Midnight Snacks and Liver Scarring; IBD Risk After Pet Exposure; Hep B Trial Hubbub

Researchers found that late-night eating — after dinner or bedtime — was associated with a 28% increased risk for liver cirrhosis and a 36% higher risk for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). (Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Meanwhile, U.K. Biobank data on MASLD patients showed that each 1% reduction in body weight was associated with a 9% increase in MASLD resolution over 4 years of median follow-up. (Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Including abnormal left ventricular mass into end-stage liver disease scoring systems may better predict morbidity and mortality in kids with cirrhosis. (Journal of Hepatology)

Experts reviewed alcohol-associated liver disease, the latest approaches to reflux testing, and strategies to develop therapeutic pancreatic cancer vaccines. (Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, American Journal of Gastroenterology, Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology)

Timing of a depression diagnosis differed among patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. (Journal of Psychosomatic Research)

Prenatal or early-life pet or farm animal exposure did not appear to influence inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) risk, according to a nationwide Danish cohort study. (Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

Does the efficacy of advanced therapies for Crohn’s disease differ by disease location? A meta-analysis weighed in. (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases)

Patients with non-esophageal gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS, functional dyspepsia, or constipation were roughly twice as likely to have symptoms of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder versus those with esophageal disorders (24% vs 11%). (Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

In a single-center study, tobacco use was associated with more fecal incontinence severity along with anorectal sensorimotor dysfunction. (American Journal of Gastroenterology)

Diffuse esophageal eosinophilia involvement in eosinophilic esophagitis may signal a more severe disease course, a cohort study indicated. (Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology)

The CDC is allocating new grant funding to a formerly suspended hepatitis B vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau that experts say is unethical. (Rolling Stone)

Meanwhile, Guinea-Bissau officials say they haven’t approved the controversial hepatitis B vaccine trial, which aims to track outcomes like mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes. (The Guardian)

In a phase Ib, placebo-controlled gluten-challenge trial involving patients with celiac disease, treatment with an investigational CD122 antagonist was associated with less gluten-induced intestinal damage and symptoms, maker First Tracks Biotherapeutics announced.

Looking for more? Check out MedPage Today‘s coverage of the top research from the 2026 American College of Gastroenterology annual meeting.