Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain
the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in
Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles
and JavaScript.
In 2016, key studies have increased our understanding of the part played by the brain–gut–microbiota axis in disorders as diverse as depression, obesity and autism spectrum disorder. The data indicate that alterations in gut-microbial composition can substantially affect central physiology, and that transplantation of the gut microbiota can transfer a behavioural or physiological phenotype.
Autophagy is a conserved process critically involved in many cellular functions. In this Review, Ueno and Komatsu discuss the role and regulation of autophagy in healthy liver and in hepatic disease states, including NAFLD, α1-antitrypsin deficiency and viral hepatitis.
Liver transplantation is the best option for patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, the authors summarize the outcomes of liver transplantation, novel surgical techniques to increase the pool of donor livers for transplantation and the limitations of current priority policies.
Helicobacter pyloriremains an important human pathogen with links to both malignant (gastric cancer) and non-malignant diseases (such as peptic ulcer). Here, the authors discuss issues related to implementation of population screening and eradication ofH. pyloriinfection.