A Look at the European Journal of Clinical Investigation's 2023 Highlights
Explore ResearchMedical research is evolving at a breathtaking pace, with groundbreaking studies continuously reshaping how we understand and treat disease.
The European Journal of Clinical Investigation (EJCI) has been at the forefront of this revolution since 1970, serving as a vital bridge between sophisticated molecular sciences and applied clinical research. In 2023, the journal has continued its tradition of publishing high-impact research that spans the genetic, molecular, cellular, and physiological basis of human biology and disease. With an Impact Factor of 4.4 3 and a ranking in the first quartile (Q1) for both Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry 2 4 , EJCI remains a preeminent venue for research that translates laboratory discoveries to clinical practice.
This article explores the journal's hot topics for 2023, offering a window into where clinical investigation is headed in the post-pandemic era. From COVID-19's lingering questions to the complexities of metabolic disease and innovative cardiovascular treatments, these themes represent the cutting edge of medical science with the potential to significantly impact patient care and public health strategies worldwide.
Research revealed that while a fourth vaccine dose provided transient protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection (17% risk reduction), it offered no significant advantage against COVID-19 deaths in previously infected individuals 8 .
Studies have investigated everything from cardiovascular complications to metabolic disturbances that persist months after acute infection, helping develop management strategies for millions affected.
Obesity is increasingly understood as a complex disease entity with multifaceted drivers 1 9 . The journal has published important work advocating for a more nuanced approach that goes beyond body mass index (BMI) to consider metabolic health, body composition, and environmental factors.
Research has examined how adipose tissue distribution and function contribute to health risks, with particular attention to visceral fat and ectopic fat deposition in organs like the liver and muscle.
A major meta-analysis published in EJCI provided unprecedented insights into the factors that influence prescribing patterns for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) 6 . This comprehensive review of 40 studies quantified how patient characteristics affect the choice of antidiabetic medications.
| Patient Factor | Metformin | Sulfonylureas | SGLT2 Inhibitors | GLP1-RA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Older Age | 0.70 (0.60-0.82) | 1.51 (1.29-1.76) | 0.57 (0.42-0.79) | 0.52 (0.40-0.69) |
| Higher BMI | 1.22 (1.08-1.37) | 0.76 (0.62-0.93) | 1.88 (1.33-2.68) | 2.35 (1.54-3.59) |
| Kidney Problems | 0.39 (0.25-0.61) | Not significant | Not significant | Not significant |
| Higher HbA1c | 0.74 (0.57-0.97) | Not significant | Not significant | Not significant |
Values represent odds ratios (95% confidence intervals). Based on data from 6 .
One groundbreaking study explored how stem cells mediate mitochondrial transfer to B cells 9 , revealing a novel mechanism through which cell-based therapies might exert their beneficial effects.
A narrative review examined the potential of SGLT2 inhibitors for cardiac amyloidosis 9 , exploring whether these drugs represent "hype or hope" for this condition.
The researchers employed a systematic approach to identify all relevant studies published between January 2009 and January 2021 from five major databases. Their search strategy used synonyms for three core concepts: patients with T2DM, antidiabetic drugs, and factors influencing prescribing.
The team used the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for quality assessment and employed an innovative three-level random-effects meta-analysis model to calculate pooled estimates based on odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.
The analysis revealed striking patterns in how patient factors influence therapeutic decisions. For instance, the probability of receiving sulfonylureas increased by 51% for older patients, while the odds of receiving metformin decreased by 30% 6 .
| Reagent/Method | Function | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Mendelian Randomization | Uses genetic variants to assess causal relationships | Establishing causal links between risk factors and diseases 5 |
| Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) | Nucleic acid amplification at constant temperature | Rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens 9 |
| Circulating miRNA Profiling | Measurement of small non-coding RNAs in blood | Predicting treatment response in metastatic colorectal cancer 9 |
| Cardiac Magnetic Resonance T1-mapping | Quantitative tissue characterization by MRI | Assessing hepatic congestion and its impact on survival 9 |
The hot topics featured in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation in 2023 reflect the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of biomedical research.
The boundaries between traditional specialties continue to blur as researchers recognize the interconnectedness of physiological systems and disease processes. This integrative approach is evident in studies exploring the links between obesity and cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and COVID-19 complications across multiple organ systems.
The European Journal of Clinical Investigation continues to serve as a vital platform for clinical researchers worldwide to share discoveries that advance our understanding of disease mechanisms and treatment strategies. Follow @EJCI_News on Twitter for the latest developments 9 .