Taha Bin Arif, John A Damianos, Asad-Ur- Rahman, Nimra Hasnain
{"title":"Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction: Current Insights, Effectiveness, and Future Perspectives.","authors":"Taha Bin Arif, John A Damianos, Asad-Ur- Rahman, Nimra Hasnain","doi":"10.1007/s11894-025-01001-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-025-01001-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Dysbiosis can disrupt intestinal barrier integrity and impact the immune and nervous systems, playing a significant role in developing disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of dysbiosis and its role in DGBI while examining the latest advancements in fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). It also highlights key challenges in the field and outlines critical directions for future research to optimize FMT strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in this evolving treatment area.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>In DGBI, dysbiosis triggers immune responses, increases gut permeability, and disrupts nervous system signaling, with contributing factors including diet, antibiotics, stress, and infections. Individuals with DGBI exhibit distinct microbial imbalances, such as an increased Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio and reduced beneficial bacteria. FMT has shown mixed results, with factors like patient selection, treatment protocols, and microbiome diversity influencing outcomes. While FMT can improve symptoms in refractory irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), effects may fade over time, requiring repeat treatments. Future FMT approaches should focus on targeted microbial interventions, considering the role of archaea, fungi, and microbial metabolites, while prioritizing optimal donor selection and large-scale trials for long-term efficacy. Despite the promising findings, FMT has not yet been widely endorsed in clinical guidelines due to the variability and heterogeneity of the data available. While much of the research has focused on IBS, studies have also explored the impact of FMT on other conditions such as functional diarrhea, functional constipation, and functional dyspepsia, which all exhibit altered microbial profiles.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"50"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144590633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Gastrointestinal Motility Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists.","authors":"Danielle Bellavance, Samantha Chua, Hiroshi Mashimo","doi":"10.1007/s11894-025-00995-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-025-00995-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review summarizes the current understanding of the physiologic influence of GLP-1 RAs on gastrointestinal motility, highlights key clinical implications of these effects, and defines areas for future investigation.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have revolutionized the treatment of diabetes and obesity and are increasingly being identified as promising therapies for a wide range of conditions. GLP-1 RAs mimic naturally occurring GLP-1, an enterohormone produced in response to oral intake that regulates glucose metabolism and promotes weight loss. While GLP-1 RAs target a wide range of organ systems, their impacts on gastrointestinal motility are widely regarded as a major mechanism by which they exert their metabolic effects. However, the drugs' alterations in gut motility may account for many of their commonly reported adverse effects including nausea, vomiting, early satiety, dyspepsia, and bowel habit changes. GLP-1 RAs alter gastrointestinal motility at all levels of the GI tract, with delayed gastric emptying being the most well characterized. The effects of GLP-1 RAs on gastrointestinal motility have important clinical implications, including possible increased periprocedural aspiration risk and potential challenges with medication adherence and tolerability.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"49"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144574984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lalitha Sitaraman, Christina Lewicky-Gaupp, Satish Sc Rao
{"title":"Postpartum Anorectal and Pelvic Floor Disorders: Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention.","authors":"Lalitha Sitaraman, Christina Lewicky-Gaupp, Satish Sc Rao","doi":"10.1007/s11894-025-01000-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-025-01000-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Postpartum anorectal and pelvic floor disorders (PFD) are common, though under-recognized. There is limited knowledge regarding their diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Here we provide a critical review of this topic and highlight knowledge gaps and treatment options for these problems.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent advances include dynamic 3D and 4D ultrasound of the pelvic floor to reveal pathology, anal sphincter defects, and pelvic organ prolapse. Treatments for fecal incontinence include anal inserts, vaginal inserts, translumbosacral neuromodulation therapy (not yet studied postpartum), and increasing data for safety of sacral nerve stimulators in pregnancy. Exercise, pelvic floor muscle training, and use of special devices show mixed results. Postpartum anorectal and pelvic floor disorders include fecal and/or flatus incontinence, constipation, hemorrhoids, pelvic organ prolapse, and urinary incontinence. Many patients present years later, and most suffer in silence. Early recognition, appropriate treatment, and preventative measures could mitigate these problems.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"48"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12226706/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144552544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Underwater Endoscopy: Diving into the Future of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.","authors":"Garvit Chhabra, Amal Shine, Nanlong Liu","doi":"10.1007/s11894-025-00993-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-025-00993-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>With endoscopic advances water/saline have been widely adopted as alternatives for CO2 insufflation in endoscopy and its use has been advocated in wide array of endoscopic procedures, both diagnostic and therapeutic. This review aims to highlight the applications and advantages of underwater endoscopy in comparison to conventional techniques.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Underwater endoscopy was initially described with water insertion and water exchange techniques to aid difficult insertions during colonoscopy. Its application has now expanded to U-EMR, U-ESD as well as underwater third space endoscopy, where in many scenarios it has been shown to be superior to conventional endoscopy. Underwater endoscopy offers a new dimension in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures with various advantages over conventional techniques, rapidly making it the preferred approach for various procedures which could otherwise be challenging.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"47"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Guide Through the Tunnel: Updates in the Approach to Classification and Management of Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease.","authors":"WonKyung J Cho, Serre-Yu Wong","doi":"10.1007/s11894-025-00998-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-025-00998-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (PFCD) is a severe and debilitating phenotype of Crohn's disease that presents significant clinical and therapeutic challenges. This review aims to outline a practical approach to classification and management, emphasizing the utility of the TOpClass system.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The TOpClass classification incorporates clinical and anatomic characteristics to assess severity, treatment options, and patient-clinician goals. Post-hoc analyses from clinical trials for the Janus kinase inhibitor Upadacitinib and emerging data on IL-23 receptor antagonists suggest potential roles beyond anti-TNFs, while the broader use of mesenchymal stem cell therapy remains limited due to inconsistent efficacy. Fistula conditioning with curettage and internal opening closure-an underutilized technique-alongside adjunctive therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), has shown promise in promoting wound healing in select patients. The TOpClass classification, by integrating patient-centered factors and multidisciplinary management, offers a comprehensive and adaptable framework for PFCD, addressing key gaps in treatment planning, standardization, and research. The classification will enable tailored, evidence-based care across the disease spectrum.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"46"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144505025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advances in Diagnostics for the Evaluation of Neurogastroenterology & Motility Disorders: Are They Ready for Prime Time?","authors":"Lavanya Viswanathan, Baharak Moshiree","doi":"10.1007/s11894-025-00999-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-025-00999-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction affect over 40% of patients and comprise a significant health-care resource burden. Much of the frustration for both patients and physicians is that many of the disease entities have overlapping symptoms and this leads to delay in diagnosis and in depth testing. RECENT FINDINGS: Advances in motility testing modalities have focused more on precision models which can enhance our understanding of patient symptoms. Many of these newer technologies focus on outpatient evaluations which can be transmitted for analysis to the physician, which can decrease healthcare utilization and improve patient convenience and satisfaction. We review several emerging technologies in order to familiarize the reader with the exciting advances in the field of Neurogastroenterology and Motility. </p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"45"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144505026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Laura A Pace, Niwen Kong, Mohamed I Itani, James Hemp
{"title":"Correction To: The Neuroimmune Axis in Gastrointestinal Disorders- An Underrecognized Problem.","authors":"Laura A Pace, Niwen Kong, Mohamed I Itani, James Hemp","doi":"10.1007/s11894-025-00983-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-025-00983-7","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"44"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144495061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jennifer Katz, Stephanie Gold, Vikram J Christian, Robert Martindale
{"title":"The Impact of Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators on Disease Activity and the Risk of Associated Colorectal Carcinoma in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.","authors":"Jennifer Katz, Stephanie Gold, Vikram J Christian, Robert Martindale","doi":"10.1007/s11894-025-00997-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-025-00997-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The purpose of this review is to explore the role of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) in the resolution of inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) focusing on their potential therapeutic benefits in these conditions.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>IBD is characterized by chronic inflammation and mucosal barrier dysfunction, driven by a dysregulated immune response. SPMs, which are derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been identified as active agents in resolving inflammation without impairing immune function. Preclinical studies indicate that SPMs can reduce intestinal inflammation, but clinical data are still limited. Moreover, SPMs may influence colorectal cancer (CRC) by modulating tumor-promoting inflammation and enhancing chemotherapy response. SPMs offer a promising approach to inflammation resolution and mucosal healing in IBD and CRC. However, further research is necessary to better understand their therapeutic potential and to establish their clinical applicability in these diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"43"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144474161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Management of Colonic Diverticular Disease in the Older Adult.","authors":"Hiep S Phan, Lisa L Strate","doi":"10.1007/s11894-025-00986-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-025-00986-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>While societal guidelines help direct management of diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding broadly, our review focuses on the latest data for nuanced care of older patients affected by these conditions.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Diverticulitis in older patients can present with non-specific symptoms so a broad work up is recommended. Once diagnosed, those with uncomplicated disease (Hinchey Class 0 or 1a) can be safely managed without antibiotics or admission depending on frailty and comorbidities. Most older patients with complicated diverticulitis (abscess, perforation or obstruction) should be hospitalized. Elective or emergent surgery for complicated disease (Hinchey Class 1b-4) is associated with higher morbidity and mortality, particularly in older patients. The risk of diverticular bleeding and re-bleeding significantly increases with age, potentially due to the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and anticoagulants. Diverticular disease and its associated complications disproportionately affect older adults. Management should focus on resuscitation, having low threshold for comprehensive work up and re-evaluating medication use for comorbid conditions to prevent recurrence.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"42"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12182447/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144339977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Applying Biomarkers in Treat-to-target Approach for IBD.","authors":"Megan Lutz, Sara Horst, Freddy Caldera","doi":"10.1007/s11894-025-00991-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11894-025-00991-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has evolved significantly over time based on \"treat-to-target\", an approach which uses sequential objective makers to monitor response to therapy with the ultimate goal of achieving endoscopic healing. Biomarkers, including C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin, are an important noninvasive intermediate step in this treatment approach as well as in routine monitoring of disease activity. While widely utilized, there is significant variability and some uncertainty in biomarker implementation; this review summarizes evidence for the use of biomarkers in IBD.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The Selecting Therapeutic Targets in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (STRIDE) update in combination with the 2023 American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) guidelines on the role of biomarkers in the management of both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis have offered significant new guidance for those who manage IBD. Biomarkers offer important insight into disease activity and can be used to track progress toward deeper levels of remission in IBD.</p>","PeriodicalId":10776,"journal":{"name":"Current Gastroenterology Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12181204/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144332611","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}