Davide Festi

Bio: Davide Festi is an academic researcher from University of Bologna. The author has contributed to research in topics: Cirrhosis & Chronic liver disease. The author has an hindex of 49, co-authored 236 publications receiving 9334 citations. Previous affiliations of Davide Festi include University of Chieti-Pescara & University of Messina.

Gut microbiota and metabolic syndrome

Abstract: Gut microbiota exerts a significant role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome, as confirmed by studies conducted both on humans and animal models. Gut microbial composition and functions are strongly influenced by diet. This complex intestinal "superorganism" seems to affect host metabolic balance modulating energy absorption, gut motility, appetite, glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as hepatic fatty storage. An impairment of the fine balance between gut microbes and host's immune system could culminate in the intestinal translocation of bacterial fragments and the development of "metabolic endotoxemia", leading to systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. Diet induced weight-loss and bariatric surgery promote significant changes of gut microbial composition, that seem to affect the success, or the inefficacy, of treatment strategies. Manipulation of gut microbiota through the administration of prebiotics or probiotics could reduce intestinal low grade inflammation and improve gut barrier integrity, thus, ameliorating metabolic balance and promoting weight loss. However, further evidence is needed to better understand their clinical impact and therapeutic use.

Methodology and indications of H2-breath testing in gastrointestinal diseases: the Rome Consensus Conference.

Abstract: SUMMARY Background Breath tests represent a valid and non-invasive diagnostic tool in many gastroenterological conditions. The rationale of hydrogen-breath tests is based on the concept that part of the gas produced by colonic bacterial fermentation diffuses into the blood and is excreted by breath, where it can be quantified easily. There are many differences in the methodology, and the tests are increasingly popular.

US-guided percutaneous alcohol injection of small hepatic and abdominal tumors.

Abstract: Fourteen lesions (nine hepatocellular carcinomas, four hepatic metastases from gastric carcinoma, and one peritoneal metastasis from transitional cell carcinoma) in 12 patients were treated with percutaneous injection of 95% ethyl alcohol under guidance with ultrasound. Requirements for this procedure included inadequate response to conventional treatment or refusal of surgery, easy identification of the tumor with sonography, and a tumor diameter less than 4 cm. Three to nine administrations (75 in all) were performed for each lesion according to its size and to the results of the fine needle biopsy. All lesions had posttreatment sonographic structural changes of fibronecrotic degeneration. All lesions less than 3.2 cm in diameter (11 cases) that underwent the final fine needle biopsy were negative for malignant cells and had volume reductions up to 100%. No biochemical changes or untoward clinical sequelae were detected. Percutaneous intratumoral alcohol injection is inexpensive, easy to perform, and po...

Overweight, obesity and cancer: epidemiological evidence and proposed mechanisms

Abstract: The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing globally. Epidemiological studies have associated obesity with a range of cancer types, although the mechanisms by which obesity induces or promotes tumorigenesis vary by cancer site. These include insulin resistance and resultant chronic hyperinsulinaemia, increased bioavailability of steroid hormones and localized inflammation. Gaining a better understanding of the relationship between obesity and cancer can provide new insight into mechanisms of cancer pathogenesis.