EFFECTS OF A BICARBONATE-ALKALINE MINERAL WATER ON GASTRIC FUNCTIONS AND FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA: A PRECLINICAL AND CLINICAL STUDY

Abstract

The present study was performed in order to evaluate: (1) the influence of a bicarbonate-alkaline mineral water (Uliveto ®) on digestive symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia; (2) the effects of Uliveto ® on preclinical models of gastric functions. Selected patients complained of dyspeptic symptoms in the absence of digestive lesions or Helicobacter pylori infection within the previous 3 months. They were treated with Uliveto ® water (1.5 l day −1) for 30 days. Frequency and severity of symptoms were assessed at baseline and day 30 by a score system. Preclinical experiments were carried out on rats, allowed to drink Uliveto ® or oligomineral water for 30 days. Animals then underwent pylorus ligation to evaluate gastric secretion of acid, pepsinogen, and mucus. In separate experiments, gastric emptying was assessed. Crenotherapy was associated with a relief of epigastric pain, retrosternal pyrosis, postprandial fullness and gastric distention. At preclinical level, Uliveto ® water increased acid and pepsinogen secretions as well as gastric emptying, without changes in bound mucus. The enhancing actions of Uliveto ® on gastric secretions and emptying were prevented by L-365,260, an antagonist of gastrin/CCK-2 receptors. These findings indicate that a regular intake of Uliveto ® favors an improvement of dyspeptic symptoms. The preclinical study suggests that the clinical actions of Uliveto ® water depend mainly on its ability to enhance gastric motor and secretory functions.