Today we had the privilege of talking to a true superstar in the world of Hepatology.

Elliot B. Tapper MD is an Associate Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Michigan. He is Academic Chief of Hepatology. His primary goal is to empower patients to enjoy a high quality of life. He is an expert in the management of chronic liver disease, performance of clinical trials, and big data for the study of liver disease. He has developed strategies that reduce symptoms and improve quality of life and invented tools that have helped keep patients with cirrhosis at home and away from the hospital. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Hepatology Communications.

In this episode, A/Prof Tapper discusses his journey in hepatology, the impact of social media on medical education, and his innovative research on muscle cramps and pickle juice. He debunks common myths surrounding methotrexate and liver disease, explores the complexities of ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy, and shares insights on frailty in liver disease management. The conversation also touches on the evolving perspectives on antibiotic prophylaxis in cirrhosis and the critical importance of diagnostic paracentesis. Elliot emphasizes the positive aspects of hepatology and the exciting developments in the field.

As always comments, questions and feedback please send to: X: @2guystalkingit

Email: 2guystalkingit@gmail.com

Chapters

05:08 Introduction to Elliot and His Work

08:14 The Power of Social Media in Medical Education

11:10 The Fascination with Pickle Juice and Muscle Cramps

14:00 Innovative Research During COVID-19

17:01 Exploring Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions

20:04 Debunking Myths Around Methotrexate and Liver Disease

23:10 Addressing Misconceptions About Medications

25:56 The Impact of AI on Medical Literature

28:56 The Ammonia Debate in Clinical Practice

30:17 Understanding Ammonia as a Clinical Biomarker

37:28 Assessing Frailty in Liver Disease Patients

44:20 Reevaluating SBP Prophylaxis in Cirrhosis

49:03 The Importance of Diagnostic Paracentesis

52:34 The Positive Side of Hepatology

Keywords

Elliot Tapper, hepatology, liver disease, medical education, social media, muscle cramps, methotrexate, ammonia levels, frailty, antibiotic prophylaxis, diagnostic paracentesis

Today we’re talking bugs, bowels, and breakthroughs with A/Prof Gianluca Ianiro and Dr. Ben Mullish, two microbiome maestros who make poo science strangely fascinating.

A/Prof Gianluca Ianiro is an Associate Professor of Gastroenterology at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome and a Consultant at the Gastroenterology Unit of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS. His clinical and research interests center on the gut microbiota, with a particular emphasis on fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and its applications in gastrointestinal disorders such as Clostridioides difficile infection and irritable bowel syndrome. Recognized as a leading expert in his field, Professor Ianiro has contributed extensively to international consensus guidelines and has been acknowledged for his work with the United European Gastroenterology Rising Star award. He also leads the Microbiome Clinic at Gemelli, translating cutting-edge microbiome research into clinical practice.

Dr. Benjamin Mullish is a Senior Clinical Research Fellow in the Division of Digestive Diseases at Imperial College London and an Honorary Consultant in Hepatology and Gastroenterology at St Mary’s Hospital, part of the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. He is also an IPPRF Research Fellow within the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction at Imperial College. His research focuses on the gut microbiome and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), particularly in the context of liver disease and gastrointestinal infections.This conversation delves into the complexities of the microbiome, particularly the gut microbiome, and its significant role in health and disease.

We discuss the dynamic nature of the microbiome, the challenges in microbiome research, and the potential for microbiome-based therapeutics. They also explore the roles of prebiotics and probiotics, the future of microbiome diagnostics, and the potential future concept for specialised microbiome clinicians to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice.

As always comments, questions and feedback please send to: X: @2guystalkingit

Email: 2guystalkingit@gmail.com

Chapters

00:20 J + J Introduction

05:11 Introduction to the Microbiome

07:16 Understanding the Gut Microbiome

10:04 The Dynamic Nature of the Microbiome

13:21 Factors Influencing the Gut Microbiome

16:15 Clinical Relevance of Stool Microbiome

19:24 Microbiome and Disease: Cancer and Liver Health

22:12 Microbiome in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Metabolism

25:20 Future Directions in Microbiome Research

35:20 The Uncertainty of Microbial Therapeutics

37:10 The Future of Microbiome Research

42:41 Understanding Prebiotics and Probiotics

56:49 The Need for Microbiome Clinician specialists