Research Workshop 2018 - Reflections

Reflections on the GESA Research Workshop 2018

At the 2018 GESA workshop, national and international speakers covered different topics concerning the most current understanding of the pathology of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the socio-economical impact of gastro-pancreo-hepatic chronic diseases. This workshop framed the importance of understanding the interplay of different systems that are going to have an increasing impact worldwide. Beyond NAFLD, different plenary sessions covered also Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) trying to bridge our understanding of this pathology, with a lot of debate regarding the etiology, and translatability of different mouse models. Different researchers also covered the most recent evidence regarding the pathophysiology of the microbiota, and how this could impact different metabolic functions including NAFLD, NASH, fibrosis and even Hepatocellular-Carcinoma (HCC). The role of meta-inflammation represented a central concept that was shown to bridge the intestinal microbiota, with hepatic dysfunctional evolution through epigenetics and non-coding RNAs.  The workshop also hosted different speakers focussed onto the oncology of the pancreas. Different team leader shared their new approach of targeting the pancreatic (and hepatic) stellate cells as the best approach to overcome chemoresistance, and target what are now recognized to be the direct mediators of inflammation.

Reflection provided by Silvano Paternoster

A recurrent theme at the recent GESA workshop was the clinical imperative of finding solutions to Non-alcoholic liver diseases and the potentially highly treatable nature of the disorders. Amongst the riveting, groundbreaking and multidisciplinary approaches presented that are enhancing our understanding of the biology in this area and the therapies emerging was an overview of the epidemiology. This perspective drove home the nature of the causes of liver disease and reminded listeners that this is a global phenomena with significant public health implications. The overview took a wide lens of the field which is a valuable perspective for scientists who are feverishly chasing answers to intriguing scientific questions. These diseases are modern manifestations of a modern lifestyle and our ability to overcome them will be collaborative effort that will utilise modern scientific knowledge and technology aided by high-tech information and communication systems. The fluctuating view from the macro to the micro perspectives of disease gives our daily work it’s variety and stimulus.

Reflection provided by Phillip Whiley

One of the main topic for discussion during GESA 2018 workshop was Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This disease is on rise in adults as well as in paediatric population. The exact mechanisms behind this disease progression are unknown, so we do not have any therapeutic treatments available for this. There are many factors that can influence the spectrum progression ranging from underlying metabolic conditions like hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycaemia, and dyslipidaemia, presence of iron load in the liver to amount of exercise performed by the individual. Due to such complex network of factors, it is difficult to decide a perfect animal model to study this disease. Different research groups have been relying on different animal models to investigate various stages of NAFLD. Some presenters also highlighted the need to work on hepatic progenitors cells and how it is critical to translate the basic science research into a clinical scenario.

Reflection provided by Gayatri Shirolkar.