The gastrointestinal (GI) tract constitutes a sophisticated system integral to digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health, with its functionality predominantly hinging on the distinctive properties of diverse stem cell types. This review systematically investigates the pivotal roles of stem cells across the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon, emphasizing their crucial contributions to tissue homeostasis, repair mechanisms, and regeneration. Each segment of the GI tract is characterized by specialized stem cell populations that exhibit distinct functional attributes, highlighting the necessity for tailored therapeutic approaches in the management of gastrointestinal disorders.Emerging research has shed light on the functional heterogeneity of GI stem cells, with ISCs in the small intestine displaying remarkable turnover rates and regenerative potential, whereas colonic stem cells (CSCs) are essential for the preservation of the colonic epithelial barrier. The intricate interplay between stem cells and their microenvironment-or niche-is fundamentally important for their functionality, with critical signaling pathways such as Wnt and Notch exerting substantial influence over stem cell behavior. The advent of organoid models derived from GI stem cells offers promising avenues for elucidating disease mechanisms and for the preclinical testing of novel therapeutic interventions.Despite notable advancements in foundational research on GI stem cells, the translation of these scientific discoveries into clinical practice remains limited. As of 2025, Japan's clinical GI disease guidelines do not endorse any stem cell-based therapies, underscoring the existing disconnect between research findings and clinical application. This scenario accentuates the urgent need for sustained efforts to bridge this divide and to cultivate innovative strategies that synergize stem cell technology with conventional treatment modalities.Future investigations should be directed toward unraveling the mechanisms that underpin stem cell dysfunction in various gastrointestinal pathologies, as well as exploring combination therapies that harness the regenerative capacities of stem cells in conjunction with immunomodulatory treatments. By fostering collaborative endeavors between basic researchers and clinical practitioners, we can deepen our understanding of GI stem cells and facilitate the translation of this knowledge into effective therapeutic interventions, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes in gastrointestinal diseases.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) has emerged as a pivotal technique for the minimally invasive treatment of early gastrointestinal cancers, offering benefits such as reduced trauma, lower complication rates, and cost-effectiveness. Despite its advantages, the selection of optimal biomaterials for submucosal injection poses significant challenges. Current materials used in clinical settings often suffer from rapid diffusion, requiring multiple injections and potentially causing localized inflammation. These issues underscore the importance of identifying more effective submucosal injection materials to minimize postoperative complications and enhance patient outcomes. Recent advancements have highlighted the potential of hydrogels in this context, favored for their ability to maintain mucosal elevation longer and support wound healing. This review comprehensively examines the development and application of hydrogels in ESD, focusing on their physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and the clinical implications of their use. These issues discuss various formulations of hydrogels, their mechanisms of action, and comparative analyses with traditional materials. Furthermore, the review explores ongoing innovations and future perspectives in hydrogel research, aiming to catalyze further advancements in ESD techniques. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This review critically examines hydrogel technologies in endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastrointestinal cancers, highlighting their role in improving procedural outcomes and patient recovery. It explores hydrogels' ability to enhance mucosal elevation, reduce complications, and accelerate healing, offering insights into their transformative potential in medical treatments. The findings emphasize the development of innovative materials that could significantly advance clinical practices in gastrointestinal cancer management.

Esophageal stricture is a prevalent condition affecting the digestive system, primarily marked by dysphagia and the obstruction of food passage through the esophagus. This narrowing of the esophageal lumen can significantly impact a person's ability to eat and drink comfortably, often leading to a decrease in nutritional intake and quality of life.

To explore the current research status and future trends of esophageal stricture through bibliometric analysis.

Literature on esophageal stricture from 2004 to 2023 was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Statistical analysis was performed using Excel, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and RStudio. This study provides data on annual production trends, countries/regions, influential authors, institutions, journals, references, and keywords.

The study included 1485 publications written by 7469 authors from 1692 institutions across 66 countries/regions, published in 417 journals. The United States, China, and Japan are the major contributors to this field, with many quality papers. Song Ho-young, Diseases of the Esophagus, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and Mayo Clinic are the top authors, journals, co-cited journals, and institutions, respectively. The most frequent keywords are stent, endoscopy, management, etiology, and prevention; regenerative medicine, endoscopic injection, and autologous tissue transplantation are the latest research frontiers. These keywords reflect continuous advancements in technical innovation, treatment strategies, preventive measures in the esophageal stricture research field, and a sustained focus on improving patient prognosis. In contrast, the basic sciences were underrepresented.

This study provides an insightful analysis of the developments in the field of esophageal stricture over the past twenty years, with stent placement is currently a hot research topic.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been widely used in the early neoplasia of the esophagus. However, postoperative esophageal stenosis is a big problem, particularly when a large circumferential proportion of esophageal mucosa is resected. Currently, there are several methods available to prevent esophageal stenosis after ESD, including steroid administration, esophageal stent implantation, and endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD). However, the therapeutic effects of these are not yet satisfactory. Stem cell-based therapies has shown promising potential in reconstructing tissue structure and restoring tissue function. In this study, we discussed the current strategies for preventing esophageal stenosis after ESD and perspectives of stem cell-based therapies for the prevention of esophageal stenosis.