American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology Podcast

Got Guts: A Chance to Put Liver Biopsy Back to Its Former Glory?

In this episode, coauthors Camilla Venturin and Luca Fabris delve into their editorial titled "Machine Learning Application to Histology for the Study of Cholangiopathies (BiliQML): A Chance to Put Liver Biopsy Back to Its Former Glory?" The episode explores groundbreaking research by Dominick Hellen and colleagues on the limitations of current histological techniques in studying cholangiocytes and the biliary tree.

Historically, the study of these cells has been constrained by outdated and error-prone methodologies, like two-dimensional cell counting or complex three-dimensional imaging that fails to provide reliable quantification. Enter BiliQML, a novel machine learning model that promises to revolutionize this field. This episode breaks down how BiliQML quantifies biliary forms using anti-Keratin 19 antibody-stained whole slide images, providing a far more accurate and scalable approach.

With an impressive F-score of 0.87, the model's application across a variety of cholangiopathy models, including genetic, surgical, toxicological, and therapeutic, showcases its sensitivity and robustness. The episode reveals how this cutting-edge technology opens new doors for both clinical and basic-science researchers in the field of cholangiopathies. Tune in to discover how machine learning is bringing liver biopsy back to the forefront of research.

 

Machine learning application to histology for the study of cholangiopathies (BiliQML): A chance to put liver biopsy back to its former glory?

Camilla Venturin and Luca Fabris

American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 2024 327:6, G733-G736

"Got Guts" The Micro Version: Pacing Inhibits Slow Wave Dysrhythmias in the Intestine

In this podcast coauthors Nipuni D. Nagahawatte and Leo K. Cheng discuss their research titled "High-energy pacing inhibits slow-wave dysrhythmias in the small intestine." Glucagon was infused in pigs to induce hyperglycemia and the resulting slow-wave response in the intact jejunum was defined in high resolution for the first time. Subsequently, with pacing, the glucagon-induced dysrhythmias were suppressed and spatially entrained for the first time with a success rate of 85%. The ability to suppress slow-wave dysrhythmias through pacing is promising in treating motility disorders that are associated with intestinal dysrhythmias.

 

High-energy pacing inhibits slow-wave dysrhythmias in the small intestine

Nipuni D. Nagahawatte, Recep Avci, Niranchan Paskaranandavadivel, and Leo K. Cheng

American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 2024 326:6, G676-G686

"Got Guts" Special Episode: The GI and Liver Section at the 2025 American Physiology Summit

In this episode, AJP GI and Liver Physiology's Editor-in-Chief Mark Frey and Nicholas Zachos representative of the Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology Section provide an exclusive preview of the GI programming at the upcoming APS Summit. They walk listeners through the exciting lineup of sessions, symposia, and featured topics designed to ignite new insights and collaborations within the GI community. From cutting-edge discussions on obesity, metabolic disease, and diet's role in health, to the highly anticipated Game Changer sessions, there's something for everyone to explore.

 

In addition, they highlight some can't-miss events like the John Forte Distinguished Abstract Session, the Trainee Symposium, and the prestigious Davenport Lecture. For those traveling to Baltimore, they also share some insider tips on the best local attractions and places to eat. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a new trainee, this episode gives you everything you need to know to make the most of the APS Summit experience.

 

Tune in for a lively conversation filled with insights, practical advice, and a touch of local flavor!

"Got Guts" The Micro Version: Electromechanical Coupling of the In-Vivo Pylorus

Join coauthors Sam Simmonds, Ashton Matthee, and Timothy R. Angeli-Gordon as they delve into their recently published research, "Electromechanical Coupling and Anatomy of the In Vivo Gastroduodenal Junction." In this episode, they explore cutting-edge techniques like electrical mapping, impedance planimetry, and histological analysis to investigate the complex dynamics of the gastroduodenal junction. Discover how contractions in the terminal antrum and pyloric sphincter correlate with gastric slow waves, while the duodenum experiences bursts of spike activity that trigger oscillating contractions. The team discusses their intriguing hypothesis regarding the relative scarcity of myenteric interstitial cells of Cajal in the pylorus, which may hinder coupling between antral and duodenal slow waves. 

 

Electromechanical coupling and anatomy of the in vivo gastroduodenal junction

Sam Simmonds, Ashton Matthee, Jarrah M. Dowrick, Andrew J. Taberner, Peng Du, and Timothy R. Angeli-Gordon

American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 2024 327:1, G93-G104

"Got Guts" The Micro Version: Effect of amniotic fluid on the esophageal epithelium

Join coauthors Mark Rochman and Marc E. Rothenberg as they explore their recently published paper, "Amniotic Fluid Modifies Esophageal Epithelium Differentiation and Inflammatory Responses." In this engaging episode, they discuss how the interaction between amniotic fluid and the esophageal epithelium during pregnancy impacts epithelial differentiation and influences the tissue's response to inflammatory stimuli, particularly interleukin 13 (IL-13). Discover the potential implications of these findings, including how they may predispose individuals to inflammatory conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) later in life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in developmental biology, immunology, and the long-term effects of prenatal exposures on health.

 

Amniotic fluid modifies esophageal epithelium differentiation and inflammatory responses

Mark Rochman, Andrea M. Klinger, Julie M. Caldwell, Yoel Sadovsky, and Marc E. Rothenberg

American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 2024 327:5, G629-G639

"Got Guts" The Micro Version: The Effects of Simulated Gastroesophageal Reflux on Infant Pig Oropharyngeal Feeding Physiology

Join coauthor Chloe Edmonds in this insightful episode as she delves into her recently published paper, "The Effects of Simulated Gastroesophageal Reflux on Infant Pig Oropharyngeal Feeding Physiology." Chloe explores how simulating gastroesophageal reflux in an infant pig model reveals significant alterations in pharyngeal swallowing dynamics. Discover how the integration of esophageal afferents impacts motor outputs to the pharynx, leading to decreased swallow frequency and increased bolus sizes. This research not only sheds light on the mechanisms behind esophageal pathologies and oropharyngeal dysphagia but also highlights the potential for developing intervention strategies grounded in neurophysiology. Tune in for a deep dive into the implications of this work for both animal models and clinical practice!

 

Article Citation: 

The effects of simulated gastroesophageal reflux on infant pig oropharyngeal feeding physiology

Chloe E. Edmonds, Kaitlyn N. Robbins, Elizabeth G. Dvorak, Stephen P. Howe, Sarah A. Sheldon, Christopher J. Mayerl, Brianna A. Owairu, Brady M. Young, and Rebecca Z. German

American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 2024 327:1, G105-G116

"Got Guts" The Micro Version: Autoimmune liver disease and hormonal responses

In this episode, coauthors Anne-Sofie H. Jensen and Nicolai J. Wewer Albrechtsen discuss the recently published research titled "Patients with autoimmune liver disease have glucose disturbances that mechanistically differ from steatotic liver disease." The authors reveal that patients with autoimmune liver disease, even in the absence of overt diabetes, experience early glucose disturbances.

Jensen and Albrechtsen highlight key pathophysiological traits specific to these patients, including altered incretin responses. This distinction is crucial because it suggests that the mechanisms underlying glucose metabolism issues in autoimmune liver disease differ significantly from those seen in steatotic liver disease. The authors findings could have important implications for diagnosing and managing glucose dysregulation in patients with autoimmune liver conditions.

 

Article Citation

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Patients with autoimmune liver disease have glucose disturbances that mechanistically differ from steatotic liver disease

Anne-Sofie H. Jensen, Henriette Ytting, Mikkel P. Werge, Elias B. Rashu, Liv E. Hetland, Mira Thing, Puria Nabilou, Johan Burisch, Kirstine N. Bojsen-Møller, Anders E. Junker, Lise Hobolth, Christian Mortensen, Flemming Tofteng, Flemming Bendtsen, Søren Møller, Mogens Vyberg, Reza R. Serizawa, Lise L. Gluud, and Nicolai J. Wewer Albrechtsen

American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 2024 326:6, G736-G746

"Got Guts" The Micro Version: Inhibitory neurotransmission in the internal anal sphincter

Coauthor Caroline A. Cobine dives into the fascinating world of internal anal sphincter biology in the latest episode of "Gut Guts." The research uncovers direct and indirect neural pathways that modulate intracellular calcium activity in interstitial cells of Cajal, shedding light on their role in smooth muscle cell function.

 

Article Citation:

Modulation of intracellular calcium activity in interstitial cells of Cajal by inhibitory neural pathways within the internal anal sphincter

Karen I. Hannigan, Emer P. Ni Bhraonain, Thomas W. Gould, Kathleen D. Keef, and Caroline A. Cobine

American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 2024 327:3, G382-G404

"Got Guts" The Micro Version: Mechanical Stress-induced Connective Tissue Growth Factor and Intestinal Fibrosis

In this episode of "Gut Guts" coauthor Xuan-Zheng Shi discusses new research on intestinal fibrosis in Crohn’s-like colitis. The study found that mechanical stress causes a protein called CTGF to increase, leading to fibrosis. In a rat model, easing the mechanical stress reduced connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and lessened fibrosis. This suggests that mechanical stress may be important in causing fibrosis in Crohn’s disease.

 

Article Citation: 

Mechanical stress-induced connective tissue growth factor plays a critical role in intestinal fibrosis in Crohn’s-like colitis

You-Min Lin, Ke Zhang, Ramasatyaveni Geesala, Kenneth E. Lipson, Suimin Qiu, Don W. Powell, Steven Cohn, and Xuan-Zheng Shi

American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 2024 327:2, G295-G305

"Got Guts" The Micro Version: Characterization of Rat Gastric Slow Wave Activity

Tune in to our latest podcast episode where Peng Du, Omkar N. Athavale, and Madeleine R. Di Natale dive into the fascinating world of gastric slow-wave conduction. They discuss their recent article titled "Mapping the rat gastric slow-wave conduction pathway: bridging in vitro and in vivo methods, revealing a loosely coupled region in the distal stomach" revealing regional variations in the organization of rat gastric slow waves. Don't miss this intriguing discussion bridging in vitro and in vivo methods!

 

Mapping of rat gastric slow waves showed regional variations in their organization. In some subjects, separate wavefronts propagated near the lesser and greater curvatures with a loosely coupled region near the midline, between the wavefronts, having a varying slow-wave origin. Furthermore, simultaneous intracellular and extracellular recordings were concordant and independent of movement artifacts, indicating that extracellular recordings can be interpreted in terms of their intracellular counterparts when intracellular recording is not possible.

 

Article Citation:

Mapping the rat gastric slow-wave conduction pathway: bridging in vitro and in vivo methods, revealing a loosely coupled region in the distal stomach

Omkar N. Athavale, Madeleine R. Di Natale, Recep Avci, Alys R. Clark, John B. Furness, Leo K. Cheng, and Peng Du

American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 2024 327:2, G254-G266