The American Journal of Gastroenterology invites submissions for a special issue focused on Gut–Brain Interactions Across Digestive and Liver Diseases.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology (AJG) invites submissions for a special issue focused on the gut-brain axis, an increasingly important area of clinical gastroenterology and hepatology that is reshaping our understanding of digestive health and disease.
The bidirectional relationship between the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and central nervous system influences a wide range of conditions encountered in clinical practice. Advances in the study of disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI), the gut microbiome, behavioral health, and neurocognitive manifestations of digestive and liver diseases have highlighted the complex ways in which gut–brain communication affects symptom burden, quality of life, disease progression, and treatment outcomes.
Across the spectrum of digestive health—from irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia to inflammatory bowel disease, chronic liver disease, metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and hepatic encephalopathy—understanding gut–brain interactions is becoming increasingly important for patient-centered care. As new evidence continues to inform clinical practice, AJG seeks to highlight research that advances the diagnosis, management, and long-term care of patients affected by conditions involving the gut–brain axis.
This special issue will showcase clinically relevant investigations, evidence syntheses, and expert perspectives that enhance our understanding of gut–brain interactions and their implications for gastroenterology and hepatology practice.
Areas of Interest
We welcome submissions addressing topics including, but not limited to:
Health disparities, access to care, and population health considerations
Disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI), including irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, chronic abdominal pain, and related disorders
Epidemiology, burden of disease, and healthcare utilization associated with DGBI
Cognitive dysfunction and neuropsychiatric manifestations of chronic liver disease
Gut–brain interactions in metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), met-ALD, and alcohol-related liver disease.
Digital health and remote monitoring approaches in hepatology and GI care
Diagnostic approaches and clinical assessment of gut–brain disorders
Gut-brain interactions in appetite, feeding, and obesity
Evidence-based management strategies for DGBI
Psychological comorbidities in gastrointestinal disease
Behavioral and psychological interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy, gut-directed hypnotherapy, and digital therapeutics
Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment approaches
Multidisciplinary care models and integrated treatment programs
Gut–brain interactions in inflammatory bowel disease and other chronic digestive diseases
The impact of diet, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions on symptoms and outcomes for GI and liver diseases
Please clearly state in your cover letter that your manuscript is intended for the Gut–Brain Interactions Across Digestive and Liver Diseases special issue. Depending on the responses to this request, some accepted manuscripts may be published in other upcoming issues of AJG.
Manuscripts should be submitted through the journal submission system.
Submission Window Closes: December 15, 2026
