We explored potential genetic risk factors implicated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) within a Caribbean–Hispanic population in New York City. A total of 316 individuals including 40 subjects with biopsy‐proven NAFLD, 24 ethnically matched non‐NAFLD controls, and a 252 ethnically mixed random sampling of Bronx County, New York were analyzed. Genotype analysis was performed to determine allelic frequencies of 74 known single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with NAFLD risk based on previous genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and candidate gene studies. Additionally, the entire coding region of PNPLA3, a gene showing the strongest association to NAFLD was subjected to Sanger sequencing. Results suggest that both rare and common DNA variations in PNPLA3 and SAMM50 may be correlated with NAFLD in this small population study, while common DNA variations in CHUK and ERLIN1, may have a protective interaction. Common SNPs in ENPP1 and ABCC2 have suggestive association with fatty liver, but with less compelling significance. In conclusion, Hispanic patients of Caribbean ancestry may have different interactions with NAFLD genetic modifiers; therefore, further investigation with a larger sample size, into this Caribbean–Hispanic population is warranted.

Helicobacter pylori has been implicated as an etiologic agent for B-cell gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. This tumor is considered a low-grade entity with an associated indolent course. Some instances of tumor regression with adequate antibiotic treatment and irradication of H. pylori have been reported. Gastric malignancy and more specifically, lymphoma, should be considered in all patients with recurrent or nonhealing ulcers. Diagnostic and treatment strategies for these patients remain controversial. Two patients were evaluated, one for recurrent disease, another for a 3-cm nonhealing ulcer. Both patients refused total gastrectomy. Both patients underwent gastroscopy with simultaneous laparoscopic visualization. The mucosal lesions were identified and removed via laparoscopic stapled wedge resection. A combined endoscopic and laparoscopic approach can be considered as an alternative to radical surgery in the treatment strategy of these tumors. Wedge resection allows for staging and thorough pathologic classification. Further studies are necessary to define the natural history and the role of laparo-endoscopy in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of B-cell gastric MALT lymphoma.