Hypertension (HTN) is associated with gut dysbiosis and the depletion of butyrate-producing bacteria in animal models and people. Furthermore, fecal material transfer from donor hypertensive patients increases blood pressure in normotensive recipient animals and ameliorates HTN-associated pathophysiology. These observations have implications in the impaired interactions between the gut and gut microbiota in HTN. Although this concept is supported in animal models, little is known about human HTN. Therefore, our objective for this study was to compare gene expression with transcriptomics and its potential to influence microbiota in subjects with normal and high blood pressure (HBP). Colon samples from reference subjects with normal blood pressure (REF) and HBP were used for RNA-seq to analyze their transcriptomes. We observed the significant downregulation of gene sets governing immune responses (e.g., SGK1 and OASL), gut epithelial function (e.g., KRT20 and SLC9A3R1), gut microbiota (e.g., PPARG and CIDEC) and genes associated with cardiovascular and gut diseases (e.g., PLAUR and NLN) in HBP subjects; the expression of genes within these pathways correlated with blood pressure. Potential drug targets in the gut epithelium were identified using the Drug Gene International Database for possible use in HTN. They include peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPRG), active serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid isomerase type II inhibitor (HSD3B). Finally, butyrate, a microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acid, restored the disrupted expression of certain functional genes in colonic organoids from HBP subjects. Patients with HBP exhibit a unique transcriptome that could underlie impaired gut–microbiota interactions. Targeting these interactions could provide a promising new therapeutic intervention for hypertension management.

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune-mediated esophageal disease characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and eosinophil-predominant inflammation. Increasing recognition of EoE and advances in its diagnosis and management have highlighted the need for locally relevant, evidence-based guidance for clinical practice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Objectives: This study aims to develop practical, evidence-based consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and management of adult EoE tailored to the UAE healthcare setting. Methods: A modified Delphi process was conducted by the Emirates Gastroenterology and Hepatology Society (EGHS). The expert panel consisted of seven nationally recognized EoE specialists, including six gastroenterologists and one histopathologist, representing six healthcare institutions across the UAE. Six key domains were identified: (1) Definition, Pathogenesis, and Epidemiology; (2) Clinical Presentation, Natural History, and Diagnosis; (3) Management and Treatment; (4) Monitoring and Follow-up; (5) Persistent or Refractory EoE; and (6) Emergency Care. Following a comprehensive literature review, consensus statements were developed and evaluated through two rounds of voting. Consensus was predefined as ≥80% agreement, while ≥90% agreement was considered a strong recommendation. Results: Forty-seven consensus statements were developed across the six predefined domains addressing the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and management of refractory disease in adult patients with EoE. Conclusions: These consensus recommendations provide a practical, evidence-based framework for the diagnosis and management of adult EoE in the UAE. By integrating current evidence with expert opinion, they aim to standardize clinical practice, support high-quality patient care, and identify priorities for multidisciplinary collaboration and research in EoE across the UAE.

The lack of data on the relationship between dysphagia and major esophageal motility disorders (MEMDs) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has presented chal