ABSTRACT
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presents a complex interplay of chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and is associated with various extraintestinal manifestations, including cardiovascular complications (CVCs). IBD patients face an elevated risk of CVCs, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, peripheral artery disease, venous thromboembolism, and mesenteric ischemia, necessitating comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment and management. The intricate interplay between chronic inflammation, genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and immune dysregulation likely contributes to the development of CVCs in IBD patients. While the exact mechanisms linking IBD and CVCs remain speculative, potential pathways may involve shared inflammatory pathways, endothelial dysfunction, dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors exacerbated by the chronic inflammatory state. Moreover, IBD medications, particularly corticosteroids, may impact cardiovascular health by inducing hypertension, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, further amplifying the overall CVC risk. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and dietary habits may also exacerbate cardiovascular risks in individuals with IBD. Lifestyle modifications, including smoking cessation, adoption of a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and optimization of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, play a fundamental role in mitigating CVC risk. Emerging preventive strategies targeting inflammation modulation and gut microbiome interventions hold promise for future interventions, although further research is warranted to elucidate their efficacy and safety profiles in the context of IBD. Continued interdisciplinary collaboration, advanced research methodologies, and innovative interventions are essential to address the growing burden of CVCs in individuals living with IBD and to improve their long-term cardiovascular outcomes.
ABSTRACT
Obesity is a global public health crisis associated with numerous medical conditions and increased mortality rates. Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, has become a crucial treatment option for clinically severe obesity. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for severe obesity but it carries the potential for various complications, both in the short and long term. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these complications, aiding healthcare professionals in their management and patients in understanding the risks associated with bariatric surgery. The review explores the short-term complications of bariatric surgery, emphasizing anastomotic leaks, strictures, hemorrhages, infections, marginal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and dumping syndrome. It provides insights into the diagnosis and management of these complications, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and intervention. Furthermore, the article delves into the late complications of adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPDDS). It discusses complications such as band slippage and erosion in LAGB, nutritional deficiencies in VSG and RYGB, and unique complications related to BPDDS.
ABSTRACT
This comprehensive review delves into the intricate relationship between the gut microbiota and multiple sclerosis (MS), shedding light on the potential therapeutic avenues for this complex autoimmune disease. It emphasizes the multifactorial nature of MS, including genetic, environmental, and gender-related factors. Furthermore, the article highlights the emerging role of gut microbiota in MS pathophysiology, particularly in terms of gut dysbiosis, oxidative stress, and inflammasome activation within the gut-brain axis. This interplay raises intriguing questions about how the gut microbiota influences the onset and progression of MS. Environmental factors, such as diet and pollutants, add further layers of complexity to the connection between gut health and MS risk. This review also discusses promising therapeutic interventions, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, dietary adjustments, and gut-derived metabolites that offer potential avenues for managing MS. It underscores the need for ongoing research to fully unravel the complexities of the role of the gut-brain axis in MS. Ultimately, this article provides a comprehensive exploration of the topic, offering hope for novel preventive and therapeutic strategies that could significantly improve the lives of individuals affected by this challenging autoimmune condition.
