New approaches are needed to generate and maintain stable and mature adult liver cells ex vivo. In the April issue of Gastroenterology, Bart Spee and colleagues review factors that promote hepatocyte differentiation and maturation, and consider criteria for establishing whether cells derived from stem cells are fully mature hepatocytes. They discuss challenges to cell transplantation and
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Reducing dietary fructose for as little as 9 days decreases liver fat, visceral fat, and de novo lipogenesis and increases insulin sensitivity, secretion, and clearance in children with obesity and metabolic syndrome, researchers report in the September issue of Gastroenterology. These findings support efforts to reduce sugar consumption. Consumption of sugar
Read moreResearchers have developed a technique for selective expansion of genetically modified hepatocytes, resulting in expression of high levels of transgenes in livers of mice. Sean Nygaard et al (Oregon Health and Science University) describe their system for in vivo selection and expansion of genetically modified hepatocytes in the June 8
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Researchers review the latest discoveries from studies of tissue-derived and pluripotent stem cell–derived intestinal, gastric, esophageal, liver, and pancreatic organoids in the May issue of Gastroenterology. Studies of organoids have provided valuable information about GI development, tissue homeostasis, and disease and might be used to develop personalized medicines. In vitro organoid cultures are
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A genomic analysis of more than half a million people identified 13 individuals who appear to remain healthy despite carrying genetic mutations linked to severe childhood diseases. Although the biological reasons for this resilience are not yet understood, the study provides a first step toward identification of genetic variants that
Read moreTobacco use, obesity, and heavy use of alcohol are the factors most likely to increase risk for pancreatic diseases, researchers report in the October issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Vegetables and fruit, on the other hand, appear to reduce risk. Strategies to prevent acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic
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Gastroenterology is proud to present a special issue devoted to ‘The Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease’. The human body contains over 10 times more microbial cells than human cells. This microbiome (the commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms that share our body space) maintains the health and function of many
Read moreA heterozygous variant in enteric smooth muscle actin γ-2 (ACTG2) can cause familial visceral myopathy (FVM), according to the December issue of Gastroenterology. The altered gene product appears to aggregate, rather than form actin filaments, in intestinal smooth muscle cells, disrupting their contraction and reducing bowel motility. FVM is a rare
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Dr. Kristine Novak is the science editor for Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. She has worked as an editor at biomedical research journals and as a science writer for 15 years, covering advances in gastroenterology, hepatology, cancer, immunology, biotechnology, molecular genetics, and clinical trials. She has a PhD in cell biology and an interest in all areas of medical research.
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A Special Issue: the Exocrine Pancreas and its Disorders
Everything you ever wanted to know about the pancreas, its development and function, and the pathogenesis and treatment of its disorders are now covered in a special issue of Gastroenterology. Pancreatology is a rapidly developing field—recent findings from molecular and genetic studies are being developed into new treatment strategies. To update
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