Vitamin D in Gut and Systemic Immune Tolerance and in Infections' Risk: An International Evidence-Based Consensus Statement.
2026Reviews in endocrine & metabolic disorders
Bilezikian JP, di Filippo L, Bianchi A, Bikle DD, Binkley N +11 more
PubMedCatholic University of the Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
Liboria Laterza studies various aspects of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. They evaluate the effectiveness of medications like Risankizumab and Mirikizumab for patients who have not responded to other treatments. Additionally, Laterza investigates methods for predicting disease activity and recurrence after surgery, exploring new biomarkers and diagnostic approaches to improve treatment strategies. Their goal is to help patients better manage their conditions and find effective therapies.
Reviews in endocrine & metabolic disorders
Bilezikian JP, di Filippo L, Bianchi A, Bikle DD, Binkley N +11 more
PubMedThe American journal of gastroenterology
Scaldaferri F, Di Vincenzo F, Aloi M, Ascolani M, Balestrieri P +51 more
Plain English
This study focused on the effectiveness and safety of the medication Risankizumab for patients with Crohn's disease. Researchers looked at 520 patients and found that 60.8% were symptom-free after 12 weeks, and by 52 weeks, 65.6% remained free of steroid use, with 37.5% showing improvement in their intestinal condition. These findings show that Risankizumab provides significant relief for patients who have had trouble with other treatments.
Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease, particularly those who haven't responded well to other medications.
Journal of Crohn's & colitis
Petito V, Gerovska D, Piazzesi A, di Vincenzo F, Russo A +13 more
Plain English
Researchers studied a type of DNA found outside of chromosomes, called extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA), in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They discovered that IBD patients had much higher levels of eccDNA compared to healthy individuals, especially those with active ulcerative colitis, who showed even more significant increases (specific numbers weren’t provided). This finding is important because it could lead to new ways to identify IBD types and monitor disease activity, potentially improving patient care and treatment outcomes.
Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors.
Advances in therapy
Del Gaudio A, Parisio L, Privitera G, Cuccia G, Coppola G +7 more
Plain English
This study focused on how different scoring systems can predict whether Crohn's disease will return after surgery. Researchers looked at over 170 patients and found that the Rutgeerts score was fairly effective, accurately predicting a clinical recurrence in 83% of cases but was less specific (57%). The study suggests that two newer scoring systems, the POCER index and the UEDA score, may provide better insights into the risk of disease return, particularly for inflammation at the surgical site.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Crohn's disease by improving the prediction of disease recurrence after surgery, enabling better disease management.
Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver
Privitera G, Monastero L, Melita E, Schiavoni E, Napolitano D +9 more
Plain English
This study looked at what happens when patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) switch from one type of biosimilar medication to another for reasons not related to their health (called nonmedical switching). Researchers followed two groups of patients for a year after they switched medications, finding that 84% of patients continued their treatment with one biosimilar and 79% with another. Overall, the switch did not lead to significant changes in how well the treatments worked, the safety of the medications, or patients' mental well-being.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with IBD who may be switched to different biosimilars without compromising their treatment.
Cancers
Puca P, Del Gaudio A, Iaccarino J, Blasi V, Coppola G +6 more
Plain English
This study looked at the safety of JAK inhibitors, a type of medication used for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly regarding their potential link to cancer. It found that while there are concerns about cancer risks, these drugs seem to present less risk compared to factors like older age or a history of smoking, which are more significant contributors to cancer development. This information is important because it helps doctors and patients make informed decisions about using JAK inhibitors, knowing the risks involved.
Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors.
Nutrients
Ribaudi E, Amato S, Becherucci G, Carillo S, Covello C +7 more
Plain English
This study looked at what people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) know about nutrition and found that many have misunderstandings about what foods they should eat and avoid. Out of 1440 studies reviewed, only 23 focused on adult patients' nutritional knowledge, showing that many patients often avoid foods like dairy and gluten based on personal beliefs rather than solid medical advice. Improving dietary education for these patients could help them manage their symptoms better and improve their overall health.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their healthcare providers.
United European gastroenterology journal
Lenti MV, Hammer HF, Tacheci I, Burgos R, Schneider S +25 more
Plain English
This study focuses on malabsorption, a condition where nutrients are not properly absorbed into the body, affecting both children and adults. It highlights the importance of recognizing malabsorption early and identifying its causes, often through various medical tests, especially in people at high risk, like those with coeliac disease. Nutritional support is vital for managing malabsorption, with options ranging from oral supplements to therapies that reduce the need for intravenous feeding in severe cases.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with malabsorption conditions, doctors, and healthcare providers.
Journal of clinical medicine
Cortellini F, Fichera A, Guarino AD, Laterza L, Alemanni LV +3 more
Plain English
Researchers surveyed young gastroenterologists in Italy to see how well they were trained in using abdominal and bowel ultrasounds. They found that while most learned ultrasound during their training, only 8% took specific courses, and those who received longer training performed better on knowledge tests. This matters because improving ultrasound skills can lead to better diagnoses and patient care.
Who this helps: This helps young gastroenterologists and ultimately their patients.
Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver
Papa A, Coppola G, Laterza L
PubMedDigestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver
Coppola G, Laterza L, Papa A
PubMedDigestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver
Coppola G, Laterza L, Papa A
PubMedEndoscopy
Cecinato P, Bruni A, Laterza L, Dota M, De Angelis N +2 more
PubMedEndoscopy
Cecinato P, Bruni A, Laterza L, Mandolesi D, Dota M +2 more
PubMedEndoscopy
Bruni A, Laterza L, Bombaci F, Dota M, Arena R +2 more
PubMedAlimentary pharmacology & therapeutics
Cammarota G, Laterza L, Bibbò S, Fusco W, Rozera T +6 more
Plain English
This review looked at the rising issue of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) around the world and how its treatment impacts the environment. It found that while treating IBD, factors like patient transportation and medical decisions contribute to harmful emissions and waste. Implementing eco-friendly strategies in IBD management is possible, with some easily adopted, to help reduce the environmental footprint of care.
Who this helps: Patients, healthcare providers, and the environment.
Microorganisms
Scaldaferri F, D'Onofrio AM, Chiera E, Gomez-Nguyen A, Ferrajoli GF +15 more
Plain English
This study examined how mental health and gut bacteria influence the progression of ulcerative colitis (UC) over five years. It found that UC patients who had failed biological therapies had higher levels of certain harmful gut bacteria and lower levels of beneficial ones, suggesting a connection between gut health and treatment effectiveness. Additionally, patients with severe psychological distress experienced worse outcomes, such as needing surgery or hospitalization.
Who this helps: This information can support both patients and doctors in understanding the importance of mental health and gut health in managing ulcerative colitis.
Journal of clinical medicine
Parisio L, Del Gaudio A, Iaccarino J, Puca P, Becherucci G +18 more
Plain English
This study looked at patients with Crohn's disease (CD) to find out what factors might predict the development of short bowel syndrome (SBS), a serious condition where the intestine is too short to absorb enough nutrients. Out of 232 patients, 18 developed SBS, and two key factors were identified: the longer a person has had Crohn's disease, the higher their risk of developing SBS (increase by 8% for every extra year), and having a specific type of gastrointestinal involvement increased the risk significantly (20 times more likely). Understanding these factors is important because it can help doctors monitor patients more closely and potentially prevent the development of SBS.
Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors.
Nutrients
Laterza L, Cremon C, Coppola G, Settanni CR, Maresca R +14 more
Plain English
This study looked at whether a combination of multistrain probiotics and vitamin D could improve gut health in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who don't have constipation. Researchers found that after 12 weeks, participants who took the probiotics and vitamin D had a notable decrease in a marker indicating gut permeability (zonulin) and better stool consistency compared to those who took a placebo. Specifically, they experienced a 19.5 ng/mL reduction in zonulin levels and improvements in stool quality and frequency.
Who this helps: This helps patients with irritable bowel syndrome, particularly those without constipation.
Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver
Papa A, Laterza L, Papa V, Lopetuso LR, Colantuono S +6 more
Plain English
This study looked at patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and compared them to those with acute gastroenteritis and colitis to see how often they faced serious heart and blood clot issues. Researchers found that 10.1% of patients with IBD had cardiovascular problems, compared to just 5.5% of the other group. This matters because it highlights that people with IBD are at a higher risk for heart disease, and managing inflammation in these patients could help lower that risk.
Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors.
United European gastroenterology journal
Lenti MV, Hammer HF, Tacheci I, Burgos R, Schneider S +25 more
Plain English
This study discusses malabsorption, which occurs when the body struggles to absorb nutrients properly, affecting both children and adults. The consensus identified conditions that lead to malabsorption, like cystic fibrosis and coeliac disease, and emphasized the importance of early diagnosis through medical history and various tests; for example, 60% of malabsorption cases are linked to coeliac disease in patients with no apparent cause. Understanding malabsorption better helps healthcare providers create tailored treatment plans, improving patients' health outcomes.
Who this helps: Patients with malabsorption disorders.
Endoscopy international open
Pasquale L, Grande G, Zagari RM, Biancheri P, Pisani A +16 more
Plain English
This study looked at two methods for preparing patients for early morning colonoscopies: taking all the preparation the night before versus splitting the preparation into two doses, one taken the night before and another a few hours before the procedure. Researchers found that the night-before method was effective for 88.2% of patients compared to 98.1% for the split-dose method; however, it was less effective overall, especially for procedures scheduled between 8 am and 10 am, despite being more comfortable for some patients. The findings suggest that while the night-before method is not as effective in general, it could be a good option for very early morning procedures where it performed similarly to the split-dose method.
Who this helps: This benefits patients preparing for early morning colonoscopies, especially those who may be anxious about the split-dose regimen.
Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver
Pugliese D, Privitera G, Cersullo N, Bordekar H, Crispino F +57 more
Plain English
This study looked at the effectiveness and safety of the drug vedolizumab for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) over two years. Researchers found that about 31.6% of patients with Crohn’s disease and 39.7% with ulcerative colitis experienced clinical remission, and there were very few adverse events, averaging 0.14 per patient per year. Understanding who is more likely to benefit from this treatment helps improve patient care.
Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors.
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Lopetuso LR, Deleu S, Puca P, Abreu MT, Armuzzi A +43 more
Plain English
This study looked at fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a treatment for ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Experts found that while FMT has shown promise in helping patients with this condition, there is still a need for more thorough clinical trials to properly assess its effectiveness. They highlighted the importance of creating standardized methods for future studies, which could lead to better treatment options and improved health outcomes for patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with ulcerative colitis seeking new treatment options.
Best practice & research. Clinical gastroenterology
Puca P, Lopetuso LR, Laterza L, Papa A, Danese S +5 more
Plain English
This study looks at a new way of using artificial intelligence called federated learning to improve research on inflammatory bowel diseases while keeping patient data private. Researchers found that federated learning can match or even outperform traditional data handling methods in diagnosing and predicting health outcomes, with performance scores over 0.80 in many cases. This approach is important because it allows different medical institutions to collaborate on creating better predictive models without needing to share sensitive patient information.
Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel diseases by improving diagnostic tools and treatment predictions.
Minerva gastroenterology
Murgiano M, Del Gaudio A, Puca P, Parello S, Calvez V +6 more
Plain English
This study looked at a 30-year-old pregnant woman suffering from severe ulcerative colitis, a condition that can be life-threatening and typically requires urgent medical treatment. After trying several other treatments without success, she received Mirikizumab, which led to significant improvement in her condition within just one day, and she kept doing well for the rest of her pregnancy. This matters because it shows that Mirikizumab can be a potentially effective treatment option for severe ulcerative colitis in pregnant women, where limited options exist.
Who this helps: Patients with severe ulcerative colitis, especially those who are pregnant.
Polish archives of internal medicine
Covello C, Becherucci G, Scaldaferri F, Laterza L, Gasbarrini A +1 more
Plain English
This study looked at how popular diets might help people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, especially when they have ongoing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The findings indicate that while various diets exist—like gluten-free, Mediterranean, and plant-based diets—there's no clear "best" option, and a personalized approach to diet may be most effective. Understanding these diets is important because IBD patients often face nutritional issues, and finding the right diet can improve their quality of life.
Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.
International journal of molecular sciences
Puca P, Capobianco I, Coppola G, Di Vincenzo F, Trapani V +5 more
Plain English
This research looks at why some patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) do not respond well to biologic drugs, which have improved treatment options for many. It finds that about 40% of patients who have never used biologic drugs respond to treatment, while the response rate is even lower for those who have tried them before. Factors like specific genetic make-ups and changes in gut bacteria can contribute to this lack of response, highlighting the need for personalized treatment plans that avoid ineffective therapies and their side effects.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease seeking more effective treatment options.
International journal of molecular sciences
Maresca R, Mignini I, Varca S, Calvez V, Termite F +6 more
Plain English
This research paper looks at how inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are connected to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is the most common liver issue globally. It finds that patients with IBD are more likely to develop NAFLD and its serious forms, such as liver scarring, with up to 50% experiencing liver-related complications. Understanding this link is crucial because it can help improve treatment and quality of life for IBD patients who also have liver problems.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and their doctors.
Biomedicines
Calvez V, Becherucci G, Covello C, Piccirilli G, Mignini I +6 more
Plain English
This study looked at how muscle loss (sarcopenia) and a combination of muscle loss with obesity (sarcopenic obesity) affect people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It found that sarcopenia is common in IBD patients, affecting 52% of those with Crohn's and 37% with ulcerative colitis. Understanding these issues is important because they can lead to worse surgery outcomes, less effective treatments, and lower quality of life for patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and their healthcare providers.
International journal of molecular sciences
Mignini I, Blasi V, Termite F, Esposto G, Borriello R +5 more
Plain English
This research studied the severe complications of bowel strictures in Crohn's disease, especially how to tell inflammatory strictures apart from fibrotic ones, since they require different treatments. Researchers found that various genetic and molecular factors contribute to the development of fibrosis, and understanding these could lead to better, personalized treatments for patients. By identifying high-risk patients and exploring new therapies targeting specific pathways, the study aims to improve care and outcomes for those affected by this condition.
Who this helps: Patients with fibrostic Crohn's disease and their doctors.
Journal of clinical medicine
Minordi LM, D'Angelo FB, Privitera G, Papa A, Larosa L +5 more
Plain English
This study looked at how imaging techniques, like CT and MRI, help in diagnosing and managing Crohn's disease, which causes inflammation in the bowel. It found that MRI is particularly effective because it can provide detailed information about the disease without using harmful radiation, making it better for assessing how active the disease is. Understanding these imaging options is important because they can help doctors make better decisions about treatment and monitor the disease over time.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors.
World journal of gastrointestinal endoscopy
Calabrese G, Manfredi G, Maida MF, Mandarino FV, Shahini E +5 more
Plain English
This paper looks at the challenges in treating early gastric cancer when initial treatment (called endoscopic submucosal dissection) doesn’t remove all the cancer. It highlights a specific type of issue (eCura C1 lesions) where doctors need to decide the best next steps, which can be complicated. The study found that better teamwork among doctors and new techniques can improve how these cases are managed and that new biological markers show promise for predicting patient outcomes.
Who this helps: This helps patients with early gastric cancer and their healthcare teams.
Best practice & research. Clinical gastroenterology
Cecinato P, Sinagra E, Laterza L, Pianigiani F, Grande G +2 more
Plain English
This research paper looked at advanced techniques for removing growths from the gastrointestinal tract using a method called endoscopic tunneling. The techniques, known as ESTD and STER, allow doctors to safely access and remove tumors without causing full-thickness damage to the gut, leading to better outcomes. The paper reviews various studies and found that these methods have been effective, although specific success rates were not provided in the summary.
Who this helps: This helps patients with gastrointestinal tumors by providing less invasive treatment options.
Journal of gastrointestinal and liver diseases : JGLD
Turchini L, Amatucci V, Scaldaferri F, Laterza L
PubMedJournal of clinical medicine
Minordi LM, Sacchetti F, Balzano D, Maresca R, D'Angelo FB +9 more
Plain English
This study looked at factors that contribute to the likelihood of Crohn's disease returning after surgery to remove part of the intestines. Out of 63 patients, 24 (38%) experienced a return of the disease within two years. Key findings showed that the older a patient was when they had the surgery, and specific characteristics of their disease, such as the location and extent of the affected bowel, increased the chances of recurrence.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors by identifying risks that can inform treatment decisions.
Indian journal of gastroenterology : official journal of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology
Napolitano D, Settanni CR, Parisio L, Orgiana N, Poscia A +13 more
Plain English
This study looked at what patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) thought about switching from receiving their treatment through an IV in a hospital to self-injecting the medication at home. Out of 311 patients surveyed, nearly half (49.8%) supported the switch, while only about a quarter (25.1%) opposed it. Importantly, many patients didn't realize that most treatments could be given as a shot at home, highlighting the need for better information.
Who this helps: This benefits IBD patients, particularly those who would find it easier to manage treatment at home.
Journal of personalized medicine
Laterza L, Piscaglia AC, Bibbò S, Arena V, Brisigotti M +12 more
Plain English
This study looked at patients with ulcerative colitis who appeared to have healed mucosal tissue but still had signs of ongoing disease activity in their tissue samples. Out of 100 patients, only 2 showed no remaining signs of disease. The research found that certain conditions in the tissue, like basal plasmacytosis and surface irregularity, were linked to a higher chance of the disease coming back; specifically, patients with these features were 2.98 to 4.50 times more likely to relapse.
Who this helps: This helps patients with ulcerative colitis and their doctors by identifying risks for disease reactivation.
Journal of clinical medicine
Dell'Anna G, Fanti L, Fanizza J, Barà R, Barchi A +9 more
Plain English
The study focuses on a new treatment method called the VAC-Stent for managing anastomotic leaks, a serious complication that can occur after surgery for esophageal cancer. Early results show that the VAC-Stent effectively combines two established treatments—self-expandable metallic stents and endoscopic vacuum therapy—leading to better healing and reduced complications. This is important because it may lower the risks associated with surgery and improve patient recovery.
Who this helps: Patients recovering from esophageal cancer surgery.
Therapeutic advances in gastroenterology
Ainora ME, Liguori A, Mignini I, Cintoni M, Galasso L +7 more
Plain English
This study looked at how a special type of ultrasound can help predict how well a new Crohn's disease treatment called ustekinumab works in patients. Researchers followed 52 patients and found that 56% (29 patients) showed improvement over a year. The ultrasound measures, like changes in bowel thickness and blood flow, were effective in predicting which patients would respond well to the treatment.
Who this helps: Patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors.
Endoscopy
Frazzoni L, Laterza L, La Marca M, Zagari RM, Radaelli F +9 more
Plain English
This study looked at specific warning signs, called alarm features, that might indicate colorectal cancer (CRC) and how useful they are for deciding who should get a colonoscopy. Researchers evaluated data from 31 studies involving over 45,000 patients and found that symptoms like rectal bleeding and anemia are the most effective indicators, with rectal bleeding having a 49% chance of correctly indicating CRC and anemia at 36%. This research highlights the importance of focusing on these features to identify patients who need a colonoscopy, thereby improving early detection of CRC.
Who this helps: This benefits patients who may have colorectal cancer and need timely diagnosis and treatment.
Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver
Laterza L, Boldrini L, Tran HE, Votta C, Larosa L +10 more
Plain English
This study looked at how analyzing medical images can help predict whether patients with Crohn's disease will need surgery within the next 10 years. Researchers examined CT scans from 30 patients and developed a model that successfully identified patients at high risk for surgery with an accuracy of about 83%. This ability to predict surgery can help doctors monitor patients more closely and tailor treatments to those who need it most.
Who this helps: Patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors.
Nutrients
Marano G, Mazza M, Lisci FM, Ciliberto M, Traversi G +6 more
Plain English
This research examined how the gut bacteria (microbiota) might influence mental health, particularly in psychiatric disorders. The study found that changes in gut bacteria could weaken the intestinal barrier, causing inflammation that affects brain function and hormone levels. Understanding this connection is important because it could lead to new treatments for mental health issues by focusing on diet and gut health.
Who this helps: This helps patients with psychiatric conditions and their healthcare providers.
Cells
Mignini I, Piccirilli G, Termite F, Paratore M, Esposto G +5 more
Plain English
Researchers studied tiny structures called extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are released by cells and could play a role in treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. They found that EVs might help reduce intestinal inflammation by delivering important molecules that promote healing. This matters because current treatments for moderate-to-severe IBD are not always effective, and finding new solutions could greatly improve patient outcomes.
Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.
Journal of clinical medicine
Maresca R, Varca S, Di Vincenzo F, Ainora ME, Mignini I +6 more
Plain English
This research paper examines the role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially those with ulcerative colitis. It highlights that IBD patients may be particularly vulnerable to CMV due to weakened immune systems, and discusses the ongoing debate about the best ways to diagnose CMV infections and their impact on treatment resistance, particularly concerning steroid medications. Addressing CMV infections may improve management of IBD, leading to better outcomes for patients.
Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease, especially those struggling with treatment.
International journal of molecular sciences
Laterza L, Putignani L, Settanni CR, Petito V, Varca S +13 more
Plain English
This study looked at how taking a specific mix of probiotics could help people who recently recovered from COVID-19 by examining their gut health and inflammation levels. After 8 weeks of probiotic treatment, participants showed a significant decrease in inflammatory markers like IL-6 and TNF-α, indicating reduced inflammation, as well as an increase in beneficial gut bacteria. These findings matter because they suggest that probiotics could play a role in improving recovery and reducing inflammation in post-COVID-19 patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from COVID-19.
Journal of gastrointestinal and liver diseases : JGLD
Parisio L, Settanni CR, Varca S, Laterza L, Lopetuso LR +12 more
Plain English
This study looked at whether switching patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from receiving a medication called vedolizumab intravenously (through a vein) to a subcutaneous (injection under the skin) form was effective and safe. After 24 weeks, 89.2% of the 93 patients who switched maintained their health without needing steroids, and while there were some side effects, they were mostly manageable. This change could help make treatment easier and less costly for patients.
Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Microorganisms
Lopetuso LR, Laterza L, Petito V, Pecere S, Quaranta G +14 more
Plain English
This study looked at how effective and safe it is to use fecal microbiota infusions through colonoscopy for patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC). Nineteen patients received three fecal infusions, and by the end of the study, nine had shown improvement after 12 weeks. In comparison, a similar group of patients treated with Infliximab (a common drug for UC) had a better response, with 13 out of 19 showing improvement at 6 weeks.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with ulcerative colitis who are looking for alternative treatment options.
Frontiers in gastroenterology (Lausanne, Switzerland)
Masi L, Ciuffini C, Petito V, Pisani LF, Lopetuso LR +17 more
Plain English
This paper looks at the latest treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which cause long-term digestive issues. It highlights that while new biological therapies and small molecules have been created to manage IBD, many patients still face challenges, with about 30% not responding to current treatments. It also discusses complementary therapies, like fecal transplants, which could help improve symptoms for these patients.
Who this helps: This research benefits IBD patients by providing information on new and alternative treatment options.
Frontiers in immunology
Caruso C, Laterza L, Settanni CR, Colantuono S, Di Mario C +9 more
Plain English
This study looked at a 21-year-old man with IPEX syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that disrupts the immune system, causing severe symptoms like weight loss and skin issues. After struggling with other treatments, he was given a drug called dupilumab, which led to a rapid improvement in his bowel and skin symptoms. This is significant because it shows that dupilumab can effectively manage IPEX syndrome, offering a new treatment option that reduces the need for steroids.
Who this helps: This helps patients with IPEX syndrome and their doctors by providing a new treatment avenue.
Publication data sourced from PubMed . Plain-English summaries generated by AI. Not medical advice.