Search Results (1,725)

Background: Tumor sidedness in colon cancer has been linked to biological and clinical differences, but its impact on survival and prognostic factors remains unclear. This study aimed to find the predictors of overall survival (OS) in patients with right-sided colon cancer (RCC) and left-sided colon cancer (LCC) undergoing surgical treatment. Methods: A retrospective single-center study was conducted on 247 patients with colon cancer, including 117 with RCC and 130 with LCC. Clinical, surgical, and pathological variables were analyzed. Cox regression and ROC curve analyses were used to identify independent predictors of OS in the overall cohort and tumor-side subgroups. Results: RCC patients were older (69 vs. 68 years, p = 0.03), had lower hemoglobin levels (11.7 vs. 12.95 g/dL, p < 0.01), and more often presented with anemia (34.18% vs. 11.48%, p < 0.001). LCC patients more frequently underwent emergency surgery (13.74% vs. 5.69%, p = 0.03). Mucinous adenocarcinomas were more frequent in RCC (12.82% vs. 5.38%, p = 0.03), whereas distant metastases (15.38% vs. 6.84%, p = 0.03) and liver metastases (14.61% vs. 6.84%, p = 0.04) were more common in LCC. The one-year overall survival was similar between LCC and RCC before (88.09% vs. 91.52%, p = 0.15) and after propensity score matching (89.32% vs. 91.87%, p = 0.60) In multivariate Cox regression, independent predictors of lower OS included advanced AJCC stage (HR = 34.54, p < 0.001) in RCC, while, in LCC, AJCC stage (HR = 31.14, p = 0.001 and stoma (HR = 5.86, p = 0.01) were significant. Tumor location itself was not associated with OS (p = 0.18). Conclusions: Prognostic factors in colon cancer vary with tumor location. Side-specific risk stratification may improve outcome prediction and guide personalized management. Full article

Background: Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim., widely used in Russian and Chinese traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory activity, contains bioactive compounds capable of stabilizing epithelial function and reducing inflammation. Despite prior research on its effects in the colon, the impact and mechanism of action of E. senticosus fruit extract on epithelial tissues of the upper digestive and respiratory tract remains unexplored. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of E. senticosus fruit extract on the transepithelial electrical potential and resistance in the tracheal and small intestinal epithelium of rabbits. In addition, the chemical composition of the extract was also profiled by the means of UHPLC-DAD-MS. Methods: Tissue segments from the trachea and small intestine of New Zealand white male rabbits were examined using the Ussing chamber technique. Three concentrations of E. senticosus fruit extract (0.001, 0.1, 10 mg/100 mL) were applied, and changes in transepithelial electrical potential (dPD) and resistance (R) were recorded. Chemical analysis of the extract was conducted using UHPLC-DAD-MS. Results: For the first time, we have discovered that the E. senticosus extract increased membrane resistance in tracheal tissue, suggesting enhanced barrier integrity. In contrast, a slight decrease in resistance was observed in small intestinal tissue. UHPLC-DAD-MS confirmed the presence of chlorogenic acid, dicaffeoylquinic acids, quercetin derivatives, and myo-inositol, compounds known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and membrane-stabilizing effects. Conclusions: The differential response of respiratory and intestinal epithelium to the E. senticosus extract highlights its tissue-specific action and supports its traditional use in the prevention and treatment of diseases characterized by epithelial barrier dysfunction, such as asthma, COPD, and Crohn’s disease. Full article

Herbivorous animals rely on complex gastrointestinal systems and microbial communities to efficiently digest plant-based diets, extract nutrients, and maintain health. Recent advances in metagenomic technologies have enabled high-resolution, culture-independent analysis of gut microbiota composition, functional potential, and host–microbe interactions, providing insights into microbial diversity across the herbivore digestive tract. This review summarizes key findings on the gastrointestinal microbiota of herbivores, focusing on ruminant foregut and non-ruminant hindgut fermentation. Ruminants like cattle, sheep, and goats host microbiota enriched with fibrolytic and methanogenic microbes that facilitate fiber degradation and volatile fatty acid production, contributing significantly to energy balance. In contrast, non-ruminants such as horses and rabbits rely on hindgut fermentation, with distinct microbial taxa contributing to carbohydrate and protein breakdown. The review further explores how specific microbial taxa, including Prevotella, Fibrobacter, and Ruminococcus, correlate with improved feed efficiency and growth performance, particularly in ruminants. Additionally, the roles of probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics in modulating gut microbial composition and enhancing productivity are discussed. Despite significant advances, challenges remain in microbial sampling, functional annotation, and understanding the integration of microbiota with host physiology. The review emphasizes the potential of metagenomic insights in optimizing herbivore gut microbiota to improve feed efficiency, health, and sustainable livestock production. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary potassium diformate supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gastrointestinal pH, jejunal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, and antioxidant status of weaned piglets in a 28-day trial. Twenty-four weaned piglets were selected and, after a 4-day adaptation period, randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups (n = 6). The dietary treatments included a control diet (basal diet) and 3 diets supplemented with 0.6%, 1.2%, or 1.8% potassium diformate in the basal diet. The results indicated that the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of piglets was reduced by all three potassium diformate supplementation levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the FCR was decreased in piglets fed the 1.8% potassium diformate-supplemented diet compared to those fed the 1.2% potassium diformate-supplemented diet (p < 0.05). Piglets fed the three potassium diformate-supplemented diets exhibited higher apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter and crude protein than the control group (p < 0.05). The 1.8% potassium diformate groups also showed increased ATTD of calcium and phosphorus compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Supplementation with 1.2% or 1.8% potassium diformate reduced the digesta pH in the proximal stomach, distal stomach, and duodenum, while increased jejunal villus height (VH), VH/crypt depth (VH/CD) ratio, and catalase and total superoxide dismutase activities in the jejunal mucosa compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The 1.2% potassium diformate group showed higher α-amylase activity than the control group (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that FCR negatively correlated with ATTD of dry matter, crude protein, calcium, phosphorus, and jejunal VH, while positively correlating with digesta pH in the proximal stomach (p < 0.05). The ATTD of dry matter negatively correlated with digesta pH in the proximal stomach, distal stomach, and duodenum, and positively correlated with jejunal VH/CD ratio and catalase activity (p < 0.05). The ATTD of crude protein negatively correlated with digesta pH in the proximal stomach, distal stomach, and duodenum (p < 0.05). Collectively, dietary supplementation with 1.8% potassium diformate reduced FCR of weaned piglets, which was associated with enhanced nutrient digestibility, reduced pH in the anterior gastrointestinal tract, and improved jejunal morphology. Full article

Social communication difficulties characterize autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are more common in ASD than in the general population. The identification of GI problems in individuals with ASD is challenging due to their altered pain perception and irregular behaviors. Importantly, GI symptoms and ASD can potentially aggravate each other. However, it is unclear if GI problems cause ASD symptoms or vice versa. A crosstalk between the digestive system, gut microbiota, and the central and enteric nervous systems (CNS and ENS, respectively) has been repeatedly reported. The ENS regulates the GI tract with the CNS and the autonomic nervous system (ANS), as well as independently through specific neural circuits. Several mechanisms contribute to GI problems in ASD, including genetic mutations that affect the ENS, dysregulation of the ANS, alterations in gut microbiota, unhealthy dietary preferences, and changes in metabolomic profiles. Furthermore, studies have shown molecular and cellular differences in the GI biopsy of children with and without ASD. These findings highlight the unique nature of GI issues in ASD, underscoring the importance of further investigating the changes that occur in the digestive system and ENS in ASD models. Full article

In patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), focus is primarily placed on fat digestion. Using high-caloric drinks (HCD) is often recommended to avoid malnutrition, but knowledge is limited whether pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is needed. In this study the animal model of pancreatic duct-ligated (PL) and ileocaecal-fistulated minipig was used to determine the praecaecal disappearance rates (pcDR) of the fat and protein of four HCD in controls and PL-pigs with or without PERT. In controls pcDR were high (95.5–96.6% for fat; 70.2–78.6% for protein) while in PL-pigs receiving no PERT the pcDR were significantly lower (fat DR: 47.4–54.3%; protein 22.4–33.5%) despite a high fat pcDR value (84.0%) of one diet. PERT resulted in a normalisation of pcDR of fat and protein with values not differing from controls. This study demonstrates the massive impact of PEI on pcDR, even in HCD typically considered highly digestible. Using PERT is highly recommended in PEI patients using HCD to avoid maldigestion and associated digestive tract symptoms. Optimisation of formulations and galenic preparations of the HCD seems to be necessary as well, as the high fat pcDR of one drink showed that even without PERT high values can be reached. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to provide the first umbrella review to systematically evaluate the evidence for the efficacy of personalized susceptibility-guided tailored therapy (TT) versus empirical therapy (ET) for Helicobacter pylori eradication. Methods: An umbrella review was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute standards, registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251104335). A comprehensive literature search across MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, RSCI, and Google Scholar identified systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 1 January 1985 and 10 June 2025. Studies comparing TT and ET were included. Methodological quality was assessed using a modified AMSTAR-2 tool, GRADE, and the risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBIS tool. Data were synthesized using a random-effects model, with heterogeneity assessed using the I² statistic. Results: A total of 7 systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included, covering 66 primary studies. TT was associated with a significantly higher eradication rate compared to ET (RR = 1.265; 95% CI: 1.137–1.407). In first-line treatment, TT showed consistent superiority (RR = 1.156; 95% CI: 1.117–1.196), which was further supported by high-quality meta-analyses (RR = 1.288; 95% CI: 1.022–1.624). The benefit in second-line therapy did not reach statistical significance (RR = 1.291; 95% CI: 0.834–1.999). The absolute eradication rates were 84.31% (95% CI: 80.94–87.41) for TT and 67.80% (95% CI: 58.48–76.46) for ET. Conclusions: TT is more effective than ET in the first-line H. pylori eradication regimen. However, the benefit is less evident in second-line regimens. Full article

Comprising ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) denotes a series of long-standing, relapsing inflammatory disorders of the digestive tract. There is increasing evidence in the literature indicating that IBD pathogenesis is associated with the dysfunction of ion channels, with Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels being of particular importance. Through this systematic review, the significance of various TRP channel types in the pathogenesis of colitis and IBD will be appraised. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, encompassing original research articles, using the principles of the PRISMA statement (last search: 15 May 2025). The search terms used were “Transient Receptor Potential Channels”, “TRP channels”, “TRPV1”, “TRPA1”, “TRPV4”, “TRPV2”, “TRPM2”, “TRPM3”, “TRPM7”, “TRPM8”, “TRPC3”, “colitis”, “inflammatory bowel disease”, “IBD”, “ulcerative colitis”, “Crohn Disease”. A total of 48 studies met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE’s Risk of Bias tool for preclinical studies and the GRADE approach for clinical studies. According to a review of the literature, some TRP channels may exhibit contradictory effects when evaluating pain sensitivity or inflammation, while no conflicting effects have been observed for other TRP channels. Thus, TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels demonstrated opposing effects on pain sensitivity, but TRPV4, TRPM2, TRPM3, and TRPM8 were exclusively linked to elevated pain. Only anti-inflammatory activity was shown for TRPV3, TRPC1, and TRPC6 channels. In contrast, TRPV6, TRPM2, and TRPM3 channels were exclusively associated with a pro-inflammatory role. Concurrently, both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects were manifested for TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPV4, and TRPV5. The literature suggests that these TRP channels exert significant and diverse effects on the pathophysiology of colitis and IBD. Understanding the specific contributions of each TRP channel may pave the way for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions aimed at controlling inflammation and alleviating the symptoms of IBD. This systematic review was funded by the Russian Science Foundation (grant #24-25-00267). Full article

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is increasingly recognized as an important regulator of energy balance and metabolism, extending beyond its traditional digestive functions. This review synthesizes current research on how modifications to the GI tract, particularly those induced by metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS), influence hormonal and physiological processes involved in glucose regulation and appetite control. MBS procedures, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG), induce significant and sustained weight loss, but also elicit adaptive morphological and functional changes within the intestines. These alterations include intestinal hypertrophy, increased mucosal surface area, changes in nutrient transit time, and modifications in enzyme activity. Such changes enhance the secretion of key gut hormones, including glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY), which play vital roles in promoting insulin secretion, suppressing appetite, and improving blood glucose regulation. The benefits stem from the exposure of undigested nutrients to different intestinal segments, which stimulates enteroendocrine activity and positively influences systemic metabolism. These hormonal adaptations contribute significantly to the metabolic improvements observed post-surgery, independent of weight loss alone. Understanding how gut structural and functional changes drive hormonal responses provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the success of MBS. Moreover, elucidating these processes may facilitate the development of less invasive therapies that mimic the metabolic benefits of surgery. Ultimately, this research advances our understanding of gut-mediated regulation of energy and glucose homeostasis and holds promise for improving treatment strategies for obesity and related metabolic disorders. Full article

The development of non-alcoholic beer (NAB) with health benefits, using non-conventional potential probiotic yeasts, offers an interesting alternative to standard NAB brewing strategies. In this study, potential probiotic non-Saccharomyces yeasts Pichia manshurica, Kluyveromyces lactis, and Kluyveromyces marxianus, along with commercial probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, were characterised and tested for functional NAB production, whereas P. manshurica was used in NAB production for the first time. Growth and viability were assessed across a range of temperatures, pH, and iso-α-bitter acids. The tested yeasts withstood conditions typical of the beer matrix and human digestive tract and had a positive phenolic off-flavour phenotype. Two strains, K. lactis and K. marxianus, showed strong β-glucosidase activity, which may enhance beverage aroma complexity. Ethanol levels in beers fermented with non-Saccharomyces yeasts remained below the NAB limit (≤0.5% v/v). An analysis of volatile organic compound profiles revealed the potential of these yeasts to produce higher alcohols and esters valuable from a brewer’s perspective. This study provides valuable insight into novel probiotic fermentations and the potential application of unconventional yeasts in functional, aromatic, and health-oriented non-alcoholic beverages. Full article

The tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus Gill, 1863) is a prehistoric fish of high nutritional value in southern Mexico and Central America. However, some aspects related to the effects caused by alternative protein sources, such as insect meal, as a substitute for fish meal on the growth and expression of digestive enzyme genes, are still unknown. A total of 225 juveniles of A. tropicus were used and fed five experimental diets, each in triplicate, with different levels of substitution of fishmeal (FM) protein with house cricket meal (HCM) protein. A control diet that contained no HCM (T1-0% HCM) was used, and substitutions ranged from 25 to 100% of FM protein by HCM (T2-25% HCM, T3-50% HCM, T4-75% HCM, and T5-100% HCM) for 45 days. The results of this study indicate that T4-75% HCM showed the best growth indices, such as feed efficiency (EF), feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR), as well as higher gene expression of pepsin and trypsin, while chymotrypsin showed higher expression in T3. The higher performance achieved in T4-75% HCM may be due to the fact that, in the early stages, insects are part of the natural diet of A. tropicus. The inclusion of cricket meal as a partial substitute for fish meal is not recommended in quantities greater than T4-75%. Full article

Microbiomes have become an increasingly important field of study in the past decade, with data supporting microbial roles in disease control, metabolic efficiency, and more. Microbial DNA is detectable outside the digestive tract, including in blood. Bloodborne pathogens such as hemotrophic Mycoplasma are endemic in cattle. Hemoplasmas are associated with reduced male fertility and decreased milk production in dairy cattle, but their impact on beef cattle remains unclear. Strain variability, such as between the Massachusetts and INFAP01 strains of Mycoplasma wenyonii, may complicate detection. Coinfection with multiple species likely contributes to disease progression from latent to acute infection. To assess microbial DNA in blood and quantify erythrocytic M. wenyonii, blood was collected from 120 beef cattle in Erath County, Texas: 61 cows, 55 calves, and 4 bulls. DNA was extracted and used to prepare 16S rRNA V4 libraries and perform PCR. After rarefaction, ASVs were analyzed and separated into four groups: adult females (n = 61), adult males (n = 4), juvenile males (n = 27), and juvenile females (n = 28). Statistical analysis revealed differences in Actinobacteria by sex (p < 0.001) and higher Bartonella and Mycoplasma abundances in adults (p < 0.001). PCR revealed that M. wenyonii infection was more frequent in adult females (p = 0.006), suggesting age-related variation in infection. Full article

Oxidative stress is a state of imbalance between the process of producing and removing reactive oxygen species (ROS). With advancing age or in certain situations where oxidative stress cannot be combated, various pathologies such as inflammatory bowel diseases or neoplasia may occur. Over the past decade, a surge of intriguing discoveries has linked subtoxic levels of oxidative stress to key processes, including the maintenance of mucosal homeostasis, regulation of protective inflammation, and even the control of tissue wound healing. Given the complexity and limited understanding of oxidative mechanisms involved in human intestinal pathology, the relevance of experimental models becomes a critical consideration in efforts to elucidate these processes. Although diverse, none of these models fully replicate human digestive pathology; however, they remain valuable for developing new therapeutic strategies. This paper examines the main markers of oxidative stress and its mechanism and their impact on the intestinal tract, as well as the most widely used animal models that have contributed valuable insights into the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Full article

The undesirable properties of bioactive substances (such as poor solubility and low stability) and various barriers in the gastrointestinal tract (gastric acid, digestive enzymes, mucus and intestinal epithelial cells) hinder their absorption and utilisation by the human body. Nanodelivery systems have been proven to effectively address the above problems, particularly targeted nanodelivery systems, which have more advantages in improving the bioavailability of bioactive substances. However, many studies have not included all barriers. Furthermore, given that the small intestine is the main site for the absorption of bioactive substances in the human body, this review primarily discusses targeted nanodelivery systems designed for the gastrointestinal barrier and summarises how to construct a nanodelivery system that can resist the adverse effects of the gastrointestinal tract and target the small intestine for the absorption of bioactive substances. This paper proposes that the ideal system is the active targeted nanodelivery system that targets enterocytes and its future development trend is discussed. This review aims to provide new insights for the rational design of nanodelivery platforms that efficiently target the small intestine and promote the absorption of bioactive substances, as well as promote the development of fields such as personalised nutrition and nutritional intervention. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an autoimmune condition with an increasing incidence worldwide, which manifests in two pathological forms: Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). Both cause chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, although they can present different locations and with different symptoms. To date, the pathogenesis of IBD remains unclear. One of the major complications of these diseases is colorectal cancer. Several studies have reported a correlation between chronic intestinal inflammation and an increased risk of malignancy. Persistent inflammation damages the intestinal mucosa and epithelial wall, altering gut permeability and the local microenvironment. Moreover, the heightened activity of the immune system leads to an increased production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), increasing the risk of DNA mutation and cell transformation. In addition, some current therapies used to treat IBD and induce remission may contribute to carcinogenesis or impair immune surveillance due to their immunosuppressive activity. The management of cancer risk for IBD patients remains a challenge, and existing screening methods are often invasive (endoscopies, biopsies), resulting in low patient compliance. To address this unmet clinical need, researchers have started using proteomics to identify novel biomarkers that could predict cancer risk in IBD patients in a non-invasive manner. This review aims to examine the current state of knowledge regarding the correlation between IBD and cancer, with a special focus on the biomarkers discovered through proteomic approaches, and their potential application in routine clinical screening. In our view, proteomics represents a powerful and rapidly evolving strategy for biomarker discovery, with the potential to complement or even replace invasive procedures. Its future clinical impact will rely on translating current research advances into robust and accessible diagnostic tools. Full article