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Syphilis, a disease affecting millions, still poses challenges for men who have sex with men in high-income countries and often presents in varying ways. It is exceedingly rare for syphilis to simultaneously cause an acute liver injury and nephropathy. This case describes the concomitant clinical presentation of these abnormalities and also describes a liver injury that mimicked cholestatic disease. Treatment of syphilis led to complete resolution of the liver and kidney injury. This case demonstrates a need to exclude syphilis in patients with high-risk behaviors who present with cholestatic liver injury in atypical fashions., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of The American College of Gastroenterology.)

Background & Aims: This review was developed to provide a thorough and effective update on models relevant to esophageal metaplasia, dysplasia, and carcinogenesis, focusing on the advantages and limitations of different models of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC)., Methods: This expert review was written on the basis of a thorough review of the literature combined with expert interpretation of the state of the field. We emphasized advances over the years 2012-2023 and provided detailed information related to the characterization of established human esophageal cell lines., Results: New insights have been gained into the pathogenesis of BE and EAC using patient-derived samples and single-cell approaches. Relevant animal models include genetic as well as surgical mouse models and emphasize the development of lesions at the squamocolumnar junction in the mouse stomach. Rat models are generated using surgical approaches that directly connect the small intestine and esophagus. Large animal models have the advantage of including features in human esophagus such as esophageal submucosal glands. Alternatively, cell culture approaches remain important in the field and allow for personalized approaches, and scientific rigor can be ensured by authentication of cell lines., Conclusions: Research in BE and EAC remains highly relevant given the morbidity and mortality associated with cancers of the tubular esophagus and gastroesophageal junction. Careful selection of models and inclusion of human samples whenever possible will ensure relevance to human health and disease., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)