Leucine-Rich Alpha-2 Glycoprotein Is Associated With Transmural Inflammation Assessed by Intestinal Ultrasound in Patients With Crohn's Disease.

Background: Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is a non-invasive tool for evaluating transmural inflammation in Crohn's disease (CD). However, its utility is constrained by operator dependency and limited accessibility.

Aims: To explore the feasibility of serum biomarkers-specifically leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG)-as an alternative to IUS for assessing transmural inflammation.

Effectiveness of a novel ex vivo training model for gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection training: a prospective observational study conducted at a single center in Japan.

Background/aims: The efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early-stage gastric cancer is well established. However, its acquisition is challenging owing to its complexity. In Japan, G-Master is a novel ex vivo gastric ESD training model.

Real-World Data on the Effectiveness and Safety of Filgotinib for Ulcerative Colitis in Japanese Patients: A Single-Center Experience.

Introduction Filgotinib is a JAK-1 selective inhibitor approved for ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment in Japan. Its effectiveness has been confirmed but remains unknown in actual clinical practice. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of filgotinib and identify suitable patients in the Japanese population.

Early change in serum leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein predicts clinical and endoscopic response in ulcerative colitis.

Background/aims: Leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein (LRG) is a new serum biomarker reflecting the disease activity of ulcerative colitis (UC), but its change during the acute phase has not been enough investigated.

Methods: Patients with UC who initiated the induction therapy with steroid or advanced therapy (biologics or Janus kinase inhibitors) were prospectively enrolled. Associations of LRG, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal calprotectin (FC) at baseline, week 1, and week 8 with clinical remission at week 8 and subsequent endoscopic improvement within 1 year (Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0 or 1) were assessed.

A case of cytomegalovirus esophagitis difficult to distinguish from Crohn's disease exacerbation.

Patients with Crohn's disease are at higher risk of opportunistic infection, especially if treated with immunosuppressive therapy. Cytomegalovirus has been reported to cause ulcerated lesions mainly in the lower gastrointestinal tract of inflammatory bowel disease patients. We herein report a rare case of Crohn's disease complicated with cytomegalovirus esophagitis, which was difficult to distinguish from exacerbation of Crohn's disease.