Gut microbiome in alcohol use disorder:Implications for health outcomes and therapeutic strategies-a literature review

Alcohol use disorder(AUD)represents a major public health issue which affects millions of people globally and consist a chronic relapsing condition associated with substantial morbidity and mortality.The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and has emerged as a significant contributor to the pathophysiology of various psychiatric disorders.Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiome is intimately linked to the development and progression of AUD,with alcohol consumption directly impacting its composition and function.This review article aims to explore the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and AUD,focusing on the implications for mental health outcomes and potential therapeutic strategies.We discuss the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the brain,highlighting the role of microbiotaderived metabolites in neuroinflammation,neurotransmission,and mood regulation.Furthermore,we examine the influence of AUD-related factors,such as alcohol-induced gut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability,on mental health outcomes.Finally,we explore emerging therapeutic avenues targeting the gut microbiome in the management of AUD,including prebiotics,probiotics,and fecal microbiota transplantation.Understanding the complex interplay between the gut microbiome and AUD holds promise for developing novel interventions that could improve mental health outcomes in individuals with AUD.

Risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease and analysis of genetic contributors

Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder with an increasing prevalence. GERD develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome typical and atypical symptoms and/or complications. Several risk factors of GERD have been identified and evaluated over the years, including a considerable amount of genetic factors. Multiple mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of GERD including:(1) motor abnormalities, such as impaired lower esophageal sphincter(LES) resting tone, transient LES relaxations, impaired esophageal acid clearance and delayed gastric emptying; and(2) anatomical factors, such as hiatal hernia and obesity. Genetic contribution seems to play a major role in GERD and GERD-related disorders development such Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Twin and family studies have revealed an about 31% heritability of the disease. Numerous single-nucleotide polymorphisms in various genes like FOXF1, MHC, CCND1, anti-inflammatory cytokine and DNA repair genes have been strongly associated with increased GERD risk. GERD, Barrett'sesophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma share several genetic loci. Despite GERD polygenic basis,specific genetic loci such as rs10419226 on chromosome 19, rs2687201 on chromosome 3, rs10852151 on chromosome 15 and rs520525 on the paired related homeobox 1 gene have been mentioned as potential risk factors. Further investigation on the risk genes may elucidate their exact function and role and demonstrate new therapeutic approaches to this increasingly common disease.

Influence of environmental factors in the development of inflammatory bowel diseases

Idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD), Crohn's disease(CD) and ulcerative colitis(UC), are multifactorial diseases that are manifested after disruption of a genetic predisposed individual and its intestinal microflora through an environmental stimulus. Urbanization and industrialization are associated with IBD. Epidemiological data, clinical observations and family/immigrants studies indicate the significance of environmental influence in the development of IBD. Some environmental factors have a different effect on the subtypes of IBD. Smoking and appendectomy is negatively associated with UC, but they are aggravating factors for CD. A westernized high fat diet, full of refined carbohydrates is strongly associated with the development of IBD, contrary to a high in fruit, vegetables and polyunsaturated fatty acid-3 diet that is protective against these diseases. High intake of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug and oral contraceptive pills as well as the inadequacy of vitamin D leads to an increased risk for IBD and a more malignant course of disease. Moreover, other factors such as air pollution, psychological factors, sleep disturbances and exercise influence the development and the course of IBD. Epigenetic mechanism like DNA methylation, histone modification and altered expression of miR NAS could explain the connection between genes and environmental factors in triggering the development of IBD.

Association of miR-146 rs2910164,miR-196a rs11614913,miR-221 rs113054794 and miR-224 rs188519172 polymorphisms with anti-TNF treatment response in a Greek population with Crohn's disease

AIM To investigate the correlation between rs2910164, rs11 614913, rs113054794, and rs188519172 polymorphisms and response to anti-TNF treatment in patients with Crohn's disease(CD). METHODS One hundred seven patients with CD based on standardclinical, endoscopic, radiological, and pathological criteria were included in the study. They all received infliximab or adalimumab intravenously or subcutaneously at standard induction doses as per international guidelines. Clinical and biochemical response was assessed using the HarveyBradshaw index and CRP levels respectively. Endoscopic response was evaluated by ileocolonoscopy at week 12-20 of therapy. The changes in endoscopic appearance compared to baseline were classified into four categories, and patients were classified as responders and nonresponders. Whole peripheral blood was extracted and genotyping was performed by PCR.RESULTS One hundred and seven patients were included in the study. Seventy two(67.3%) patients were classified as complete responders, 22(20.5%) as partial while 13(12.1%) were primary non-responders. No correlation was detected between response to anti-TNF agents and patients' characteristics such as gender, age and disease duration while clinical and biochemical indexes used were associated with endoscopic response. Concerning prevalence of rs2910164, rs11614913, and rs188519172 polymorphisms of miR-146, miR-196a and miR-224 respectively no statistically important difference was found between complete, partial, and non-responders to antiTNF treatment. Actually CC genotype of rs2910164 was not detected in any patient. Regarding rs113054794 of miR-221, normal CC genotype was the only one detected in all studied patients, suggesting this polymorphism is highly rare in the studied population.CONCLUSION No correlation is detected between studied polymorphisms and patients' response to anti-TNF treatment. Polymorphism rs113054794 is not detected in our population.