3 modulation.
Ouyang D, Li H, Luo K
… +3 more, Huang M, Yan S, Zhou L
Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 May · PMID 40328564
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BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) have been used as drug delivery vehicles for the treatment of gastric cancer. This study aimed to explore the effects of doxorubicin-loaded exo...BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) have been used as drug delivery vehicles for the treatment of gastric cancer. This study aimed to explore the effects of doxorubicin-loaded exosomes (Exo-Dox) combined with the long noncoding RNA PVT1 on gastric cancer (GC) development. MATERIAL AND METHODS: CCK-8 and immunohistochemistry were used to assess cell proliferation. The morphology and size of the exosomes and Exo-Dox were determined. The distribution of free Exos and Exo-Dox in cells was observed under a fluorescence microscope. Cell migration and invasive ability were assessed using wound healing and Transwell assays. In addition, the protective effects of Exo-Dox were confirmed in a xenograft tumor model. RESULTS: Exosomes were successfully isolated from MSCs and identified. The size of Exo-Dox was greater than that of free Exos. The acidic environment promoted the release of doxorubicin, and exosomes promoted the cellular uptake of doxorubicin. Compared with doxorubicin alone, Exo-Dox exhibited better antitumor effects on gastric cancer, inhibiting the growth, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Additionally, combined therapy of Exo-Dox with si-PVT1 clearly suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasive ability of gastric cancer cells. Exo-Dox combined with si-PVT1 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in a xenograft model. CONCLUSION: Doxorubicin-loaded exosomes combined with si-PVT1 suppressed the progression of GC.
Arab J Gastroenterol
· 2025 May · PMID 40328563
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BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal mucosa, represented by Crohn's di...BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal mucosa, represented by Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the Ring Finger Protein 186 (RNF186) rs3806308 variant and IBD, as well as to determine whether zonulin levels are associated with IBD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-nine patients with inflammatory bowel disease were included in the study. The real-time PCR method was used to detect RNF186 gene polymorphism. Also serum zonulin levels were determined by using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. RESULTS: No difference was found between the groups in terms of RNF186 genotype and allele distributions (p > 0.05). CC genotype was associated with high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in total patients and CD compared to CT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study is the first study conducted in our country in terms of examining RNF 186 gene polymorphism and serum zonulin levels.