Morphological and biochemical characteristics associated with autophagy in gastrointestinal diseases

Autophagy is a cellular catabolic process characterized by the formation of double-membrane autophagosomes.Transmission electron microscopy is the most rigorous method to clearly visualize autophagic engulfment and degradation.A large number of studies have shown that autophagy is closely related to the digestion,secretion,and regeneration of gastrointestinal(GI)cells.However,the role of autophagy in GI diseases remains controversial.This article focuses on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of autophagy in GI diseases,in order to provide new ideas for their diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical issues and challenges in imaging of gastrointestinal diseases:A minireview and our experience

Imaging techniques play a crucial role in the modern era of medicine,particularly in gastroenterology.Nowadays,various non-invasive and invasive imaging modalities are being routinely employed to evaluate different gastrointestinal(GI)diseases.However,many instrumental as well as clinical issues are arising in the area of modern GI imaging.This minireview article aims to briefly overview the clinical issues and challenges encountered in imaging GI diseases while highlighting our experience in the field.We also summarize the advances in clinically available diagnostic methods for evaluating different diseases of the GI tract and demonstrate our experience in the area.In conclusion,almost all imaging techniques used in imaging GI diseases can also raise many challenges that necessitate careful consideration and profound expertise in this field.

The Value of Traditional Medicine Should not be Underestimated-Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases of the nervous system(ADNS)are characterized by the formation of a pronounced neurologic deficit and often lead to disability.The attention of doctors and researchers is increasingly attracted by complementary medicine as adjuvant or preventive therapy for various diseases,including autoimmune diseases.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is a combination of treatment methods that include acupuncture,herbal medicine,dietetics,physical exercises,and other methods that are often used in conjunction with recognized approaches of official medical science.The article describes the application of TCM techniques in autoimmune diseases of the nervous system,and demonstrates clinical experience in the use of acupuncture,herbal medicine,diets and physical exercises.Traditional and complementary medicine is an important and often underestimated healthcare resource,especially in the prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases of the nervous system.

Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of endocrine metabolic diseases in 2023

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the research progress in Chinese medicine in the treatment of endocrine metabolic diseases in 2023,covering traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)monomers,TCM extracts,and TCM combinations,including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications,obesity,hyperuricaemia,and thyroid disorders.After systematic sorting and summary,we found that in 2023,the research focusing on the application of TCM for endocrine metabolic diseases was still on the mechanism of action at the cellular and molecular levels,which not only influenced the classical pathways of lipid metabolism,but also delved into the key mechanisms of anti-inflammation,anti-oxidation,anti-insulin resistance,and so on.Additionally,TCM has shown remarkable results in the treatment of endocrine metabolic diseases by improving intestinal flora disorders and abnormal cellular iron death.These research results provide valuable ideas,methods,and tools for TCM in the prevention and treatment of endocrine metabolic diseases,and provide important references and guidance for future research and practice.

Fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases:Pros and cons

BACKGROUND Fecal calprotectin is a valuable biomarker for assessing intestinal inflammation in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.However,its role,pros,and cons in various conditions must be comprehensively elucidated.AIM To explore the role of fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases,including its advantages and limitations.METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed,PubMed Central,Google Scholar,and other scientific research engines until February 24,2024.The review included 88 research articles,56 review articles,six metaanalyses,two systematic reviews,two consensus papers,and two letters to the editors.RESULTS Fecal calprotectin is a non-invasive marker for detecting intestinal inflammation and monitoring disease activity in pediatric conditions such as functional gastrointestinal disorders,inflammatory bowel disease,coeliac disease,coronavirus disease 2019-induced gastrointestinal disorders,gastroenteritis,and cystic fibrosis-associated intestinal pathology.However,its lack of specificity and susceptibility to various confounding factors pose challenges in interpretation.Despite these limitations,fecal calprotectin offers significant advantages in diagnosing,monitoring,and managing pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.CONCLUSION Fecal calprotectin holds promise as a valuable tool in pediatric gastroenterology,offering insights into disease activity,treatment response,and prognosis.Standardized protocols and guidelines are needed to optimize its clinical utility and mitigate interpretation challenges.Further research is warranted to address the identified limitations and enhance our understanding of fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.

Gastrointestinal tolerability of organic infant formula compared to traditional infant formula: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Infants'nutrition significantly influences their growth,development,and overall well-being.With the increasing demand for organic infant formula driven by the perception of health benefits and growing awareness of natural feeding options,it is crucial to conduct a comparative analysis of the gastrointestinal tolerability between organic and traditional infant formulas.AIM To provide a concise and precise analysis of the gastrointestinal tolerability of organic infant formula compared to traditional infant formula.Due to limited direct comparisons,the review synthesizes available literature on each formula type,presenting insights into their potential effects on infants'digestive health.METHODS An extensive literature search was conducted,compiling studies on organic and traditional infant formulas,their compositions,and reported effects on gastrointestinal tolerability.We searched academic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar and specialized nutrition,paediatrics,and infant health journals using relevant keywords till October 1,2023.RESULTS Although specific comparative studies are scarce and formula heterogeneity is a significant limitation,this systematic review provides an in-depth understanding of organic infant formulas'composition and potential benefits.While scientific evidence directly comparing gastrointestinal tolerability is limited,organic formulas strive to use carefully selected organic ingredients to imitate breast milk composition.Potential benefits include improved lipid profiles,higher methionine content,and decreased antibiotic-resistant bacteria levels.Understanding the gastrointestinal tolerability of organic and traditional infant formulas is crucial for parents and healthcare providers to make informed decisions.CONCLUSION Despite limitations in direct comparisons,this systematic review provides insights into the composition and potential benefits of organic infant formulas.It emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate their gastrointestinal effects comprehensively.

Application of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in the prevention and treatment of swine viral infectious diseases

This study aims to explore the current application status and development prospects of Chinese herbal medicine in preventing and treating swine viral infectious diseases over the past five years.By adopting the method of literature review,we collect,organize,and analyze relevant research literature,with the goal of summarizing and summarizing the research progress in this field.Through research,we found that swine infectious diseases have caused serious economic losses in the breeding industry and that some diseases cannot be fully protected by using vaccines.Therefore,we need new means to prevent diseases.The use of Chinese herbal medicine for the prevention and treatment of related diseases has become a reliable means.This study first briefly introduces the common infectious diseases of pigs and the risks and challenges faced by prevention and treatment,then reads the literature comparing the treatment with Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine,proving the reliability of traditional Chinese medicine treatment and the unique advantages of Chinese herbal medicine.Afterwards,we summarized the literature on the prevention and treatment of related swine diseases with Chinese herbal medicine in the past five years,and finally made a summary and outlook,hoping to provide ideas for relevant researchers and workers.

Criteria for assessing the diagnostic significance of modern methods of imaging gastrointestinal diseases in practical gastroenterology

Imaging methods are frequently used to diagnose gastrointestinal diseases and play a crucial role in verifying clinical diagnoses among all diagnostic algorithms.However,these methods have limitations,challenges,benefits,and advantages.Addressing these limitations requires the application of objective criteria to assess the effectiveness of each diagnostic method.The diagnostic process is dynamic and requires a consistent algorithm,progressing from clinical subjective data,such as patient history(anamnesis),and objective findings to diagnostics ex juvantibus.Caution must be exercised when interpreting diagnostic results,and there is an urgent need for better diagnostic tests.In the absence of such tests,preliminary criteria and a diagnosis ex juvantibus must be relied upon.Diagnostic imaging methods are critical stages in the diagnostic workflow,with sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy serving as the primary criteria for evaluating clinical,laboratory,and instrumental symptoms.A comprehensive evaluation of all available diagnostic data guarantees an accurate diagnosis.The“gold standard”for diagnosis is typically established through either the results of a pathological autopsy or a lifetime diagnosis resulting from a thorough examination using all diagnostic methods.

Potential of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease:A promising future

In this editorial,we provide insights into the publication by Niu et al featured in the latest edition of the World Journal of Gastroenterology.Specifically,our focus was on exploring the potential of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)induced by a high-fat diet through various mechanisms.NAFLD is a common liver condition,affecting approximately 25%of the world's population.It is closely linked to metabolic syndrome,insulin resistance,excessive body weight,and irregular lipid processing,leading to fat accumulation in the liver,as well as oxidative stress and inflammation.While maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle are essential for managing NAFLD,treatment options are limited due to undefined pathogenesis and a lack of specific medications.TCM,rooted in traditional Chinese practices,presents a promising alternative through its"syndrome differentiation and treatment"principles,enhancing liver lipid metabolism,reducing inflammation,and addressing fibrosis.Certain herbs,such as Poria cocos,Puaria lobata,and Salvia miltiorrhiza,have shown significant efficacy in reducing fat deposition and improving liver function.Due to systematic research and analysis of mechanisms,TCM is anticipated to yield new approaches to prevent and treat NAFLD,increasing its clinical application.

Novel insights into autophagy in gastrointestinal pathologies,mechanisms in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and acute liver failure

In this editorial,we comment on three articles published in a recent issue of World Journal of Gastroenterology.There is a pressing need for new research on autophagy's role in gastrointestinal(GI)disorders,and also novel insights into some liver conditions,such as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)and acute liver failure(ALF).Despite advancements,understanding autophagy's intricate mechanisms and implications in these diseases remains incomplete.Moreover,MAFLD's pathogenesis,encompassing hepatic steatosis and metabolic dysregulation,require further elucidation.Similarly,the mechanisms underlying ALF,a severe hepatic dysfunction,are poorly understood.Innovative studies exploring the interplay between autophagy and GI disorders,as well as defined mechanisms of MAFLD and ALF,are crucial for identifying therapeutic targets and enhancing diagnostic and treatment strategies to mitigate the global burden of these diseases.

Global geoepidemiology of gastrointestinal surgery rates in Crohn’s disease

BACKGROUND Data regarding the worldwide gastrointestinal surgery rates in patients with Crohn’s disease(CD)remains limited.AIM To systematically review the global variation in the rates of surgery in CD.METHODS A comprehensive search analysis was performed using multiple electronic databases from inception through July 1,2020,to identify all full text,randomized controlled trials and cohort studies pertaining to gastrointestinal surgery rates in adult patients with CD.Outcomes included continent based demographic data,CD surgery rates over time,as well as the geoepidemiologic variation in CD surgery rates.Statistical analyses were conducted using R.RESULTS Twenty-three studies spanning four continents were included.The median proportion of persons with CD who underwent gastrointestinal surgery in studies from North America,Europe,Asia,and Oceania were 30%(range:1.7%-62.0%),40%(range:0.6%-74.0%),17%(range:16.0%-43.0%),and 38%respectively.No clear association was found regarding the proportion of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery over time in North America(R^(2)=0.035)and Europe(R^(2)=0.100).A moderate,negative association was seen regarding the proportion of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery over time(R^(2)=0.520)in Asia.CONCLUSION There appears to be significant inter-continental variation regarding surgery rates in CD.Homogenous evidencebased guidelines accounting for the geographic differences in managing patients with CD is prudent.Moreover,as a paucity of data on surgery rates in CD exists outside the North American and European continents,future studies,particularly in less studied locales,are warranted.

Gastric IgG4-related disease mimicking a gastrointestinal stromal tumor in a child: A case report

BACKGROUND Gastric IgG4-related disease(IgG4-RD)is rarely encountered in clinical practice,and especially more so among pediatric patients.To our knowledge,this is the first report of IgG4-RD presenting as a calcifying gastric mass in a child.We describe how this entity was difficult to differentiate from a gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)imaging-based approaches.Therefore,this case highlights the importance of considering IgG4-RD in the differential diagnosis of gastric tumor before performing surgical resection,especially to distinguish it from malignancy to avoid unnecessary surgery.CASE SUMMARY The patient suffered from epigastric pain for several days.Panendoscopy and computed tomography scan revealed a submucosal tumor.Differential diagnoses included GIST,leiomyoma,teratoma,and mucinous adenocarcinoma.However,laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy allowed for the definitive diagnosis of IgG4-related stomach disease.CONCLUSION We emphasize the importance of considering IgG4-RD in the differential diagnosis of gastric submucosal tumors before performing surgical resection.

Role of aerobic glycolysis in alzheimer's disease and research progress of traditional Chinese medicine

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disease with a variety of pathogenic factors and complex pathogenesis, so that the disease has a high prevalence and mortality in the world. Although the current diagnosis and treatment equipment and drug research and development keep pace with the times, the current medical technology still can not completely cure the disease, so it is of great significance to explore the pathogenesis and treatment target of AD. The disorder of energy metabolism is one of the characteristic changes in the pathological process of AD. Aerobic glycolysis (AEG) is a special metabolic pathway in the brain, which can rapidly consume glucose to produce energy and substrate for neurons, improve synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation and oxidative damage, and contribute to the recovery of memory and cognitive function. In recent years, many literatures have reported the mechanism of AEG in AD and the intervention of Tradit Chin Med on this mechanism. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the role of AEG in AD and the related research on the regulation and control of AEG in the treatment of AD by Tradit Chin Med, in order to provide reference and ideas for the prevention and treatment of AD with Tradit Chin Med in the future.

Dajianzhong decoction:a review of its phytochemistry and therapeutic potential for gastrointestinal disease

Dajianzhong decoction(DJZD)is one of the traditional herbal prescriptions originated from Synopsis of Golden Chamber,which clinically used for the treatment of various gastrointestinal(GI)disease.This paper was aimed to provide a systematic review on the phytochemistry of DJZD and its therapeutic potential for GI disease and the mechanism.Finally,the possible development and perspectives for future research on this prescription were also discussed.To date,over 60 compounds have been identified form DJZD,including unsaturated fatty acid,saponins,and polyphenols,with hydroxy-sanshool and ginsenoside compounds as the predominant ones.DJZD possessed widely pharmacological activities on the GI disease from the Eastern Han Dynasty to the present,such as intestinal obstruction,colitis,and irritable bowel syndrome.Especially for the intestinal obstruction,it had demonstrated the efficacy of DJZD treatment for relief of postoperative ileus in patients undergoing surgery for GI cancer.The detailed mechanism was mainly related with NF-ᴋB signaling pathway.However,further research elucidating the protective effects of DJZD on GI disease,exploring new clinical effects,as well as establishing criteria for quality control for DJZD should be studied.

Circadian rhythms in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases

The etiology of digestive pathologies such as irritable bowel syndrome(IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD) and cancer is not yet fully understood. In recent years, several studies have evidenced circadian variations in mechanisms involved in digestive health. In situations of disturbed circadian rhythms(chronodisruption) where the central clock and the peripheral clocks receive incoherent signals, the synchronicity is lost producing implications for health. This lack of coordination could alter the tissue function and cause long term damage to the organs. Life habits such as sleep, physical exercise, social interaction, and feeding times are determinants for stability and integrity of circadian rhythms. In recent years, experimental and clinical studies have consistently evidenced that the alteration of circadian rhythms is associated with the development of digestive pathologies mainly linked to dismotility or changes in microbiota composition. Likewise, it seems reasonable to deep into the importance of chronodisruption as a factor that may participate in the development of pathologies such as IBS, IBD and digestive cancers. Moreover, life habits respecting circadian rhythms should be promoted for the prevention of these diseases. Further studies will allow us a better understanding of the mechanisms acting at molecular level, and the development of new therapeutic targets.

Upper gastrointestinal microbiota and digestive diseases

Metagenomics which combines the power of genomics,bioinformatics,and systems biology,provide new access to the microbial world.Metagenomics permit the genetic analysis of complex microbial populations without requiring prior cultivation.Through the conceptual innovations in metagenomics and the improvements in DNA high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis technology,gastrointestinal microbiology has entered the metagenomics era and become a hot topic worldwide.Human microbiome research is underway,however,most studies in this area have focused on the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota and the relationship between intestinal microbiota and metabolic diseases(obesity,diabetes,metabolic syndrome,etc.) and intestinal disorders [inflammatory bowel disease,colorectal cancer,irritable bowel syndrome(IBS),etc.].Few investigations on microbiota have been conducted within the upper gastrointestinal tract(esophagus,stomach and duodenum).The upper gastrointestinal microbiota is essential for several gastrointestinal illnesses,including esophagitis,Barrett's esophagus,and esophageal carcinoma,gastritis and gastric cancer,small intestinal bacterial overgrowth,IBS and celiac disease.However,the constitution and diversity of the microbiota in different sections of the upper gastrointestinal tract under health and various disease states,as well as the function of microbiota in the pathogenesis of various digestive diseases are still undefined.The current article provides an overview of the recent findings regarding the relationship between upper gastrointestinal microbiota and gastrointestinal diseases;and discusses the study limitations and future directions of upper gastrointestinal microbiota research.

Acupuncture treatment in gastrointestinal diseases: A systematic review

The purpose of this work was to assess the evidence for effectiveness of acupuncture （AC） treatment in gastrointestinal diseases. A systematic review of the Medline-cited literature for clinical trials was performed up to May 2006. Controlled trials assessing acupuncture point stimulation for patients with gastrointestinal diseases were considered for inclusion. The search identified 18 relevant trials meeting the inclusion criteria. Two irritable bowel syndrome （IBS） trials, 1 Crohn＇s disease and 1 colitis ulcerosa trial had a robust random controlled trial （RCT） design. In regard to other gastrointestinal disorders, study quality was poor. In all trials, quality of life （QoL） improved significantly independently from the kind of acupuncture, real or sham. Real AC was significantly superior to sham acupuncture with regard to disease activity scores in the Crohn and Colitis trials. Efficacy of acupuncture related to QoL in IBS may be explained by unspecific effects. This is the same for QoL in inflammatory bowel diseases （IBD）, whereas specific acupuncture effects may be found in clinical scores. Further trials for IBDs and in particular for all other gastrointestinal disorders would be necessary to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture treatment. However, it must be discussed on what terms patients benefit when this harmless and obviously powerful therapy with regard to QoL is demystified by further placebo controlled trials.

Therapeutic potential of curcumin in gastrointestinal diseases

Curcumin,also known as diferuloylmethane,is derived from the plant Curcuma longa and is the active ingredient of the spice turmeric.The therapeutic activities of curcumin for a wide variety of diseases such as diabetes,allergies,arthritis and other chronic and inflammatory diseases have been known for a long time.More recently,curcumin's therapeutic potential for preventing and treating various cancers is being recognized.As curcumin's therapeutic promise is being explored more systematically in various diseases,it has become clear that,due to its increased bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract,curcumin may be particularly suited to be developed to treat gastrointestinal diseases.This review summarizes some of the current literature of curcumin's anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidant and anti-cancer potential in inflammatory bowel diseases,hepaticfibrosis and gastrointestinal cancers.

Effects of a high fat diet on intestinal microbiota and gastrointestinal diseases

Along with the rapid development of society, lifestyles and diets have gradually changed. Due to overwhelming material abundance, high fat, high sugar and high protein diets are common. Numerous studies have determined that diet and its impact on gut microbiota are closely related to obesity and metabolic diseases. Different dietary components affect gut microbiota, thus impacting gastrointestinal disease occurrence and development. A large number of related studies are progressing rapidly. Gut microbiota may be an important intermediate link, causing gastrointestinal diseases under the influence of changes in diet and genetic predisposition. To promote healthy gut microbiota and to prevent and cure gastrointestinal diseases, diets should be improved and supplemented with probiotics.

Rapid rehabilitation technique with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine promotes postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery

BACKGROUND During the perioperative period, the characteristic therapy of traditional Chinese medicine is effective in improving postoperative rehabilitation. In large-scale hospitals practicing traditional Chinese medicine, there is accumulating experience related to the promotion of fast recovery in the perioperative period.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yikou-Sizi powder hot compress on Shenque acupuncture point combined with rapid rehabilitation technique.METHODS This prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled study included two groups: Treatment group and control group. The patients in the treatment group and control group received Yikou-Sizi powder hot compress on Shenque acupuncture point combined with rapid rehabilitation technique and routine treatment, respectively. Clinical observation regarding postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function was performed, including the times to first passage of flatus, first defecation, and first normal bowel sounds. The comparison between groups was conducted through descriptive analysis, χ~2, t, F, and rank-sum tests.RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference in the time to postoperative first defecation between the treatment and control group(87.16 ± 32.09 vs 109.79 ±40.25 h, respectively;P < 0.05). Similarly, the time to initial recovery of bowel sounds in the treatment group was significantly shorter than that in the control group(61.17 ± 26.75 vs 79.19 ± 33.35 h, respectively;P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the time to initial exhaust between the treatment and control groups(51.54 ± 23.66 vs 62.24 ± 25.95 h, respectively;P >0.05). The hospitalization expenses for the two groups of patients were 62283.45 ±12413.90 and 62059.42 ± 11350.51 yuan, respectively. Although the cost of hospitalization was decreased in the control group, the difference was not statistically significant(P > 0.05). This clinical trial was safe without reports of any adverse reaction or event.CONCLUSION The rapid rehabilitation technique with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine promotes the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function and is significantly better than standard approach for patients after colorectal surgery.