The gut microbiota and its correlations with the central nervous system disorders.

A mutual impact of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and central nervous system (CNS) functions has been recognized since the mid-twentieth century. It is accepted that the so-called gut-brain axis provides a two-way homeostatic communication, through immunological, hormonal and neuronal signals. A dysfunction of this axis has been associated with the pathogenesis of some diseases both within and outside the GIT, that have shown an increase in incidence over the last decades.

Irritable bowel syndrome: new findings in pathophysiological and therapeutic field.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a high prevalence disease, whose symptoms are reported by a large number of young adults with significant effects on quality of life and social costs. Traditionally, IBS has been treated with dietary and lifestyle modification, fiber supplementation, psychological and pharmacological therapy. Since its complex and multifactorial etiopathogenesis is only partially known, therapeutic choices may be difficult and not always effective.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease increases risk for gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now recognized as a leading cause of liver dysfunction. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder causing symptoms that often impair patients' quality of life. In recent years, the prevalence of both these diseases has increased, partially overlapping the rise of metabolic disorders.

Diagnostic accuracy of enhanced liver fibrosis test to assess liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Background: The prognosis and clinical management of patients with chronic liver diseases are closely related to the severity of liver fibrosis. Liver biopsy is considered the gold standard for the staging of liver fibrosis. However, it is an invasive test sometimes related to complications.

Liver fibrosis: evaluation with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in patients with chronic liver disease.

Aim: Liver fibrosis is often a possible evolution of chronic liver disease (CLD), with a risk of progression to cirrhosis. This study was designed to determine if the measure of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) is clinically accurate in the staging of fibrosis.

Methods: The study was conducted in the period 2008-2012.