Gastroenterology Insights

Introduction. Biliary obstruction is a common manifestation of biliopancreatic malignancies, and its relief is an essential part of the treatment algorithm. Currently, there are three techniques to manage malignant biliary obstruction—endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD), and endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD). ERCP has been adopted as a first-line treatment modality but EUS-BD is gradually emerging as a viable alternative. The aim of the current article is to assess the clinical outcomes of the three nonsurgical biliary drainage procedures. Materials and methods. A total of 102 consecutive patients with unresectable biliopancreatic malignancy inducing biliary obstruction and subjected to palliative treatment by means of ERCP, EUS-BD, or PTBD were retrospectively included in the study. Results. No difference in clinical and technical success of the procedures was found: ERCP—97.2% technical; 88.9% clinical; PTBD—94.4% technical, 72.2% clinical; EUS-BD—90% technical; 83.3% clinical. Adverse events (AEs) and reinterventions were significantly more common in PTBD (38.9% and 52.8%) and ERCP (27.9% and 25%) compared to EUS-BD (10% and 3.3%). Total duration of hospital stay and number of hospitalizations were lower in the EUS-BD compared to PTBD and ERCP groups. Conclusions. In the presence of adequate expertise, EUS-BD may be superior to PTBD and ERCP in achieving and sustaining biliary drainage in the setting of unresectable malignancy. Full article

Apelin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases through mechanisms related to endothelial cells dysfunction. There is evidence of increased apelin levels in mesenteric adipose tissue and colonic epithelium in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but their significance remains unclear. We aimed to measure serum apelin (SA) levels in patients with IBD and to evaluate an association with disease characteristics. SA levels of 104 IBD patients and age and sex matched healthy controls (HCs) in a 1:1 ratio were compared. SA-13 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mean SA levels were increased in IBD patients compared to HCs (1996.29 ± 1592.96 pg/mL vs. 1552.99 ± 809.64 pg/mL, p = 0.012). Both patients without and with cardiovascular disease (CVD) had increased SA levels (2076.44 ± 1714.74 pg/mL vs. 1525.75 ± 818.74 pg/mL, p = 0.011 and 1743.01 ± 1116.26 pg/mL vs. 1283.92 ± 726.85 pg/mL, p = 0.035, respectively). An inverse association between mean SA levels and a history of musculoskeletal extraintestinal manifestations in the subgroup of IBD patients without CVD was found (p = 0.043). The present study—the first to evaluate SA levels in patients with IBD—showed that IBD patients have higher levels of SA compared to HCs. The potential role of SA in IBD merits further investigation in larger studies. Full article

Granular cell tumors (GCTs), also known as Abrikossoff tumors, are rare tumors that originate from Schwann cells that primarily localize in the tongue, skin and submucosal tissues and involve the gastrointestinal tract in 11% of cases. We present a case of a young woman who first presented to our center in 2018 for an EGDS to assess a thickening of the esophageal wall, seen on a CT. On that occasion, a diagnosis of Abrikossoff tumor was made. She underwent endoscopic resection with subsequent yearly follow-up without evidence of recurrence. Five years later, during a routine colonoscopy, we found numerous white submucosal formations in all of the explored tracts, with a histological examination compatible with GCTs. Her daughter presented with a white nodule on her tongue, also diagnosed as a GCT. Her daughter was also diagnosed with a GCT of the tongue a few months later. Our research represents a significant contribution to the field given that it presents the first documented case of a patient with multifocal gastrointestinal GCTs and suggests a potential hereditary component. Full article

Background: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is the mildest form of hepatic encephalopathy. One of the neuropsychological tests that detects MHE is the Stroop test (via EncephalApp). The aim was to evaluate the Stroop test for the screening and diagnosis of MHE. Methods: This prospective case–control study was performed at the Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, and included patients with cirrhosis and MHE and healthy controls. In all patients, the presence of MHE was confirmed using the animal naming test. The Stroop test was performed on each participant, and the results were compared between the two groups. The test has two components, the “OFF” and “ON” states. Results: A total of 111 participants were included. The median OFF time did not differ between the two groups, 106.3 and 91.4, p > 0.05. However, in patients with MHE, the median values of ON time and total time were significantly higher, with 122.3 vs. 105.3 and 228.0 vs. 195.6, respectively, p < 0.05. Statistical significance between patients and controls in examined parameters was detected in younger participants and the group with higher educational levels. Conclusions: The Stroop test displayed limited sensitivity in Serbian patients. Age and education affect time measurements and test performance. Full article

Microorganisms are ubiquitous and have been exploited for centuries to generate primary and secondary metabolites essential for human welfare and environmental sustainability. Microorganisms occupy a prominent position in the industrial sector due to their unique properties, such as the limited time and space required for their growth and proliferation, as well as their easy manipulation of the genetic material. Among all the microorganisms, probiotics have grabbed the attention of researchers because of their nonpathogenic nature and immersive application in treating digestive ailments and vitamin deficiency, boosting immunity, and detoxifying harmful chemicals. Furthermore, probiotics are widely used to treat various diseases such as constipation, colon cancer, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity, as well as a range of intestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, among others. The updated information on these diseases and the role of probiotics has not been updated in the past few years. The present review covers updated information on the role of probiotics in these topics. The growth of populations around the globe has attracted the attention of scientists, primarily investigating diverse technologies to meet the gap between probiotic production and demand. With the support of standardized tools and techniques, researchers have explored the potent probiotic strains feasible for industrial production and treating health ailments. In the current review, we have curated the potential information essential for the screening, strain selection, production, and application necessary for probiotic researchers. Full article

Colonic lipomas are relatively rare benign tumors which are composed of mature fat cells and occur most frequently in the large intestine. The occurrence of colonic lipomas in the transverse colon is relatively uncommon. Generally, colonic lipomas are asymptomatic, and many individuals might not experience any noticeable symptoms. Therefore, they are usually discovered incidentally during colonoscopy or as a result of diagnostic imaging prescribed for other reasons. The size and location of the lipoma could influence the clinical presentation. If symptoms occur, they include abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or gastrointestinal bleeding. The prognosis for colonic lipomas is generally excellent but it requires an individualized approach based on the specific characteristics of the tumor, the patient’s symptoms, and other clinical considerations. We report a case of a colonic intussusception caused by a colonic lipoma in an adult who underwent surgery, with an uneventful recovery. Full article

Amidst the obesity and type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) epidemics, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) stand out as a promising therapeutic ally, achieving notable success in glycemic control and weight management. While GLP-1RAs’ positive clinical outcomes are commendable, they introduce significant gastrointestinal (GI) challenges, emphasizing the pivotal role of gastroenterologists in understanding and managing these implications. Physicians should be vigilant of potential complications if endoscopy is indicated and considered. A protocol coined “The Three E’s: Education, Escalation, and Effective Management” is essential as the first defense against GLP-1RA-induced dyspepsia, necessitating routine GI consultations. Awareness and intervention of potential aspiration due to GLP-1RA-induced gastroparesis are vital in clinical management. Furthermore, the evolving recognition of GLP-1RAs’ beneficial effects on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) suggests gastroenterologists will increasingly prescribe them. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of pharmacological properties and potential GI complications, including the undetermined cancer risk landscape, becomes paramount. This review accentuates the nuances of GLP-1RA therapy from a gastroenterological lens, juxtaposing the therapeutic potential, manageable side effects, and circumstantial challenges, ensuring that GI specialists remain at the forefront of holistic care in obesity and T2DM management. Full article

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the serum zonulin and the cellular immunity in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). The study included 97 patients, 13 (13.4%) patients with CD and 84 (86.6%) patients with UC. The concentration of zonulin in the serum was studied using the ELISA kits. The investigation of the circulated leukocyte subpopulation was carried out through flow cytometry. The functional activity of the circulating neutrophils was studied using the absorption capacity of the monodisperse polystyrene latex particles and indicators of oxygen-dependent metabolism in the nitroblue tetrazolium test. The serum zonulin concentration in CD patients was significantly higher compared with UC patients (p = 0.003). The zonulin concentration directly correlated with the functional activity of the circulating neutrophils. Patients with a zonulin concentration > 472.4 pg/mL had a significantly higher number of band neutrophils (p = 0.0104), CD3+CD8+ cells (p = 0.0212), NK cells (p = 0.0161), and lower–CD19+ cells (p = 0.0034). Among the IBD patients, zonulin was associated with IBD severity. An increase in the serum concentration of zonulin was associated with an increase in the functional activity of circulating neutrophils and an increase in the number of CD3+CD8+ cells, NK cells, and a decrease in the number of CD19+ cells. Full article

Introduction: Infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) occur more frequently after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) compared to other abdominal surgeries, and infective complications represent a major determinant of postoperative morbidity following PD. Preoperative biliary stent (PBS) placement often leads to biliary contamination, which plays a significant role in postoperative infections. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of MDR contamination on short-term postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing PD and to evaluate the relationship between MDR bacteria, PBS, and bile contamination. Methods: This is a retrospective study based on a prospectively maintained database including 825 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomies (PDs). All procedures were performed by experienced pancreatic surgeons at a high-volume center and the patients were managed according to the same perioperative enhanced recovery protocol. Results: MDR bacteria were present in 17.5% of bile cultures, exclusively within the stented group. At the multivariate analysis, the development of major postoperative complications (MPC) was correlated with the presence of MDR bacteria in the bile (OR 1.66, 95% CI: 1.1–2.52; p = 0.02). MDR bacteria were detected early in the surgical drainage in 144 out of 825 patients (12.1%), with 72.2% having a previous biliary stent placement and 27.8% without stents (p < 0.001). Moreover, the development of an MPC was associated with the presence of MDR bacteria in the drainage (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.21–2.73, p = 0.0042). Conclusions: We demonstrated that MDR contamination worsens the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing PDs. Specifically, when MDR bacteria are present in both the bile and drainage, there is a statistically significant increase in the incidence of major postoperative complications (MPC). Our data suggest that the majority of MDR surgical site infections stem from biliary contamination resulting from the placement of a preoperative biliary stent (PBS). Full article

Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC) stands as a rare genetic contributor to cholestasis, aligning itself within the spectrum of inherited intrahepatic cholestasis syndromes, such as progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Manifesting in infancy or early adulthood, BRIC is marked by recurrent episodes of jaundice accompanied by intense pruritus, enduring from weeks to years across the lifespan. Normal gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels are a characteristic laboratory finding. Initially considered unlikely to progress to chronic liver disease or cirrhosis, some reports suggest BRIC may evolve into a continuous and progressive form of cholestasis. Moreover, these recurrent cholestatic episodes significantly impact quality of life, and certain mutations elevate the risk of hepatobiliary malignancy. Between episodes, histological findings of centrilobular cholestasis and abnormal laboratory parameters revert to normal, potentially obviating the need for liver biopsy. This review focuses on the genetic aspects of BRIC, its pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and prognosis. Additionally, it outlines triggering factors and available treatment options. Full article

Since linked color imaging (LCI) has been reported to increase the color differences in Barrett’s esophageal adenocarcinoma (BA) compared to white light imaging (WLI), a comparison of the visibility scores of various imaging techniques for BA is warranted to determine best practice standards. This study is to clarify the role of LCI, blue light imaging (BLI), and WLI in the evaluation of BA. A group of 19 endoscopists, comprised of 6 experts and 13 trainees, evaluated the visibility of WLI, BLI, and LCI images in 21 superficial BA cases. Visibility scores were compared between WLI, BLI, and LCI. Visibility scores were also evaluated for lesion morphology, background Barrett’s mucosa, and circumferential location. The visibility scores of experts and trainees were analyzed for comparison. The visibility scores of LCI and BLI were 3.83 and 3.31, respectively, compared to three points for WLI. The visibility of LCI was better than that of WLI regardless of lesion morphology, color, background Barrett’s mucosa, and circumferential location. The LCI improved visibility in BA more than the WLI for both experts and trainees. LCI improved the visibility of BA independent of lesion morphology, color, background Barrett’s mucosa, circumferential location, and the endoscopist’s experience. Full article

Multiple gastric polyps are observed in various polyposis syndromes and conditions associated with polypoid lesion development in the stomach. Polyposis syndromes often occur concurrently with specific malignant tumors and can manifest at any point in an individual’s lifespan, thus explaining the diversity in surveillance methods. Furthermore, genetic counseling and surveillance are essential not only for the patients themselves but also for their blood relatives. Therefore, the accurate diagnosis and appropriate surveillance of multiple gastric polyps are crucial for improving patient outcomes. This review aims to provide essential information on such lesions along with representative endoscopic images of familial adenomatous polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Cowden syndrome, Cronkhite-Canada syndrome, juvenile polyposis syndrome, gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach, neuroendocrine tumors in autoimmune gastritis, proton pump inhibitor-related gastric mucosal changes, and multiple submucosal heterotopic glands. We wish for this review to serve as a valuable resource for endoscopists seeking to deepen their comprehension of gastric polyposis. Full article

This study aims to investigate the long-term prognostic utility of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) KRAS mutations in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and compare this with KRAS mutations in matched tissue samples. Tumour tissue (n = 107) and ctDNA (n = 80) were obtained from patients undergoing CRC resection and were analysed for KRAS mutations. The associations between KRAS mutation and overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analysed. All outcomes were measured in years (y). A total of 28.8% of patients had KRAS mutations in ctDNA and 72.9% in tumour tissue DNA. The high frequency of KRAS mutations in tissue samples was due to 51.4% of these being a detectable low mutation allele frequency (<10% MAF). Comparing KRAS mutant (KRASmut) to KRAS wild-type (KRASwt) in ctDNA, there was no association found with OS (mean 4.67 y vs. 4.34 y, p = 0.832), CSS (mean 4.72 y vs. 4.49 y, p = 0.747), or RFS (mean 3.89 y vs. 4.26 y, p = 0.616). Similarly, comparing KRASmut to KRASwt in tissue DNA there was no association found with OS (mean 4.23 y vs. 4.61 y, p = 0.193), CSS (mean 4.41 y vs. 4.71 y, p = 0.312), or RFS (mean 4.16 y vs. 4.41 y, p = 0.443). There was no significant association found between KRAS mutations in either tissue or ctDNA and OS, CSS, or RFS. Full article

(1) Background: The current study examined the correlations between platelet count (PC), spleen diameter (SD), and their ratio to establish a non-invasive technique for predicting the presence of oesophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. (2) Methods: The current study was an observational study conducted in the Gastroenterology Department at IMS and SUM Hospital from November 2019 to November 2021. Consecutive cirrhotic patients without a history of gastrointestinal bleeding were enrolled in the study, and the esophageal varices were assessed. The patients underwent the necessary tests, including upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, liver function testing, abdominal ultrasonography, and full hemograms. All these parameters were analyzed statistically through SPSS version 23, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. (3) Results: There were significant differences between cases with and without esophageal varices in the following parameters: PC, SD and their ratio, hemoglobin, and ALT level. The PC/SD ratio of ≤ 1400 was associated with a sensitivity of 90.9%, specificity of 80.8%, and a positive predictive value of 82.56% in predicting the presence of oesophageal varices, as per receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis in our study. (4) Conclusions: Esophageal varices can be predicted non-invasively using the platelet count, spleen diameter, and PC/SD ratio. Full article

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The 5-year survival rate for liver cancer in the US has improved from 3% four decades ago to 20% now. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the treatment of choice for stage B/intermediate-stage HCC. Complications of TACE include hepatic encephalopathy, liver failure, post-embolization syndrome, duodenal ulcers, liver abscesses, acute cholecystitis, and injury to the biliary tract. This study evaluates the 30-day readmission rate and predictors of readmission among patients with HCC undergoing TACE. Methods: The 2016–2018 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) database, which includes the National Readmission Database (NRD), was used. All adult patients with HCC who underwent TACE were identified using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). The rate of 30-day readmissions after TACE and the associated diagnoses were identified. Logistic regression was used to obtain adjusted odds ratios for variables associated with 30-day readmission. Results: A total of 566 patients underwent TACE between 2016–2018. Sixty-five patients were excluded due to death and unavailability of 30-day readmission data. The procedure was performed in large (80.4%), metro-teaching hospitals (94.5%). Mean patient age was 65.1 ± 9.9 years, and 74% of patients were male. Among the 501 patients, 81 (16.2%) were readmitted within 30 days. The mean age for readmitted patients was 63.2 ± 11.0 and 69.1% were male. The mean length of stay at readmission was 5.5 ± 7.3 days. A total of 7.4% of patients had neurological disorders, 17.3% had weight loss, 30.9% had fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and 21.0% had hepatic encephalopathy. The most common primary diagnoses at 30-day readmission were liver cell carcinoma, sepsis, and liver failure. Univariate analysis for variables associated with 30-day readmission included hepatic encephalopathy (OR 3.45; 95% CI 1.8–6.62; p = 0.0002), underlying neurological disorders (OR 3.28; 95% CI 1.16–9.3; p = 0.03), weight loss (OR 2.82; 95% CI 1.42–5.61; p = 0.003), and Medicaid status (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.05–2.88; p = 0.03). Multivariable analysis showed hepatic encephalopathy (OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.4, 6.04; p = 0.04) and weight loss (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.13–4.96; p = 0.02) were associated with hospital readmission. Conclusions: Weight loss and hepatic encephalopathy were predictors for 30-day readmission after a TACE procedure for HCC. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) belongs to a group of autoimmune conditions characterized by chronic inflammation and mucosal ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract. The etiology of IBD is complex. The etiological factors include environmental factors, among which diet is important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diet of IBD patients. This case–control study was carried out on 82 patients with IBD; the control group consisted of 80 clinically healthy subjects. Food intake was assessed using a 24 h recall and frequency food questionnaire. Energy intake in the IBD group was insufficient and significantly lower than in the control group. The energy intake in the group of patients with active IBD was significantly lower than in the group of subjects in remission. The total fat and protein intake was significantly lower in the IBD group compared to the healthy subjects. IBD patients were characterized by underconsumption of all food groups analyzed, except for the intake of red meat and poultry. Our study showed inadequate intake of energy and most nutrients in IBD patients, even during the remission period. The study indicates the need for routine assessment of dietary intake and nutrition among IBD patients, as well as potential dietary interventions aimed at improving the energy and nutritional quality of diet in order to optimize treatment outcomes and prevent the development of accompanying diseases. Full article

Gallbladder diseases are very common, and their diagnosis is based on clinical–laboratory evaluation and imaging techniques. Considering the different imaging diagnostic tools, ultrasound (US) has the advantage of high accuracy combined with easy availability. Therefore, when a gallbladder disease is suspected, US can readily assist the clinician in the medical office or the emergency department. The high performance of US in the diagnosis of gallbladder diseases is mainly related to its anatomic location. The most frequent gallbladder pathological condition is gallstones disease, easily diagnosed via US examination. Acute cholecystitis (AC), a possible complication of gallstone disease, can be readily recognized due to its specific sonographic features. Additionally, a number of benign, borderline or malignant gallbladder lesions may be detected via US evaluation. The combined use of standard B-mode US and additional sonographic techniques, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), may provide a more detailed study of gallbladder lesions. Multiparametric US (combination of multiple sonographic tools) can improve the diagnostic yield during gallbladder examination. Full article

Gastritis is an inflammatory process in the gastric mucosa and submucosa caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). The infection modulates immune components, such as interleukin (IL) 17, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and pepsinogen. This study aimed to determine the relationship between IL-17, hsCRP and pepsinogen in H. pylori infected gastritis. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou General Hospital Manado from May-July 2022. Measurement of blood sample levels of IL-17, hsCRP, pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II and pepsinogen I/II ratio. Spearman’s statistical test was used to determine correlations between these variables. This study involved 48 patients aged 21–64, with a majority of females (67%). IL-7 had a positive correlation with pepsinogen I (r = 0.292; p = 0.044) and pepsinogen II (r = 0.288; p = 0.047) in H. pylori infected gastritis. Meanwhile, IL-17 with pepsinogen I/II ratio, hsCRP with pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II, pepsinogen I/II ratio and IL-17 with hsCRP did not show a significant correlation (p > 0.05). There was a correlation between IL 17 to pepsinogen I and pepsinogen II in gastritis infected with H. pylori, suggesting the importance of these early markers of inflammation in determining the severity of gastric mucosal inflammation in pylori-infected patients. Full article

Background: Development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with high alcohol intake is modulated by genetic predispositions. Genetic variation in angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1) has been described as a risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Asian patients. Methods: We analysed Caucasian patients with alcohol–associated cirrhosis without (n = 238) and with (n = 339) HCC, healthy controls (n = 200), and HCV–infected cirrhotic patients with and without HCC (n = 263) for association with the polymorphisms rs3772622 and rs2276736 in AGTR1. Results: Rs2276736 in AGTR1 was associated with both low–density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and hepatic steatosis in patients with alcohol–associated liver disease. The distribution of genotypes for both rs3772622 and rs2276736 in AGTR1 were comparable between controls, cirrhosis patients, and those with HCC. Minor allele frequencies were 32% (44%) in healthy controls, 35%/34% (46%/45%) in alcohol–associated liver disease without/with HCC and 31%/38% (43%/39%) in HCV cirrhosis and HCV HCC, respectively. The genotype of the most important genetic risk factor for fatty liver disease, PNPLA3 I148M, did not interact with the AGTR1 polymorphisms. Conclusion: Genetic variation in AGTR1, although associated with blood lipid levels and hepatic steatosis, is not a risk factor for alcohol–associated cirrhosis or HCC in Caucasians. Full article