{"title":"The gut–brain axis and pain signalling mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract","authors":"Kimberly A. Meerschaert, Isaac M. Chiu","doi":"10.1038/s41575-024-01017-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-024-01017-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Visceral pain is a major clinical problem and one of the most common reasons patients with gastrointestinal disorders seek medical help. Peripheral sensory neurons that innervate the gut can detect noxious stimuli and send signals to the central nervous system that are perceived as pain. There is a bidirectional communication network between the gastrointestinal tract and the nervous system that mediates pain through the gut–brain axis. Sensory neurons detect mechanical and chemical stimuli within the intestinal tissues, and receive signals from immune cells, epithelial cells and the gut microbiota, which results in peripheral sensitization and visceral pain. This Review focuses on molecular communication between these non-neuronal cell types and neurons in visceral pain. These bidirectional interactions can be dysregulated during gastrointestinal diseases to exacerbate visceral pain. We outline the anatomical pathways involved in pain processing in the gut and how cell–cell communication is integrated into this gut–brain axis. Understanding how bidirectional communication between the gut and nervous system is altered during disease could provide new therapeutic targets for treating visceral pain.</p>","PeriodicalId":18793,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &Hepatology","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":65.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142684145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Non-canonical metastatic colorectal cancer","authors":"Eleni Kotsiliti","doi":"10.1038/s41575-024-01026-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-024-01026-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A new study published in <i>Nature</i> explores the dynamic changes that colorectal cancer (CRC) cells undergo during their transition to the metastatic state by comparing primary tumours with metastases. “Clinically, metastases are less responsive to therapy than primary tumours in the same patients, despite harbouring the same mutations,” says Karuna Ganesh, co-corresponding author of the study.</p><p>The researchers collected trios of same-patient biopsy samples of normal colon, primary and metastatic tissue from 31 patients with microsatellite-stable mismatch-repair-proficient CRC undergoing synchronous colectomy and liver metastasectomy for metastatic CRC treatment. “We applied computational algorithms to single-cell RNA-sequencing collected from each trio to identify a series of conserved intermediate steps during the transition to the metastatic steps, including a reversion to an earlier fetal-like state along the transition,” says co-corresponding author Dana Pe’er.</p>","PeriodicalId":18793,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &Hepatology","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":65.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142678600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"High-density lipoprotein lipidome: a neglected source of hepatic lipids","authors":"Gabriele Mocciaro","doi":"10.1038/s41575-024-01020-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-024-01020-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p>To define the pathophysiology of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and identify therapeutic options, it is crucial to understand the sources of hepatic fat accumulation. In patients with MASLD, it is estimated that hepatic triglycerides are primarily derived from adipose tissue as free fatty acids (~59%), followed by de novo lipogenesis (~26%) and diet (~15%). However, in 2012, through a series of radiolabelled tracer experiments in mice, van der Veen and colleagues reported for the first time in vivo that hepatic phosphatidylcholines (PCs; a major lipid component of cell membranes and lipoproteins) accounted for a staggering 65% of the hepatic triglyceride pool, challenging the existing understanding of adipose tissue free fatty acids as the primary provider of liver triglycerides, at least in mice. Specifically, the researchers found that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) PCs could account for approximately 50% of the hepatic PC pool and that one-third of the hepatic triglyceride pool could derive from HDL–PC, a finding that was reported as unexpected.</p><p>The study was elegantly performed, using a combination of wild-type and knockout mouse models, along with primary mouse hepatocytes, to provide multiple layers of evidence supporting the results. Despite the robustness and importance of the findings, the study has been largely overlooked by the liver research community. Motivated by these unexpected results, and the lack of studies on the HDL lipidome in humans across the MASLD spectrum, part of my PhD was dedicated to filling this knowledge gap.</p>","PeriodicalId":18793,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &Hepatology","volume":"248 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":65.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142665366","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Transforming the landscape of liver cancer detection and care","authors":"Terry Cheuk-Fung Yip, Grace Lai-Hung Wong","doi":"10.1038/s41575-024-01018-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-024-01018-8","url":null,"abstract":"In 2024, important studies highlighted the ongoing global battle against liver cancer, a deadly yet common cancer. Despite advances in treatments, obstacles persist in early detection and equity in healthcare access. The journey towards improving patient outcomes remains bumpy. Gaining insights from failures is critical for effectively tackling this persistent health threat.","PeriodicalId":18793,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &Hepatology","volume":"60 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":65.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142665368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A new treatment and updated clinical practice guidelines for MASLD","authors":"Elizabeth E. Powell","doi":"10.1038/s41575-024-01014-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-024-01014-y","url":null,"abstract":"The year 2024 was momentous for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): the approval of the first medication for treatment of at-risk metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, updated guidelines on the screening, diagnosis and treatment of MASLD, and liver stiffness measurement as an important surrogate marker for liver-related outcomes in MASLD.","PeriodicalId":18793,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &Hepatology","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":65.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142596980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Metabolic health across the ages: how microbiota members support our well-being","authors":"Carolina Tropini","doi":"10.1038/s41575-024-01004-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-024-01004-0","url":null,"abstract":"The microbiota is critical for metabolic health. Studies published in 2024 have revealed mechanisms by which key bacterial and micro-eukaryotic organisms optimize energy production in our body and ensure efficient metabolic function.","PeriodicalId":18793,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &Hepatology","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":65.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142596981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Patrick Tso, Jeremiah Bernier-Latmani, Tatiana V. Petrova, Min Liu
{"title":"Transport functions of intestinal lymphatic vessels","authors":"Patrick Tso, Jeremiah Bernier-Latmani, Tatiana V. Petrova, Min Liu","doi":"10.1038/s41575-024-00996-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-024-00996-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Lymphatic vessels are crucial for fluid absorption and the transport of peripheral immune cells to lymph nodes. However, in the small intestine, the lymphatic fluid is rich in diet-derived lipids incorporated into chylomicrons and gut-specific immune cells. Thus, intestinal lymphatic vessels have evolved to handle these unique cargoes and are critical for systemic dietary lipid delivery and metabolism. This Review covers mechanisms of lipid absorption from epithelial cells to the lymphatics as well as unique features of the gut microenvironment that affect these functions. Moreover, we discuss details of the intestinal lymphatics in gut immune cell trafficking and insights into the role of inter-organ communication. Lastly, we highlight the particularities of fat absorption that can be harnessed for efficient lipid-soluble drug distribution for novel therapies, including the ability of chylomicron-associated drugs to bypass first-pass liver metabolism for systemic delivery. In all, this Review will help to promote an understanding of intestinal lymphatic–systemic interactions to guide future research directions.</p>","PeriodicalId":18793,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &Hepatology","volume":"65 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":65.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142574404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Probiotics for preterms: sharing complex decision-making","authors":"Geoffrey A. Preidis, Janet E. Berrington","doi":"10.1038/s41575-024-01009-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-024-01009-9","url":null,"abstract":"Probiotics might prevent some necrotizing enterocolitis, late-onset sepsis and mortality in preterm infants. However, clinical practice varies widely, and families are often excluded from shared decision making. This Clinical Outlook highlights current evidence, clinical practice guidelines and the future outlook of probiotics in the neonatal intensive care unit.","PeriodicalId":18793,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &Hepatology","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":65.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142574403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Health disparities in cirrhosis care and liver transplantation","authors":"David Goldberg, Julius Wilder, Norah Terrault","doi":"10.1038/s41575-024-01003-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-024-01003-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Morbidity and mortality from cirrhosis are substantial and increasing. Health disparities in cirrhosis and liver transplantation are reflective of inequities along the entire spectrum of chronic liver disease care, from screening and diagnosis to prevention and treatment of liver-related complications. The key populations experiencing disparities in health status and healthcare delivery include racial and ethnic minority groups, sexual and gender minorities, people of lower socioeconomic status and underserved rural communities. These disparities lead to delayed diagnosis of chronic liver disease and complications of cirrhosis (for example, hepatocellular carcinoma), to differences in treatment of chronic liver disease and its complications, and ultimately to unequal access to transplantation for those with end-stage liver disease. Calling out these disparities is only the first step towards implementing solutions that can improve health equity and clinical outcomes for everyone. Multi-level interventions along the care continuum for chronic liver disease are needed to mitigate these disparities and provide equitable access to care.</p>","PeriodicalId":18793,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Gastroenterology &Hepatology","volume":"35 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":65.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142555847","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}