This issue places a special focus on alcohol-associated liver disease. Why is this topic particularly relevant?

Prof. Böttler: Alcohol-associated liver disease remains a major global health challenge. What makes it especially concerning is its close relationship with metabolic risk factors such as obesity and diabetes, the fact that many patients are diagnosed only at advanced stages, and the limited treatment options currently available for advanced disease. Several studies featured in this issue illustrate how alcohol consumption and metabolic dysfunction interact and contribute to liver disease progression, highlighting the need for earlier detection and more effective interventions.

Which articles stand out in this context?

Prof. Böttler: Several contributions are particularly worth highlighting. One study demonstrates that combining phosphatidylethanol (PEth) measurements with non-invasive liver fibrosis tests can improve the prediction of clinical outcomes in alcohol-related liver disease. Then, there is a large longitudinal U.S. analysis showing how binge drinking and metabolic risk factors jointly drive the progression of liver disease. In addition, the European LiverScreen study revealed that clinically relevant liver fibrosis is considerably more common in the general population than previously assumed. However, these are just a few examples of the many high-quality publications featured in this issue. Our editorial highlights several outstanding contributions in the field of liver and alcohol and, alongside the expert opinions and editors’ choice comments, provides further guidance to the readers.

Which gastroenterology studies covered in the new issue would you particularly recommend to our readers? 

Prof. Hasselblatt: Several studies stood out to me. For instance, two publications on genetic risk factors in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) provide valuable insights into how genetic factors contribute to disease susceptibility and progression. Another important study is the long-term follow-up of the NordICC randomized trial, which assessed the impact of colonoscopy screening on colorectal cancer outcomes in a population-based setting and offers findings that are highly relevant for future screening strategies. I would also highlight a randomized trial showing that papillary ice water irrigation may offer a simple, inexpensive, and readily applicable way to reduce the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

What general trends in gastroenterology should clinicians keep an eye on?

Prof. Hasselblatt: A noteworthy development in IBD is the growing recognition that surgery may be an appropriate early treatment option for selected patients, rather than being reserved as a last resort. This shift reflects an increasingly individualized approach to patient care. More broadly, the studies featured in this issue demonstrate how rapidly the field of gastroenterology continues to evolve. For anyone wishing to stay up to date with these developments in both gastroenterology and hepatology, the FGR Journal provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research.