Arab Journal of Gastroenterology最新文献

{"title":"The utility of STRIATIN as a novel diagnostic marker in cirrhosis","authors":"Balasubramaniyan Vairappan,&nbsp;Vigneshwaran Venkatesan,&nbsp;Pazhanivel Mohan","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.06.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.06.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Endothelial dysfunction and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mediated reduction in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability are pivotal in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension (PHT) associated with liver cirrhosis. Striatin, a scaffolding protein that regulates eNOS activation, may play a crucial but unexplored role in this context. This study aimed to investigate hepatic striatin expression and its association with eNOS in cirrhosis, assess systemic striatin concentrations in cirrhotic patients, and evaluate its potential as a diagnostic biomarker for PHT.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A case–control study was conducted including 40 cirrhotic patients and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Hepatic striatin and phosphorylccated eNOS (peNOS) expressions were determined by Western blotting. Serum striatin and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentrations were measured using ELISA, and biochemical parameters were analyzed using a Beckman Coulter AU 680 autoanalyzer.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Serum striatin levels were significantly lower in cirrhotic patients than in controls (6.86 ± 1.7 vs. 10.9 ± 1.7 ng/ml; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001). Conversely, serum cGMP levels were significantly higher in cirrhotic patients (10.90 ± 2.8 vs. 5.19 ± 2.3 pmol/ml; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001), with no correlation observed between striatin and cGMP concentrations. Hepatic striatin expression was markedly reduced in cirrhotic livers and positively correlated with peNOS levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that serum striatin had superior diagnostic accuracy compared with cGMP for distinguishing cirrhotic patients from controls.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Both systemic and hepatic striatin levels are significantly reduced in cirrhosis, suggesting a potential role of striatin downregulation in endothelial dysfunction and PHT. Striatin may serve as a promising diagnostic biomarker for cirrhotic patients with PHT. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the therapeutic potential of the striatin–eNOS–NO signaling axis in advanced cirrhosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"27 3","pages":"Pages 326-333"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413356","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 of therapeutic targets and postoperative recurrence prediction model construction for hepatocellular carcinoma based on systematic mendelian randomization","authors":"Yang Kong,&nbsp;Yizhi Wang,&nbsp;Qifan Yang,&nbsp;Song Ye","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.06.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.06.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and study aims</h3><div>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high risk of postoperative recurrence. This study aimed to develop a transcriptome-based recurrence prediction model and explore molecular features using Mendelian randomization (MR), immune infiltration, and single-cell RNA sequencing.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Transcriptomic data from TCGA-LIHC (<em>n</em> = 415), GSE14520 (<em>n</em> = 240), and GSE16757 (<em>n</em> = 101) were integrated to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A total of 113 machine-learning strategies, including standalone models and feature-selection/classifier combinations, were evaluated, and the RF model was selected according to average AUC performance. Bootstrap optimism correction and exploratory external validation using GSE164368 were performed to assess model robustness. MR analysis was used to evaluate the genetic association between COL2A1 and HCC risk, while immune infiltration and single-cell RNA-seq analyses were conducted to explore its tumor microenvironmental relevance.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 141 DEGs associated with HCC recurrence were identified, with RF highlighting 24 core genes. The RF model achieved the highest average AUC of 0.930, retained stable performance after bootstrap optimism correction, and showed exploratory external validation performance in GSE164368 with an AUC of 0.889. MR analysis showed that increased COL2A1 expression was significantly protective against HCC (OR = 0.811; 95% CI, 0.669–0.984; <em>P</em> = 0.034). Single-cell RNA-seq analysis showed higher COL2A1 expression in hepatocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, and tissue stem cells from MVI-negative samples than in MVI-positive samples. Functional enrichment and immune infiltration analyses suggested that COL2A1 may be associated with recurrence- and invasion-related biological processes, including extracellular matrix remodeling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and immune microenvironment regulation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The RF-based 24-gene model showed promising performance for classifying postoperative recurrence in HCC. COL2A1 may be linked to recurrence-associated microenvironmental states, involving extracellular matrix remodeling and immune regulation. Further validation is required before clinical translation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"27 3","pages":"Pages 334-344"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prognostic value of red blood cell distribution width for mortality in critically ill patients with acute pancreatitis","authors":"Qian Xiao,&nbsp;Yin Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.06.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.06.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and study aims</h3><div>Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common gastrointestinal emergency with unpredictable progression and high mortality in severe cases. Traditional prognostic scores such as APACHE II, BISAP, and SOFA are limited by complexity and delayed applicability. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), a simple and universally available biomarker, has emerged as a potential prognostic indicator. This study assessed the predictive value of RDW for short- and long-term mortality in critically ill patients with AP.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the MIMIC-IV database. Adult patients with a primary diagnosis of AP were included, with exclusions for repeat admissions, ICU stay &lt;48 h, hematologic malignancy, or end-stage renal disease. Baseline RDW at ICU admission was the primary exposure. Primary outcomes were 28-day and 90-day all-cause mortality. Associations were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis, Cox regression, restricted cubic splines, and subgroup analyses. Incremental prognostic performance was assessed with AUC, net reclassification index (NRI), and decision curve analysis (DCA).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 450 patients met inclusion criteria. The overall 28-day and 90-day mortality rates were 8.7% and 12.0%, respectively. Patients with elevated RDW (&gt;14.5%) had significantly higher mortality at both 28 days (13.4% vs. 4.3%, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001) and 90 days (18.7% vs. 6.5%, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). In fully adjusted Cox models, RDW remained an independent predictor of mortality (28-day: HR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.15–1.50; 90-day: HR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.16–1.41). RDW demonstrated strong discriminatory ability (AUC: 0.837 for 28-day, 0.807 for 90-day mortality). Incorporating RDW into a multivariable baseline model including demographics, comorbidities, and laboratory indicators of organ dysfunction improved predictive accuracy (ΔAUC +0.06; NRI = 0.21, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>RDW is a low-cost, widely accessible biomarker that independently predicts short- and long-term mortality in critically ill patients with AP. Its inclusion in conventional prognostic models may enhance risk stratification and may support earlier, tailored clinical decision-making. Prospective multicenter validation is warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"27 3","pages":"Pages 369-381"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148580695","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":"Innate immune activity in radiation Proctitis","authors":"Laurence Egan,&nbsp;Abobakr Shadad,&nbsp;Coralie Mureau,&nbsp;Frank Sullivan,&nbsp;Joseph Martin,&nbsp;Emer Caffrey,&nbsp;Margaret Sheehan,&nbsp;Khalifa Elmusharaf","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.06.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and study aims</h3><div>Radiation proctitis is a common and morbid complication of pelvic radiotherapy, yet its pathophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Preclinical models suggest that activation of the innate immune system, particularly the NF-kappaB signaling pathway, plays a key role in regulating intestinal responses to ionizing radiation.</div><div>This study aimed to investigate the activation of innate immune responses in rectal mucosa during prostate radiotherapy and examine correlations with the development of acute proctitis.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>A prospective observational study was conducted at University Hospital Galway, including 28 prostate cancer patients receiving external beam radiotherapy (74 Gy in 37 fractions). Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v3.0). Endoscopic examinations and rectal biopsies were performed at baseline (week 0) and post-treatment (week 6). Histological evaluation and immunohistochemistry for phospho-p65 NF-kappaB were used to assess mucosal injury and immune activation. Real-time PCR was performed to quantify the expression of NF-kappaB target cytokine genes (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There was a progressive increase in the frequency of proctitis symptoms, with significant elevations in endoscopic and histological scores from baseline to week 6 (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.0001). NF-kappaB activation scores significantly increased post-radiotherapy (P &lt; 0.0001), and a moderate positive correlation was observed between endoscopic scores and NF-kappaB activation (rho = 0.483, <em>P</em> = 0.009). While expression levels of target cytokine genes increased post-treatment, these changes did not reach statistical significance.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study provides evidence of innate immune activation in the rectal mucosa during prostate radiotherapy, particularly via NF-kappaB signaling. These findings suggest that mucosal immune responses contribute to the development of radiation proctitis and highlight potential therapeutic targets to mitigate gastrointestinal toxicity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"27 3","pages":"Pages 317-325"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148585717","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":"Impact of modified WuMei decoction combined with Bifidobacterium triple viable enteric-coated capsules on clinical efficacy and intestinal microbiota in patients after endoscopic resection of colonic polyps","authors":"Bin Ye,&nbsp;Wei Ye","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.06.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.06.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and study aims</h3><div>This work was designed to assess the impact of modified WuMei decoction (MWMD) combined with Bifidobacterium triple viable (BTV) enteric-coated capsules on patients following endoscopic resection of colonic polyps.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>This study enrolled 80 patients with colonic polyps and divided them into a control group and an observation group. Both groups underwent endoscopic polypectomy. The control group received BTV enteric-coated capsules, while the observation group received both BTV enteric-coated capsules and MWMD. Baseline characteristics, postoperative recurrence rates, clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, intestinal microbiota, serum inflammatory cytokines, gastrointestinal quality of life index (GLQI), intestinal mucosa repair, and postoperative complications were compared.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05). At 12 months postoperatively, the observation group demonstrated a lower recurrence rate (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01) and superior clinical outcomes (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01). After treatment, TCM symptom scores in this group showed significant improvement (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), with a notable reduction in <em>Escherichia coli</em> levels (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01) and a substantial increase in <em>Bifidobacterium</em> and <em>Lactobacillus</em> counts (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01). The observation group also exhibited higher GLQI scores (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01), substantially reduced serum inflammatory markers (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.01), better intestinal mucosal healing (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01), and a lower incidence of postoperative complications (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The combination of MWMD and BTV demonstrated good clinical efficacy in patients undergoing endoscopic resection of colonic polyps, promoting intestinal mucosal repair and reducing postoperative complications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"27 3","pages":"Pages 396-401"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148702701","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":"Pancreatitis due to afferent loop syndrome: A case report and a brief review of the literature","authors":"Diğdem Özer Etik,&nbsp;Selçuk Dişibeyaz,&nbsp;Enis Hikmet Özmert","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.02.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.02.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Afferent loop syndrome (ALS) should be a part of the differential diagnosis in a patient with acute pancreatitis with a history of gastric surgery. Although it is a rare clinical entity, association of ALS with acute pancreatitis can lead to poor clinical outcomes. Herein, we report the case of a 41-year-old man with a history of subtotal gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass who presented with abdominal pain and tenderness. Treatment of choice in this case was purely medical. A brief review of similar cases in the literature highlights the wide array of etiologies of acute pancreatitis due to ALS and reveals a broad spectrum of treatment options from medical to surgical.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"27 3","pages":"Pages 438-442"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786413","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":"Establishment of a recurrence prediction model after endoscopic resection of colorectal serrated lesions","authors":"Yixuan Shen,&nbsp;Wenqi Sun,&nbsp;Bei Zhao,&nbsp;Yifan Li,&nbsp;Longying Xiong,&nbsp;Jiale Xu,&nbsp;Yanping Wu,&nbsp;Xiaoyu Qin,&nbsp;Mengli Yang,&nbsp;Xiaotan Dou,&nbsp;Ahmed Salah Seif,&nbsp;Min Chen,&nbsp;Lei Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.06.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.06.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and study aims</h3><div>Colorectal serrated lesions are precursors to colorectal cancer, with a high recurrence risk after endoscopic resection. Identifying risk factors for recurrence and establishing a prediction model are crucial for optimizing surveillance strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>A single-center retrospective study included 164 patients with colorectal serrated lesions who had endoscopic follow-up information after the surgery. These cases were divided into a polyp recurrence group (79 cases) and a non-recurrence group (85 cases). Demographic data, medical histories, laboratory findings, endoscopic characteristics of the lesions, and follow-up durations were therefore collected. Cox regression identified independent risk factors, which were incorporated into a nomogram. Model performance was evaluated using C-index, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Multivariate analysis identified non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (HR 1.813, 95%CI 1.080–3.045), atrophic gastritis (HR 1.733, 95%CI 1.087–2.760), history of gallbladder abnormalities (HR 1.791, 95%CI 1.107–2.898) and elevated total bile acid levels (HR 1.023, 95%CI 1.003–1.043) as independent predictors of recurrence. The nomogram demonstrated good discrimination (C-index: 0.703–0.820) and clinical applicability (decision curve analysis net benefit: 27–80% threshold).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study established a validated prediction model for colorectal serrated lesions recurrence, highlighting metabolism-related factors as key determinants. Targeting these factors and applying the nomogram may enhance risk stratification and postoperative surveillance, potentially reducing colorectal cancer progression. Limitations include the retrospective design, single-center data, and lacking further validations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"27 3","pages":"Pages 345-352"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148585618","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":"Hepatocellular carcinoma A major challenge in the Arab world: A systematic review","authors":"Samah Seif,&nbsp;Celina Doueihy,&nbsp;Gilles Prince,&nbsp;Marianne Matar,&nbsp;Karl-Michel Nakhle,&nbsp;Georges Jammal,&nbsp;Marc Aoude,&nbsp;Elie Barouky,&nbsp;Joseph Gharios,&nbsp;Kakil Rassul,&nbsp;Zineb Ben Brahim,&nbsp;Noha Rashad,&nbsp;Mervat Mahrous,&nbsp;Cesar Yaghi,&nbsp;Hampig Raphael Kourie,&nbsp;Humaid O.Al-Shamsi","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.06.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.06.010","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"27 3","pages":"Pages 268-279"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148622227","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":"Three decades of change: schistosomiasis, hepatitis C, and the rise of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in Egypt","authors":"Mohamed El-Kassas,&nbsp;Gamal Esmat","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.02.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.02.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chronic liver disease (CLD) profile in Egypt has shifted dramatically over three decades: schistosomiasis dominated through the 1980s, hepatitis C virus (HCV) became the principal cause from the 1990s–2010s, and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is now rising as viral hepatitis recedes. Drawing on national surveys and programmatic data, this editorial clarifies the timeline and drivers of that transition and translates them into policy. Schistosomiasis declined with praziquantel-based control, while iatrogenic transmission during mid 20th-century parenteral antischistosomal therapy fueled an unparalleled HCV epidemic; by 2008, anti-HCV prevalence reached 14.7% among adults aged 15–59 years with roughly one in ten chronically infected. Egypt established a coordinated HCV program in 2006 and, from 2014, rapidly scaled direct-acting antivirals alongside nationwide testing and standardized care pathways. In 2018–2019, the “100 Million Healthy Lives” campaign screened 57 million citizens and treated about 4 million, contributing the largest single-country share of global HCV cures and earning WHO validation of progress toward elimination. As HCV wanes, MASLD has emerged within a population carrying heavy burdens of obesity and diabetes; national screening recorded anthropometrics for around 50 million adults, with 39.84% meeting obesity criteria (women 49.51%, men 29.53%) and nearly three-quarters overweight or obese when projected to 2022 population counts. Priorities now are to consolidate HCV gains—targeted testing, micro-elimination, and post-SVR risk-stratified HCC surveillance—while building integrated primary-care MASLD pathways using simple non-invasive fibrosis triage, staged referrals, and pragmatic, equitable coverage. With its HCV-era infrastructure, Egypt is positioned to lead a standardized, regionally scalable response to MASLD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"27 3","pages":"Pages 265-267"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147469791","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":"Journey to a gluten-free world: A qualitative exploration of challenges faced by university students with celiac disease","authors":"Hatice Abaoğlu,&nbsp;Zeynep Yılmaz Türkmen","doi":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.07.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ajg.2026.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and study aims</h3><div>University represents a critical developmental period in which individuals transition toward greater independence while adapting to new academic and social environments. Celiac disease (CeD) requires strict lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet and may influence daily functioning, particularly among university students managing academic demands and social participation. The aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences, challenges, and adaptations of university students with CeD.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of nine university students with CeD. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four interrelated themes emerged from the analysis: emotional and social burden, challenges in navigating everyday and academic life, difficulties in accessing safe and affordable gluten-free foods, and the role of social support and acceptance.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings demonstrate that living with CeD extends beyond dietary management and affects multiple dimensions of students' daily lives, including emotional well-being, academic participation, and social integration. The results underscore the need for enhanced institutional support within universities, improved access to safe and affordable gluten-free food options, and increased social awareness to facilitate inclusion and well-being among students with CeD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48674,"journal":{"name":"Arab Journal of Gastroenterology","volume":"27 3","pages":"Pages 425-431"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148585710","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}