Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Internal Medicine Unit, Columbus-Gemelli Hospital, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, CEMAD - Digestive System Disease Center, Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
Tommaso Dionisi studies how different health factors affect individuals' overall well-being. His research includes the effects of alcohol consumption, where he found that drinking less can significantly reduce health risks. He also explores the mental and social benefits of metabolic and bariatric surgery, showing how weight-loss procedures can lead to better self-esteem and relationships. Additionally, Dionisi investigates gluten-free diets, particularly focusing on sorghum, which may offer health benefits to people with celiac disease. Ultimately, his work aims to support healthier lifestyles and improve patient outcomes across multiple conditions.
Key findings
Higher alcohol intake increases health risks significantly; injuries are 2.8 times more likely with higher consumption.
Patients undergoing bariatric surgery report improvements in relationships and self-esteem, contributing to long-term weight maintenance.
Sorghum may help reduce inflammation, manage blood sugar, and lower cholesterol in individuals with celiac disease, though more research is needed.
Only 0.92% of celiac disease patients tested positive for COVID-19, indicating no higher risk compared to the general population, though testing frequency was lower.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Dionisi study alcohol consumption and its effects?
Yes, Dr. Dionisi researched the health risks associated with alcohol consumption and found that drinking less is better for overall health.
What treatments has Dr. Dionisi researched for weight loss?
He has studied metabolic and bariatric surgery, highlighting its benefits on both physical health and psychosocial well-being.
Is Dr. Dionisi's work relevant to celiac disease patients?
Absolutely, his research on sorghum offers potential dietary options for celiac disease patients, and he has studied COVID-19 risks in this population.
Can sorghum be a good option for gluten-free diets?
Yes, sorghum is being researched as a healthy addition to gluten-free diets for its potential health benefits.
What are the psychosocial benefits of metabolic surgery according to Dr. Dionisi's research?
The research shows that patients often experience improved self-esteem and better social interactions after undergoing weight-loss surgery.
Publications in plain English
Alcohol use: less is better. An umbrella systematic review of clinical interventions, policies, and dose-response health risks in adults.
2026
European journal of internal medicine
Dionisi T, De Vita V, Sario GD, Gasbarrini A, Addolorato G +1 more
Plain English This study looked at the effects of alcohol consumption on health, analyzing nearly 15,000 pieces of research. It found that higher alcohol intake leads to greater health risks, even at what many consider "moderate" levels, with injuries being 2.8 times more likely and serious liver disease risk significantly increasing for women at around 40 grams of alcohol per day. The results suggest that drinking less alcohol is better for health, highlighting the need for effective policies and counseling that promote lower alcohol use.
Who this helps: This helps patients looking to improve their health and doctors guiding them on safer alcohol consumption.
De Vita V, Destro Castaniti B, Vassalli M, De Mori L, Lacalaprice D +6 more
Plain English This study looked at how well a language model called Gemini can help make decisions in complex psychiatric cases by using a method called chain-of-thought reasoning. The researchers tested Gemini on 10 cases and found it scored an average of 4.26 out of 5 in areas like providing enough detail and being factually correct. This matters because it shows that Gemini can support clearer and more thorough decision-making in mental health care.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and mental health professionals.
The role of fecal microbiota transplantation in diabetes.
2025
Acta diabetologica
Vassallo GA, Dionisi T, De Vita V, Augello G, Gasbarrini A +2 more
Plain English This research paper studies how fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)—a process where healthy gut bacteria are transferred to someone else’s intestines—can help people with diabetes. The findings show that FMT can improve gut health, help control blood sugar levels, and influence immune system responses, especially in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In particular, people with T2D saw short-term benefits in insulin sensitivity, but the effects depended on their specific gut bacteria profiles.
Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes looking for new treatment options.
Burnout among young Italian Internists: a cross-sectional study assessing prevalence and associated factors.
2025
Internal and emergency medicine
Vassallo GA, Dionisi T, Failla MM, Agyei-Nkansah A, Carrara D +11 more
Plain English This study looked at burnout, which is extreme stress and exhaustion, among young doctors in Italy who specialize in internal medicine. It found that 37.2% of these doctors reported experiencing burnout, especially those working long hours or in university hospitals, and only 2.8% had access to support systems to help them cope. This is important because addressing burnout can improve doctors' job satisfaction and patient care.
Who this helps: This helps young internists and their hospitals.
The role of resilience in mitigating depression and anxiety in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.
2025
Journal of psychosomatic research
Ferrarese D, Vecchione M, Spagnolo G, Mirijello A, Di Vincenzo F +11 more
Plain English This study examined how resilience, or the ability to cope with stress, affects depression and anxiety in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Researchers found that patients with higher resilience reported fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety; for example, in Crohn's patients, those with high resilience experienced 72.6% fewer depressive symptoms and 66.8% fewer anxiety symptoms. This matters because it highlights the importance of building resilience as a way to improve mental health in IBD patients, especially when their disease is more active.
Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and their healthcare providers.
The Implications of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery on Psychosocial and Relational Health: A Narrative Review.
2025
Obesity surgery
Dionisi T, De Vita V, Di Sario G, De Mori L, Gasbarrini A +2 more
Plain English This research looked at how metabolic and bariatric surgery not only helps with weight loss but also affects people's social and emotional lives. The findings show that after surgery, many individuals see improvements in their relationships, self-esteem, and social interactions, which are important for long-term success in maintaining weight loss. Understanding these broader effects is essential because they play a significant role in a person's overall well-being after surgery.
Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing weight loss surgery and their families.
Prothrombin time predicts steroid response in severe alcohol-related hepatitis.
2024
Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver
Tarli C, Mannucci S, Vecchione M, Antonelli M, Sestito L +9 more
Plain English This study looked at how a specific blood test, called prothrombin time (BPT), could predict whether patients with severe alcohol-related hepatitis would respond to steroid treatment. Researchers found that out of 52 patients treated with steroids, 34 (or 65%) responded positively, while higher BPT levels indicated a greater chance of not responding, with a significant risk ratio of about 3 times higher for non-responders. This finding is important because it can help doctors quickly identify patients who aren't likely to benefit from steroids and may need alternative treatments, such as evaluating them for liver transplantation.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with severe alcohol-related hepatitis.
Shear Wave Dispersion Elastography in ALD and MASLD: Comparative Pathophysiology and Clinical Potential-A Narrative Review.
2024
Journal of clinical medicine
Dionisi T, Galasso L, Antuofermo L, Mancarella FA, Esposto G +5 more
Plain English This research paper looks at the potential of a non-invasive test called shear wave dispersion elastography (SWD) for diagnosing alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) and compares it to a similar condition, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The review found that while SWD shows promise in measuring liver stiffness and inflammation in MASLD, more work is needed to establish its effectiveness for ALD. Setting up specific guidelines for using SWD in ALD could lead to safer and cheaper diagnosis options for patients.
Who this helps: Patients with alcohol-related liver disease and doctors evaluating their condition.
Dionisi T, Di Sario G, De Mori L, Spagnolo G, Antonelli M +8 more
Plain English This research looked at the various treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and found that a mix of biological and psychological strategies is essential for effective care. It highlighted new approaches targeting brain chemicals like Glutamate, which may help patients reduce alcohol use, and emphasized the need for personalized treatment based on individual factors, given the high number of people affected globally. Overall, the research suggests that tailored therapies can significantly improve outcomes for those struggling with alcohol dependence.
Who this helps: This helps patients with Alcohol Use Disorder and healthcare providers in designing effective treatment plans.
Sorghum (Sorghum vulgare): an ancient grain, a novel choice for a healthy gluten-free diet.
2024
Minerva gastroenterology
Dionisi T, Rinninella E, Raoul P, Cintoni M, Mele MC +6 more
Plain English This research focused on sorghum, an ancient grain that could be a healthy addition to gluten-free diets for people with celiac disease (CD). It found that sorghum contains beneficial compounds that can help reduce inflammation, manage blood sugar, and lower cholesterol, making it potentially good for those struggling with CD. While there is some initial evidence that it can be safe for celiac patients, more long-term studies are needed to confirm its benefits.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with celiac disease who need gluten-free food options.
European review for medical and pharmacological sciences
Vassallo GA, Dionisi T, Tarli C, Augello G, Mirijello A +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how sepsis, a serious infection, affects people with alcohol-related liver disease. Researchers found that patients with this condition have weakened immune systems and changes in gut bacteria, making them more prone to infections. Early and effective antibiotic treatment is crucial, as sepsis is particularly dangerous for these patients, and their chances of recovery are low.
Who this helps: This helps patients with alcohol-related liver disease and their doctors.
Risk of burnout and stress in physicians working in a COVID team: A longitudinal survey.
2021
International journal of clinical practice
Dionisi T, Sestito L, Tarli C, Antonelli M, Tosoni A +7 more
Plain English The study examined stress and burnout levels in 51 doctors working in COVID wards at Gemelli Hospital in Italy over a month. It found that doctors from specialties other than internal medicine experienced significantly higher emotional exhaustion, while attending physicians generally reported less burnout than residents. This research highlights that the type of medical specialty and the level of training can affect burnout risk among healthcare workers during a pandemic.
Who this helps: This benefits doctors and hospital administrators looking to support physician well-being.
COVID-19 in celiac disease: a multicentric retrospective cohort study.
2021
European review for medical and pharmacological sciences
Gasbarrini G, Dionisi T, Corazza GR, Aronico N, Cammarota G +7 more
Plain English This study looked at how many patients with celiac disease (CD) contracted COVID-19. Out of 542 CD patients, only 5 (0.92%) tested positive for the virus, and their infection rates were similar to those in the general population. However, CD patients were tested less frequently, which might explain why their positive test rate appeared higher.
Who this helps: This research helps celiac disease patients by informing them about their COVID-19 risk.
Gut microbiota compositional and functional fingerprint in patients with alcohol use disorder and alcohol-associated liver disease.
2020
Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver
Addolorato G, Ponziani FR, Dionisi T, Mosoni C, Vassallo GA +14 more
Plain English This study looked at the gut bacteria of 36 patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and liver disease, comparing them to 36 healthy individuals. Researchers found that patients with AUD had less diverse gut bacteria and specific changes in their gut microbes that could identify them with 93.4% accuracy. Additionally, levels of harmful substances and inflammatory markers were significantly higher in AUD patients, especially in those with severe liver disease.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with alcohol use disorder and their healthcare providers by providing insights into how gut bacteria may influence liver health.
Make Mission Impossible Feasible: The Experience of a Multidisciplinary Team Providing Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder to Homeless Individuals.
2020
Alcohol and alcoholism (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
Dionisi T, Mosoni C, Di Sario G, Tarli C, Antonelli M +11 more
Plain English This study looked at how a team of health professionals helped homeless individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) by providing a short inpatient treatment and ongoing support. The results showed that after six months, alcohol consumption dropped from an average of 10 drinks a day to just 2, and after a year, the average fell to 0 drinks. Improving treatment and supporting these individuals as they find stable housing can lead to better recovery outcomes.
Who this helps: This helps homeless individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.
Wernicke's Encephalopathy in Alcohol Use Disorder Patients after Liver Transplantation: A Case Series and Review of Literature.
2020
Journal of clinical medicine
Vassallo GA, Mirijello A, Dionisi T, Tarli C, Augello G +3 more
Plain English This study looked at three patients with alcohol use disorder who developed a serious brain condition called Wernicke's encephalopathy after undergoing liver transplantation. All patients showed confusion and delirium, but after receiving thiamine (a vitamin) quickly, they improved significantly within 3-4 days. This is important because it suggests that giving thiamine before and after liver surgery could help prevent this dangerous condition in patients with alcohol use disorder.
Who this helps: This helps patients with alcohol use disorder undergoing liver transplantation.
Madelung's disease and acute alcoholic hepatitis: case report and review of literature.
2019
European review for medical and pharmacological sciences
Vassallo GA, Mirijello A, Tarli C, Rando MM, Antonelli M +9 more
Plain English This study looked at Madelung's disease, a rare condition where fatty tumors grow symmetrically around the neck and shoulders, often in men who have abused alcohol. The researchers also shared a case of a man who had both Madelung's disease and severe liver inflammation due to alcohol use. Understanding this link is important for better diagnosis and treatment of patients facing these issues.
Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from Madelung's disease and their doctors.
Baclofen for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis: 10 Years After the First Evidence.
2018
Frontiers in psychiatry
Mosoni C, Dionisi T, Vassallo GA, Mirijello A, Tarli C +7 more
Plain English This research focused on the use of baclofen, a medication, to treat people with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) who also have severe liver disease (cirrhosis). It found that baclofen effectively helped reduce alcohol consumption and encouraged patients to stop drinking, all while being safe for those with liver issues. This is important because traditional treatments often don't work well for these patients, and effective options are needed to improve their health and quality of life.
Who this helps: This helps patients with Alcohol Use Disorder and liver cirrhosis.