Jialai Zheng , Yongtao Tu , Haiyong Jin , Haiyan Sun , Guanqiao Shen , Haijiang Tong
{"title":"Changes of peripheral blood lymphocytes, neutrophils, CEA, TAP and ferritin in colorectal adenoma and colorectal cancer and the diagnostic performance of these makers in evaluating colorectal cancer","authors":"Jialai Zheng , Yongtao Tu , Haiyong Jin , Haiyan Sun , Guanqiao Shen , Haijiang Tong","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2025.03.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2025.03.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and study aims</h3><div>Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been recognized as a multifactorial disease arising from precursor lesions and characterized by chronic inflammation. Therefore, the inflammatory response is one of the critical indicators for the diagnosis of CRC. Timely and effective screening is an effective strategy to reduce the incidence and mortality of CRC. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the differences in white blood cell count (WBC) in patients with colorectal adenoma (CRA) and CRC. The second aim was to estimate the diagnostic performance of using a panel of serum tumor markers and WBC for CRC screen.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>We retrospectively reviewed a database of patients who were diagnosed with CRA and CRC. Serum tumor markers and blood routine examination data were completed before receiving any anticancer therapy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 538 participants were enrolled, including 169 health participants, 195 patients with CRA and 174 patients with CRC. Lymphocyte counts were lower in CRC than CRA and healthy participants. Neutrophil counts were higher in CRC and CRA than healthy participants. The CEA levels were higher in CRA and CRC than healthy participants, and higher in CRC than CRA. The areas of tumor TAP were larger in CRC than CRA and healthy participants. The ferritin levels were lower in CRC than CRA and healthy participants. The 8-marker panel yielded an AUC of 0.854 higher than single marker. There is no difference in the diagnostic performance of TAP, CEA, ferritin and NLR.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>There are a lot of high sensitivity and specificity methods for CRC screening. However, most screening programs suffer from poor participation rates. Herein, our 8-marker panel is cost-effective and high-performance screen system for the detection of CRC and is crucial for enhancing the participation rates in current screening programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"26 3","pages":"Pages 286-291"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144062909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Qian Zhang , Lili Chen , Jun Liu , Weiwei Chen , Meng Zhou , Chaowu Chen
{"title":"Comparison of 12- and 15-mm endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation combined with a limited endoscopic sphincterotomy for large bile duct stones: A propensity score-matched analysis","authors":"Qian Zhang , Lili Chen , Jun Liu , Weiwei Chen , Meng Zhou , Chaowu Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2025.03.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2025.03.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and study aims</h3><div>Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) combined with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) has been increasingly used to remove large common bile duct (CBD) stones. However, the clinical outcomes of stone extraction have rarely been investigated in regard to the size of the balloon. The aim of this study was to assess the short- and long-term outcomes of 12- and 15-mm EPLBD with a limited EST for large CBD stones.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>Patients without prior endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) who received 12- or 15-mm EPLBD in combination with a limited EST for large CBD stones at our center between January 2013 and December 2020 were recruited. Matched pairs with 12- and 15-mm EPLBD were generated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 161 patients were included, with 50 patients successfully matched in each group. The total procedure time (36.8 min vs. 47.3 min, <em>p</em> = 0.003) and the tone removal time (30.5 min vs. 39.2 min, <em>p =</em> 0.008) were significantly lower in the matched 15-mm EPLBD group, while the initial and overall stone removal success rates were comparable between the two groups (<em>p</em> > 0.05). The matched 15-mm EPLBD group had a lower incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) compared to the matched 12-mm EPLBD group (2.0 % vs. 16.0 %, <em>p</em> = 0.031). The cumulative long-term biliary complications were not statistically different between the two groups (log-rank test <em>p</em> = 0.612).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>15-mm EPLBD combined with a limited EST shortened the procedure time and reduced the incidence of PEP without increasing long-term biliary complications compared to 12-mm EPLBD combined with a limited EST.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"26 3","pages":"Pages 281-285"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144026309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sicheng Gao , Wanyi Zhang , Xiaodi Gao , Baiyang Ye , Weiye Hu , Hailin Yang , Haisheng Chai , Jiangling Yang , Qinlin Tang , Gang Zhao , Junfeng Zhu
{"title":"Cinnamaldehyde attenuates CCL4-induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting the CYP2A6/Notch3 pathway","authors":"Sicheng Gao , Wanyi Zhang , Xiaodi Gao , Baiyang Ye , Weiye Hu , Hailin Yang , Haisheng Chai , Jiangling Yang , Qinlin Tang , Gang Zhao , Junfeng Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2025.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2025.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and hepatocyte injury contribute to liver fibrosis progression and subsequent cirrhosis. Literature showed that cinnamaldehyde (CA) could alleviate fibrosis procession and steatosis. However, its specific role in liver fibrosis remains largely unexplored.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Liver fibrosis was induced in vivo, and CA was administered for 4 weeks. Liver inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis, and proliferation were evaluated using histological, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. CYP2A6 and Notch3 expression levels were also measured. In vitro, TGF-β stimulated LX2 cell activation was used, and siCYP2A6 was employed to evaluate the anti-fibrosis mechanism of CA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>CA effectively improved liver function and reduced fibrosis in CCL4-treated rats, significantly decreasing serum ALT, AST, GGT, TBIL, and HAase levels (all p < 0.05), with a notable increase in ALB in the high-dose group. Histologically, CA reduced hepatic disorganization and collagen proliferation, significantly diminishing fibrotic areas in the CA-H group (p < 0.05). CA also downregulated α-SMA and collagen I expression, and suppressed TGF-β activity. In TGF-β1-stimulated LX2 cells, CA treatment led to significant reductions in CYP2A6 and Notch3 expression (p < 0.05), highlighting its regulatory effects on key fibrotic pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>CA alleviated CCL<sub>4</sub>-induced liver fibrosis with inhibition of HSCs activation and liver inflammation and reduced hepatocyte apoptosis, potentially linked to the HSCs-mediated CYP2A6/Notch3 modulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"26 3","pages":"Pages 262-271"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144023172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Abnormal gastroesophageal flap valve: A predictor of recurrent variceal hemorrhage","authors":"Jay Chudasama , Shubham Jain , Sanjay Chandnani , Anuraag Jena , Harsh Gandhi , Rishikesh Malokar , Sameet Patel , Saurabh Bansal , Pankaj Nawghare , Vishal sharma , Pravin Rathi , Qais Contractor","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2025.01.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2025.01.014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and study aims</h3><div>Esophageal variceal bleeding is affected by various risk factors. We hypothesized that increased exposure to gastric acid in patients with abnormal gastroesophageal flap valve (GEFV) might increase esophageal variceal bleeding. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between GEFV and esophageal variceal bleeding episodes.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>In this cross-sectional study, 300 consecutive patients with esophageal varices and a documented GEFV during esophagogastroduodenoscopy were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to: the Hill’s grade of flap valve (grade 1,2- normal and grade 3,4- abnormal), size of varices − large (>5 mm) and small (<5 mm) and the number of bleeding episodes into: Group A with ≤ 1 and Group B with ≥ 2 bleeding episodes. We compared GEFV and various other factors to the number of variceal bleeding episodes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>224 patients (74.60 %) had a normal and 76 (25.40 %) had an abnormal GEFV. Clinical variables were statistically significant in the abnormal GEFV group (P < 0.0.5). Propensity score matching was done to reduce the significant differences in the clinical background at baseline between the 2 groups. 152 patients (76 in each group) were analysed after propensity score matching. A significant difference between the two groups disappeared except for number of bleeding episodes. Binary logistic Cox regression analysis was applied using the clinical variables to assess their role in predicting recurrent variceal bleeding. On univariate analysis, abnormal GEFV and large varices were significantly associated with recurrent esophageal variceal bleed (P = 0.001). On Multivariate analysis, abnormal GEFV (OR 7.25, 95 % CI 3.27– 16.08, P = 0.001), History of EVL (OR 6.21, 95 % CI 1.98– 12.22, P = 0.03) and large varices (OR 5.70, 95 % CI 2.45– 13.20, P = 0.001) were independent predictors for recurrent esophageal variceal bleeding.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Abnormal GEFV, History of EVL and large varices are independent risk factors for recurrent esophageal variceal haemorrhage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"26 2","pages":"Pages 157-162"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144017395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Identification and verification of a combined ferroptosis- and pyroptosis-related signature for a prognostic classifier and immunosuppressive targets in colorectal cancer","authors":"Xiao Wang, Yanting Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2025.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2025.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and study aims</h3><div>Ferroptosis and pyroptosis, two forms of cell death, are increasingly reported for their pivotal roles in cancer biology. However, the understanding of the combined ferroptosis-pyroptosis (FPtosis)-related gene signature in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains limited.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>We conducted a comprehensive investigation of the FPtosis-related signature in CRC. Data integration from both the training and validation cohorts was performed. The FPtosis-related signature was established. We evaluated the prognostic significance of the signature through Kaplan-Meier analysis, as well as univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. Functional analyses were conducted to explore the underlying biological mechanisms. Additionally, we analyzed the correlations between the FPtosis-related signature, immune infiltration, and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) immunotherapy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The FPtosis-related signature demonstrated significant prognostic potential and can serve as an independent biomarker for predicting outcomes. The signature showed correlations with advanced tumor stage, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. Subgroup analyses revealed the valuable predictive role of the FPtosis-related signature in predicting survival across different clinical subgroups, including age, gender, tumor stage, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis status, and distant metastasis status. Moreover, the signature exhibited positive associations with inflammation and the infiltration of diverse immune cells, such as neutrophils, M0 and M2 macrophages, and regulatory T cells (Tregs). In microsatellite instable (MSI) CRC, the expression of most ICB genes was higher in the high-FPtosis group compared to the low-FPtosis group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The FPtosis signature can effectively predict the prognosis of CRC and had the potential to improve the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"26 2","pages":"Pages 163-175"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Clinical efficacy of phenobarbital combined with ursodeoxycholic acid in the treatment of neonatal patients with cholestasis","authors":"Lin Jiang, Qiuyu Jiang, Can Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2024.12.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2024.12.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and study aims</h3><div>The aim of this study was to explore and evaluate the clinical effect of phenobarbital combined with ursodeoxycholic acid in the treatment of neonatal cholestasis.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>100 infants were divided into two groups using the random number method, with 50 cases in each group. The PB group was given routine treatment and phenobarbital, and the combination group received the same treatment as the PB group and was additionally given ursodeoxycholic acid. Observe the liver function indicators (γ-glutaminyl transferase (γ-GGT), aspartate transferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)), serum bilirubin (the total bilirubin (TBIL), and direct bilirubin (DBIL)), total effective rate and adverse reactions of the children.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>After treatment, the levels of γ-GGT, AST, ALT DBIL, and TBIL in both groups of children were reduced (P < 0.01). the jaundice index of children in the combination group was clearly reduced (P < 0.05) and was obviously lower than that of the PB group (P < 0.05). Moreover, children in the combination group had more daily defecation times than the PB group, and the time to first discharge and yellowing of meconium was shorter than that in the PB group (P < 0. 05). The total effective rate of treatment in the combination group was obviously higher than that in the PB group (94.00 % VS. 78.00 %, P < 0.05), and the average time for complete resolution of jaundice also was shorter than that in the PB group (P < 0.05). A few children develop diarrhea, which occasionally causes skin itching, rash, and other adverse reactions, but most of them are mild and will not affect the treatment effect or prognosis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Phenobarbital combined with ursodeoxycholic acid can improve the liver function of children to a greater extent in the treatment of neonatal cholestasis. It can also reduce serum bilirubin concentration, has good clinical efficacy, does not cause serious adverse reactions, and has good safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"26 2","pages":"Pages 195-200"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144081306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Liang Tao, Peng Song, Lihua Shao, Hengfei Gao, Kangkang Ji, Yan Ren, Feng Wang, Meng Wang
{"title":"Retraction notice to “miR-129-2-3p inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation by down-regulating the expression of BZW1” [Arab J. Gastroenterol. 25 (2024) 42−50]","authors":"Liang Tao, Peng Song, Lihua Shao, Hengfei Gao, Kangkang Ji, Yan Ren, Feng Wang, Meng Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2025.03.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2025.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"26 2","pages":"Page 224"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144055597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Deliang Ouyang, Haibin Li, Kang Luo, Mingming Huang, Song Yan, Li Zhou
{"title":"Mesenchymal stem cell derived exosomes as Nanodrug carrier of doxorubicin combined with PVT1 siRNA inhibits the progression of gastric cancer","authors":"Deliang Ouyang, Haibin Li, Kang Luo, Mingming Huang, Song Yan, Li Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2025.01.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2025.01.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and study aims</h3><div>Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) have been used as drug delivery vehicles for the treatment of gastric cancer. This study aimed to explore the effects of doxorubicin-loaded exosomes (Exo-Dox) combined with the long noncoding RNA PVT1 on gastric cancer (GC) development.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>CCK-8 and immunohistochemistry were used to assess cell proliferation. The morphology and size of the exosomes and Exo-Dox were determined. The distribution of free Exos and Exo-Dox in cells was observed under a fluorescence microscope. Cell migration and invasive ability were assessed using wound healing and Transwell assays. In addition, the protective effects of Exo-Dox were confirmed in a xenograft tumor model.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Exosomes were successfully isolated from MSCs and identified. The size of Exo-Dox was greater than that of free Exos. The acidic environment promoted the release of doxorubicin, and exosomes promoted the cellular uptake of doxorubicin. Compared with doxorubicin alone, Exo-Dox exhibited better antitumor effects on gastric cancer, inhibiting the growth, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Additionally, combined therapy of Exo-Dox with si-PVT1 clearly suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasive ability of gastric cancer cells. Exo-Dox combined with si-PVT1 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in a xenograft model.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Doxorubicin-loaded exosomes combined with si-PVT1 suppressed the progression of GC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"26 2","pages":"Pages 149-156"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144053890","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A novel rotatable sphincterotome for transpancreatic biliary sphincterotomy via balloon enteroscopy in a patient with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy","authors":"Yuki Tanisaka, Shomei Ryozawa, Masafumi Mizuide, Akashi Fujita, Ryuichi Watanabe","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2025.02.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2025.02.007","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"26 2","pages":"Pages 219-221"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144054897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}