Gastric Histology Research Articles

Effects of Granule Dendrobii on chronic atrophic gastritis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in rats.

BACKGROUND Dendrobium officinale is an herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) commonly used for treating stomach diseases. One formula of Granule Dendrobii (GD) consists of Dendrobium officinale and American Ginseng (Radix Panacis quinquefolii), and is a potent TCM product in China. Whether treatment with GD can promote gastric acid secretion and alleviate gastric gland atrophy in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) requires verification.AIMTo determine the effect of GD treatment on CAG and its potential cellular mechanism.METHODSA CAG model was induced by feeding rats N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) for 12 wk. After oral administration of low, moderate, and high doses of GD in CAG rats for 8 wk, its effects on body weight, gastric mucosa histology, mucosal atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, immunohistochemical staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and B-cell lymphoma-2, and hemoglobin and red blood cells were examined.RESULTSThe body weights of MNNG-induced CAG model rats before treatment (143.5 ± 14.26 g) were significantly lower than that of healthy rats (220.2 ± 31.20 g, P < 0.01). At the 8th week of treatment, the body weights of rats in the low-, moderate-, and high-dose groups of GD (220.1 ± 36.62 g) were significantly higher than those in the untreated group (173.3 ± 28.09 g, all P < 0.01). The level of inflammation in gastric tissue of the high-dose group (1.68 ± 0.54) was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) compared with that of the untreated group (3.00 ± 0.00, P < 0.05). The number and thickness of gastric glands in the high-dose group (31.50 ± 6.07/mm, 306.4 ± 49.32 µm) were significantly higher than those in the untreated group (26.86 ± 6.41/mm, 244.3 ± 51.82 µm, respectively, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05), indicating improved atrophy of gastric mucosa. The areas of intestinal metaplasia were significantly lower in the high-dose group (1.74% ± 1.13%), medium-dose group (1.81% ± 0.66%) and low-dose group (2.36% ± 1.08%) than in the untreated group (3.91% ± 0.96%, all P < 0.01). The expression of PCNA in high-dose group was significantly reduced compared with that in untreated group (P < 0.01). Hemoglobin level in the high-dose group (145.3 ± 5.90 g/L), medium-dose group (139.3 ± 5.71 g/L) and low-dose group (137.5 ± 7.56 g/L) was markedly increased compared with the untreated group (132.1 ± 7.76 g/L; P < 0.01 or P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONTreatment with GD for 8 wk demonstrate that GD is effective in the treatment of CAG in the MNNG model by improving the histopathology of gastric mucosa, reversing gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, and alleviating gastric inflammation.

Blueberry anthocyanin extracts protect against Helicobacter pylori-induced peptic epithelium injuries both in vitro and in vivo: the key role of MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

Anthocyanins are well-characterized by anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory potentials. Peptic ulcers contribute to the development of severe gastric disorders. In the current study, the effects of blueberry anthocyanin extracts (BE) on the Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peptic epithelium injures were assessed and the associated mechanism driving the effects was explored by focusing on MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Peptic injures were induced in a mouse model using LPS plus ligation method and then the mice were treated with BE. Then changes in gastric histology, inflammatory response, and MAPK/NF-κB axis were detected. To reveal the role of MAPK/NF-κB axis in the effects of BE, human gastric epithelial cells (HGECs) were further subjected to co-treatment of BE, LPS, and MAPK activator. The assays of mouse model showed that BE attenuated gastric epithelial injuries by improving epithelial structure and suppressing gastric inflammatory response, which was associated with the inhibition of MAPK/NF-κB axis. In in vitro assays, BE suppressed viability and production of cytokines, and induced apoptosis in LPS-treated HGECs. The re-activation of MAPK pathway counteracted the effects of BE by re-inducing cell viability and suppressing cell apoptosis. The protective effects of BE against LPS-induced injuries in mouse stomach depended on the inhibition of both MAPK pathway and the downstream NF-κB signaling.

Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Helicobacter Pylori-negative Chronic Gastritis in Children.

The clinical significance of Helicobacter pylori-negative chronic gastritis (HPNCG) in children is unclear. We examined this issue in patients who had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy with systematic gastric sampling. Data of 1178 consecutive children who underwent diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy were collected. Baseline characteristics and long-term outcomes were compared between children with active and inactive HPNCG and those with normal gastric histology. Follow-up data were available for up to 13 years. Altogether 24 (2.0%) children had active and 235 (19.9%) inactive HPNCG, 27 (2.3%) were Hpylori-positive, 46 (3.9%) had other gastric pathology, and 846 (71.8%) normal histology. Diarrhea (31.3% vs 25.1%, P = 0.033), poor growth (23.6% vs 14.7%, P < 0.001), bloody stools (13.9% vs 7.2%, P < 0.001), anemia (46.5% vs 23.4%, P < 0.001), hypersedimentation (39.7% vs 21.4%, P < 0.001), hypoalbuminemia (40.4% vs 16.2%, P < 0.001), and elevated fecal calprotectin (62.4% vs 31.5%, P < 0.001) were more common and heartburn (13.9% vs 22.9%, P = 0.002) less common in the HPNCG group than in the controls. Both active (OR 3.64,95% CI 1.35-9.82) andinactive (2.98, 2.18-4.08) HPNCG predicted a diagnosis in the initial investigations. Crohn disease (41.7%) was the most common diagnosis in active HPNCG and celiac disease (37.4%) in inactive HPNCG. During follow-up, 7 (9.9%) of the 71 initially nondiagnosed HPNCG children received a diagnosis. HPNCG is a frequent finding in children undergoing EGD, the active form being associated especially with Crohn disease and the inactive with celiac disease. The long-term prognosis of patients with HPNCG who do not receive an initial diagnosis is good.

Comparable Results of Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance Testing of Stools vs Gastric Biopsies Using Next-Generation Sequencing

Comparable Results of Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance Testing of Stools vs Gastric Biopsies Using Next-Generation Sequencing

Gastric epithelial histology and precancerous conditions

The most common histological type of gastric cancer (GC) is gastric adenocarcinoma arising from the gastric epithelium. Less common variants include mesenchymal, lymphoproliferative and neuroendocrine neoplasms. The Lauren scheme classifies GC into intestinal type, diffuse type and mixed type. The WHO classification includes papillary, tubular, mucinous, poorly cohesive and mixed GC. Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and intestinal metaplasia are recommended as common precancerous conditions. No definite precancerous condition of diffuse/poorly/undifferentiated type is recommended. Chronic superficial inflammation and hyperplasia of foveolar cells may be the focus. Presently, the management of early GC and precancerous conditions mainly relies on endoscopy including diagnosis, treatment and surveillance. Management of precancerous conditions promotes the early detection and treatment of early GC, and even prevent the occurrence of GC. In the review, precancerous conditions including CAG, metaplasia, foveolar hyperplasia and gastric hyperplastic polyps derived from the gastric epithelium have been concluded, based on the overview of gastric epithelial histological organization and its renewal.

Helicobacter pylori eradication in renal transplant candidates.

Introduction:Treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is recommended in transplant candidates due to the association between this infection and gastrointestinal disorders, which could significantly increase morbidity after renal transplantation with the use of immunosuppression. The objective of this study was to analyze the rate of eradication of H. pylori after antimicrobial treatment in chronic kidney disease patients who are candidates for kidney transplantation.Methods:A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted. All adult chronic kidney disease patients seen at our institution were included. In the pre-transplantation evaluation, 83 patients underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with 2 diagnostic methods to detect H. pylori: histology and the rapid urease test. In total, 33 patients with H. pylori infection received treatment with 20 mg omeprazole, 500 mg amoxicillin, and 500 mg clarithromycin once daily for 14 days. Another upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed 8 to 12 weeks after the end of treatment to check for healing.Results:The study showed a prevalence of H. pylori in 51 (61.4%) patients. Histology was positive in 50 (98%) patients and the rapid urease test was positive in 31 (60.8%). The infection eradication rate was 48.5% (16 patients).Conclusions:There was a high prevalence rate of H. pylori and a low eradication rate after the long-term antimicrobial triple scheme used. The association of the rapid urease test with gastric mucosa histology did not increase the detection rate of H. pylori.

Clinical and gastro-duodenal histopathological features of enteropathy due to angiotensin II receptor blockers

BackgroundClinical elements differentiating enteropathy due to angiotensin II-receptor-blockers (ARBs-E) from coeliac disease (CD) are poorly defined. The histopathological features on duodenal and gastric biopsies in these patients still need to be investigated. AimsTo describe the clinical phenotype of ARBs-E in comparison to CD, and the histological findings of gastric and duodenal biopsies in ARBs-E. MethodsClinical data of patients with ARBs-E and CD diagnosed between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline presenting symptoms and demographics were compared (Fisher's exact test and t-test). Gastric and duodenal histology in ARBs-E were revised by two independent pathologists. Results14 ARBs-E and 112 CD patients were enroled. Weight loss (p < 0.01), acute onset of diarrhoea (p < 0.01), hospitalization (p < 0.01), and older age at diagnosis (p < 0.01) were more common in ARBs-E. Duodenal histology in ARBs-E showed intraepithelial lymphocytosis in 71%, increased mucosal eosinophilic count in 57%, with preserved neuroendocrine, Paneth and goblet cells in all patients. Gastric histologic lesions at baseline, including lymphocytic gastritis, eosinophilic gastritis, chronic active gastritis, and metaplastic atrophic gastritis patterns were observed in 73% of patients, without Helicobacter pylori infection. ConclusionsARBs-E showed a severe clinical phenotype, often requiring hospital admission. Gastric involvement at diagnosis is very common, and this could further support this diagnosis.

Abstract 800: A germline CTNNA1 variant in a large Chilean family with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer

Abstract The purpose of this study is to describe a large Chilean family having a Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer and a possible causative mutation of cancer in this family. Gastric cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in Chile. Worldwide, only ten percent of gastric cancer have a familial aggregation and in Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC), E-Cadherine 1 gene (CDH1) is the most commonly mutated gene (30%). To our knowledge, only one HDGC Chilean family with a pathogenic CDH1 mutation has been reported, suggesting a low frequency of CDH1 mutations in this population. CTNNA1 mutations (alpha-1 catenin gene), also have been found in HDGC cases. E-cadherine 1 and alpha-1 catenin are part of adherens junction complex. In this family, there are eleven members affected with gastric cancer and two with breast cancer, in two following generations. The index patient was diagnosed with a diffuse gastric tumor at 51 years of age and one affected relative (a deceased brother of the index case) at 38 years of age. The index patient´s gastric tumor histology type is diffuse, but the tumor of the affected sister is papillary. Cancer gene panel sequencing was performed in index patient DNA and cascade genotyping in family members was performed using Kompetitive allele-specific PCR. A germline variant c.293G&amp;gt;A (p.R98Q, rs746832629) in the CTNNA1 gene was found in the index patient. This variant has been reported two times in ClinVar and is classified as an uncertain significance variant. In TCGA, CTNNA1 c.293G&amp;gt;A variant has been reported four times in gastric, colon, and uterine tumor samples. This variant maps to the beta-catenin binding domain of the protein, and the mutated residue is conserved from fish to primates. The variant population frequency in the Genome Aggregation Database is in Latinos is 0.0049 and worldwide is 0.000076. We searched the variant in other members of the family and carried out a co-segregation analysis, that indicates an incomplete penetrance of the variant because two non-affected brothers do have it. Based on our data, we think that this variant could be pathogenic and causative of the HDGC observed in this family, but showing an incomplete penetrance. Additionally, the variant was not found in sixty-two other early-onset Chilean cancer gastric patients, thus we are going to search the variant in a sample of the general population of the family´s region. Also, we will do a whole-exome sequence in the samples of all available affected relatives looking for other variants to explain the incomplete penetrance, search for the second hit in an index patient´s tumor sample and perform a functional analysis of the variant during this semester. Beca Chile Postdoctorado 74190063, CONICYT-FONDAP 15130011-2 (NIH). Citation Format: Graciela Molina, Ana Estrada, Alma Poceros, Carol Parra, Osvaldo Torres, Natalia Landeros, Andrés Rodríguez, Alejandro Corvalán, Luis Carvajal-Carmona. A germline CTNNA1 variant in a large Chilean family with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 800.

Chance that matter or matter of chance: changing prevalence of fundic gland polyps and proton pump inhibitors

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are considered one of reasons for changing prevalence of gastric fundic gland polyps (FGP), not only in western world but trend is being seen in Asian countries as well.&#x0D; Aims and Objective: This study was designed to evaluate prevalence of FGP and to look into endoscopic and histological profile of these polyps in PPI users and non-PPI users. We also assessed background gastric mucosal histology in FGP patients.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of 1800 cases. Medical records of patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in three gastroenterology centres between 2011 and 2019 were analysed at Noora super speciality Hospital, Kashmir; Northern India. Biopsy specimens of patients with FGP were reviewed by expert pathologists. PPI use was quantified as significant when Pantoprazole 40 mg per day or equivalent doses of other PPI was used four times or more per week for more than one year. Statistical Analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22.&#x0D; Results: FGP were most common, observed in 900 (50%) of all gastric polyp cases. PPI use one year and more was noted only in 360 (40%). FGP were mostly located in fundus 630 (70%), multiple in 840 (93.33%), with average size between 6 to 10 mm. On histology parietal cell hyperplasia, parietal cell protrusion and foveolar hyperplasia were seen in 666 (74%), 716(79.55%) and 254 (28.22%) cases respectively. Background gastric histology was normal in 543 (60.33%).&#x0D; Conclusions: FGP were most common gastric polyps in Northern India. We observed similar endoscopic and histological characters in FGP irrespective of whether cases were using PPI or not. Majority of cases had normal background gastric mucosal histology.

Lessons learned from upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in asymptomatic Chinese.

The Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection-related diseases, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer are frequently asymptomatic until the onset of complications. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of H.pylori, erosive esophagitis, peptic ulcer, and precancerous lesions such as atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, gastric dysplasia, and upper gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy in asymptomatic Chinese. From January to December 2017, a questionnaire was administered to consecutive asymptomatic patients undergoing routine physical examination, which included their first screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy. H.pylori infection was determined by one of positive 13 C urea breath tests or rapid urease test and histology. The presence of H.pylori infection, erosive esophagitis, peptic ulcer, precancerous gastric histology, and upper GI malignancy was analyzed in relation to demographic factors. A total of 1108 subjects (mean age: 48, range 21 to 79, 39.5% men) were included. The findings were: erosive esophagitis 7.8%, active H.pylori infection 44%, peptic ulcer 9.1% (duodenal 5.8%, gastric 2.5% or both 0.8%); 0.5% had gastric cancer. Male, smoking history, and current H.pylori infection were all significantly related to the presence of peptic ulcer. Totally, 1095 patients had gastric histopathology and premalignant gastric lesions were present in 67.4%; atrophic gastritis (67.4%), intestinal metaplasia (27.4%), and gastric dysplasia (0.5%). Age, current and previous H.pylori infection were risk factors significantly associated with precancerous lesions. Upper GI pathology as a sequelae of H.pylori infection is common in asymptomatic Chinese. These findings support institution of a nationwide test and treat program to eradicate H.pylori in China.

EFEK GASTROPROTEKTIF EKSTRAK ETANOL BUAH LABU KUNING (Cucurbita moschata (Duch.) Poir) PADA TIKUS JANTAN GALUR WISTAR YANG DIINDUKSI ASPIRIN

ABSTRACT&#x0D; &#x0D; Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause side effects of gastric ulcers. Based on&#x0D; previous research, it is known that pumpkin contains flavonoids which can protect the gastric&#x0D; mucosa. The aim of this study was to determine the gastroprotective effect of ethanol extract of&#x0D; Cucurbita moschata (Duch.) Poir fruit in male rats Wistar-induced by aspirin. The study used a&#x0D; randomized matched posttest only control group design. Cucurbita moschata (Duch.) Poir fruit&#x0D; extraction was carried out by ultrasonic method. A total of 24 rats were divided into 6 groups:&#x0D; normal control (CMC Na 0,5%; ulcer control (CMC Na 0,5%); positive control (ranitidine HCl 10&#x0D; mg/kg BW); treatment group (Cucurbita moschata (Duch.) Poir fruit ethanol extract at dose of&#x0D; 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW). Treatments lasted for 14 days. One hour after administering the test&#x0D; solution on the 14th day, all rats were given 200 mg/kg BW of aspirin (except normal controls)&#x0D; orally, then fasted for 12 hours. On the 15th day, all rats were sacrificed, dissected and their stomachs were taken. Gastric histology preparations were made with hematoxylin-eosin staining,&#x0D; microscopically read, discussed the number and severity of ulcers. Both data were processed and&#x0D; analyzed by Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney (95% confidence level). The results showed that the&#x0D; administration of EEBLK doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW resulted in a score of the number&#x0D; and severity of ulcers that were lower significantly than of ulcer controls (p

Gastro protecting influence of Topiramate in ethanol produced gastric ulcers in rats.

Topiramate (TPM), an antiepileptic drug, is also effective against alcohol dependency, a crucial factor in forming gastric ulcers. There is an increased possibility of patients with compromised gastric conditions getting exposed to TPM, but its effect on gastric ulcers is unknown. This study investigates the implication of acute TPM in ethanol-produced gastric ulceration in rats. The effect of TPM studied in male 200-225 g Sprague Dawley rats against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers and for gastric secretion and acidity. The factors assessed include gastric secretion and acidity, gastric ulcer score, biochemical and histological changes, NF-kB, and p53 expression. The analysis of data performed by using the Kruskal Wallis test and Dunnett's multiple comparison tests. TPM pretreatment showed gastroprotective effects. It significantly reduced ethanol-induced increased gastric secretion, acidity, and gastric ulcer index and prevented gastric mucus depletion. The ethanol-induced inflammation and apoptosis were also significantly decreased by reducing the increased gastric myeloperoxidase activity and the expression of NF-kB and p53. TPM pretreatment also reduced the ethanol-induced damage to the gastric histology in rats. TPM exerted a gastro-protective effect against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers mediated by reducing the gastric ulcer index, preventing a decrease of the mucus levels, reduction in inflammation, damage to gastric histology, and a decrease in the enhanced expression of NF-kB and TPM. Further detailed investigations are essential to understand the chronic influence of TPM on gastric ulcers.

The effect of Myrmecodia pendans extract toward gastric histology in white rats treated with toxic dose of gentamicin: a preliminary report

Introduction: Myrmecodia pendans, or traditionally known as ant nest fruit, is one of popular traditional medicines in Indonesia with a wide range of effects such as antidiabetic, anticancer, and free-radical scavenging agents. Despite of the extensive research, reports regarding its toxicity are scarce. Gentamicin is also one of popular and widely used anti-biotic but it is associated with a wide range of toxicity, especially if administered at high dose. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of Myrmecodia pendans extract in the mice what received toxic dose of gentamicin.Method: 24 male white rats were used and randomly divided into 4 groups: P0 (negative control), P1 (100 mg/kgBW intraperitoneal gentamicin), P2 (gentamicyn + 250 mg/kgBW myrmercodia extract), P3 (250 mg/kgBW myrmercodia extract which administered for 7 days and followed by gentamicin). The treatment was given for 10 days and all mice were sacrificed at the end of the study. The stomach was taken from each mouse and examined pathologically using Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining.Results: The necrosis was found in all groups that received gentamicin (P1-P3) with P2 had the most severe necrosis. Hemorrhage was only found in group that received Myrmecodia extract (P2 and P3) and, again, P2 had higher score of hemorrhage compared to P3.Conclusion: The administration of Myrmecodia extract at 250 mg/kgBW together with toxic dose of gentamicin exacerbate the gastric tissue damage in Wistar rats.

Application of OLGA (Operative link on gastritis assessment) staging system for gastritis in alcoholics- a cross sectional study

Introduction: Gastritis is an inflammatory condition of the gastric mucosa. Atrophy of the gastric mucosa is the endpoint of chronic processes, such as chronic gastritis associated with H. pylori infection. Currently, no reporting scheme/terminology for chronic gastritis is available that is both easily understood by clinicians and patients and also provides prognostic and therapeutic information in unequivocal terms. An international group Operative Link on Gastritis Assessment (OLGA) proposed a staging system for reporting gastric histology. This gastritis staging integrates the atrophy score (obtained by biopsy) and the atrophy topography (achieved through directed biopsy mapping). This prospective cross?sectional study aimed to apply the OLGA staging system for reporting gastric histology in alcoholic patients with gastritis, thus validate the OLGA gastritis staging system as a routine histology reporting system. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted from October 2013 to June 2015 in the Department of Gastroenterology, M.S. Ramaiah Hospitals (M.S. Ramaiah Teaching Hospital and M.S. Ramaiah Memorial Hospital), Bangalore. 150 alcoholic patients were involved in the study. Age, sex, presenting complaints and detailed history regarding alcohol intake was taken followed by investigations like Complete Blood Count, Liver Function Tests, Renal Function Tests and ultrasound abdomen. Patients were categorised clinically into 4 groups as Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS), fatty liver, Compensated Liver Disease (CLD) and Decompensated Liver Disease (DCLD). Rapid urease test was done for all the patients and 5 biopsy samples (2 from antral mucosa, 2 from oxyntic area and one from the mucosa of the incisura angularis.) were obtained and sent to the pathology department. Sections made from these gastric biopsies were stained with H and E and Giemsa stain. Sections were then evaluated for the presence of H. pylori. Severity of atrophic gastritis was noted an

Efficacy and Safety of Fingerroot (Boesenbergia rotunda) Extract in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common upper gastrointestinal disorder, but the current treatments are still unsatisfactory. Fingerroot (Boesenbergia rotunda [L.] Mansf.; BR) is used as a traditional medicine for dyspepsia despite a lack of proven evidence. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BR extract in the treatment of patients with FD. Methods: In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 160 patients with FD based on Rome IV criteria were to be recruited and randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive BR (350 mg extract powder) or placebo 3 times daily for 4 weeks. Primary end point was change in the summed total score of Short-Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire. Secondary end points were the rate of symptom relief, the reduction of blood inflammatory markers and the improvement in gastric histology according to the Updated Sydney System. Results: One hundred sixty patients (62 [38.8%] men, aged 56.9 ± 14.8 years) were randomized to the BR group (n = 80) and placebo group (n = 80), and 138 patients completed this study. Overall symptom improvement was significantly greater in the BR group than in the placebo group (−7.1 ± 2.0 vs. −3.7 ± 0.8, repeated measures ANOVA, p < 0.05). Total symptom scores significantly improved with decrease in blood inflammatory markers in the BR group compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05). Proportion of responders was higher in the BR group (58%) than in the placebo group (34.6%) according to the intention-to-treat analysis (p < 0.05) with the number needed to treat calculated as 4.3. No difference in gastric histology was observed in both groups. BR extract was well tolerated with few adverse events. These effects were associated with acute phase reactants reduction. Conclusions: BR extract represents an effective and safe alternative to manage dyspepsia symptoms in FD patients.

Growth and physiological responses of juvenile amberjack (Seriola dumerili) fed pellet diets bound by different binders

AbstractAppropriate binders have not yet been determined in pellet feed for amberjack Seriola dumerili juveniles. This study aimed to assess the influence of binders (activated gluten [AG], guar gum [GG], and carboxymethylcellulose [CMC]) on growth, feed ingestion, gastric emptying time (GET), digestibility, intestinal histology, body composition, and blood chemical constituents of amberjack juvenile. Dry pellets bound by supplementing different binders (3% AG, 2.5% AG combined with 0.5% GG [AG + GG], and 3% CMC) were fed to fish (mean body weight ± SD = 52.5 ± 0.6 g) for 30 days. After feeding, fish fed the AG diet exhibited growth, protein and dry matter digestibility, and feed utilization levels significantly (p &lt; .05) higher than those of fish fed the AG + GG and CMC diets. Moreover, GET in fish fed the AG + GG and CMC diets were slower than those from fish in the AG group. These responses appeared to be associated with the viscosity of binders and diets. In fish fed the AG + GG and CMC diets, several blood indices were significantly (p &lt; .05) lower than those in fish fed the AG diet. These results suggest that AG is a candidate binder in pellet feed for amberjack juvenile.

Helicobacter pylori infection as a potential risk factor for multiple sclerosis

Helicobacter pylori infection (Hp-I) has been associated with a wide spectrum of gastrointestinal and extra-digestive manifestations, including neurodegenerative diseases. Contradictory data have been published on Hp-I and multiple sclerosis (MS) association, with studies mainly using serology for Hp-I detection that cannot distinguish between active and past infections. We herein hypothesize that humoral and cellular immune responses induced by active Hp-I, beyond damaging locally the gastric mucosa, they may shape the character of systemic autoimmune responses, contributing to MS pathogenesis. To investigate our hypothesis, active Hp-I has been diagnosed in two small MS Greek cohorts by using primarily gastric mucosa histology. A higher prevalence of active Hp-I was documented in MS patients vs. controls (86.4 vs. 50%, P = 0.002)accompanied by exclusive existence of duodenal ulcer and autoimmune diseases with endoscopic and histological findings of chronic active gastritis for the MS group. Our preliminary data suggested that active Hp-Iunlike other studies, may not protect, but contribute to MS and we proposed possibleHp-relating mechanisms involved in MS pathophysiology, that merit further evaluation.

Contrasting serum biomarker profiles in two Colombian populations with different risks for progression of premalignant gastric lesions during chronic Helicobacter pylori infection

BackgroundColombians in coastal Tumaco have a lower incidence of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer compared to individuals from Tuquerres in the high Andes. This is despite nearly universal prevalence of H. pylori infection and chronic gastritis. MethodsH. pylori infection was confirmed by Steiner stain and serology using African and European-origin strains. Gastric histology and serum inflammatory biomarkers in dyspeptic Tumaco or Tuquerres patients were evaluated to predict progression of gastric lesions. ResultsH. pylori infection was nearly universal by Steiner stain and serology. IgG response to European-origin H. pylori strains were greater than African-origin. High gastric cancer-risk Tuquerres patients, compared to low-risk Tumaco, had significant odds ratios for lesion progression associated with serum IL-5, trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), and low pepsinogen I/II ratio. Sensitivity and specificity for these parameters was 63.8% and 67.9%, respectively, with correctly classifying patients at 66.7%. Most odds ratios for 26 other biomarkers were significant for the town of residency, indicating an environmental impact on Tumaco patients associated with decreased lesion progression. ConclusionAn IL-5 association with progression of gastric lesions is novel and could be evaluated in addition to TFF3 and pepsinogen I/II ratio as a non-invasive prognostic screen. Results suggest Tumaco patients were exposed to infectious diseases beyond H. pylori such as the documented high incidence of helminthiasis and toxoplasmosis. ImpactResults support a prior recommendation to evaluate TFF3 and pepsinogen I/II together to predict aggressive gastric histology. Our data indicate IL-5 should be further evaluated as prognostic parameter.

Relationship between neuropilin-1 expression and prognosis, according to gastric cancer histology.

Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is known to be related to various types of cancer and is considered a novel tumor marker or therapeutic target. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical implications of NRP-1 expression in terms of prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. A total of 265 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for the treatment of gastric cancer from 2008 to 2011 were included in this retrospective study. NRP-1 expression of tumors was determined by immunohistochemistry. The patients' clinicopathological characteristics, operative details, and long-term outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 181 (68.3%) patients demonstrated expression of NRP-1. No survival difference was observed according to NRP-1 expression in any patient. The patients were divided into the gland formation (GF) and the no gland formation (nGF) types, according to histology. NRP-1 expression rates were 65.6% (84/128) and 70.8% (97/137), respectively. NRP-1 expression was not an independent prognostic factor in the GF group, although patients who expressed NRP-1 had better survival outcomes. In contrast, patients who expressed NRP-1 in the nGF group had worse 5-year survival rates (p = 0.027), and NRP-1 was an independent prognostic factor in a multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 1.923; 95% confidence interval, 1.041-3.551). NRP-1 expression in patients with nGF type gastric cancer is predictive of a poor prognosis.

Redefinition of familial intestinal gastric cancer: clinical and genetic perspectives

BackgroundFamilial intestinal gastric cancer (FIGC) remains genetically unexplained and without testing/clinical criteria. Herein, we characterised the age of onset and disease spectrum of 50 FIGC families and searched for genetic...