Gastric Pepsin Research Articles

The mixture of Salvia miltiorrhiza–Carthamus tinctorius (Danhong injection) alleviates low-dose aspirin induced gastric mucosal damage in rats

BackgroundDanhong injection (DHI) is quite often used in combination with low-dose aspirin (ASA, 75–325mg daily) in clinic, particularly for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Exploring their interaction profile is of great clinical importance. PurposeThe current study aims to explore the interaction between DHI and low-dose ASA in rats. MethodsSixty four rats were randomly divided into eight groups. Stomach and other four vital organs were collected for histological evaluation. Organs which exhibited histological changes were selected for a further study to evaluate the damage score and mode of action. We tested the protective effect of DHI on gastric mucosal damage in different regimes of administration. COX activity, gastric mucus secretion, pepsin activity, antioxidant activity and ROS level were assayed to reflect the protective effect of DHI on gastric mucosal damage induced by ASA. ResultsStomach was the target organ of interaction when DHI and ASA were used in combination. DHI alleviated gastric mucosal damage by 55.8% when DHI was injected before ASA (Group E) and by 53.5% when DHI was injected 2h after ASA administration (Group F). Additionally, if DHI treatment was appended to the long-term administration of ASA, DHI still decreased the gastric mucosal damage score in 52.0% from 2.50 to 1.20. DHI improved gastric mucus secretion, as well as decreased pepsin activity to maintain the integrity of gastric mucosal barrier (P<0.05). Furthermore, DHI recovered antioxidant activity which was impaired by ASA. In details, DHI decreased gastric mucosal ROS level, increased CAT, GSH-Px and SOD activity, and reduced MDA concentration (P<0.05). When ASA (71.9µM) was used in combination with DHI (23–fold dilution, presented in terms of concentrations of DSS, PA, SaD RA, SaB and SaA were 6.45–6.92, 1.10–1.14, 1.09–1.10, 0.86–0.90, 16.76–19.38 and 1.83–1.94µg/ml, respectively) in vitro, the inhibition rate of ASA increased from 38.6% (ASA alone) to 62.8% (ASA-DHI) on COX-1 and from 28.9% (ASA alone) to 38.8% (ASA-DHI) on COX-2 (P<0.05). DHI strengthened the inhibition activity of ASA on both COX-1 and COX-2, which showed that DHI alleviated ASA induced gastric mucosal damage but not antagonized anti-COX effect of ASA. ConclusionsGastric protective benefits were clearly produced when DHI and ASA were used in combination, which provided rational guidance for clinical combined application of DHI and ASA.

DOES RAMADAN FASTING INCREASE DUODENAL ULCER PERFORATION

Introduction: In Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims are obliged to fast. Prolonged fasting increase gastric acid and pepsin levels, which promote the risk of duodenal ulcer perforation (DUP). Effects of Ramadan fasting on DUP have not been thoroughly studied yet, and the limited number of studies investigating the impact of Ramadan fasting on DUP yielded discrepant results. This study aimed to evaluate DUP frequency during Ramadan 2011-2015 and compare it with other months. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 82 patients undergoing surgery due to DUP during July 2011-September 2015. The demographics, history of addiction, use of nonsteroidal and antiinflammatory drugs, previous history of acid peptic disease, as well as complications and outcomes of treatment were recorded and analyzed, and the obtained results were compared between Ramadan and other lunar months. Results: The majority of patients were male (86.6%, 71 patients), with a mean age of 43.9±16.5 years (age range: 20-75 years). Male to female ratio was 6:1. Cases with less than 30 years of age were less frequent (22%, 18 patients). DUP was more frequent during Rajab with nine cases (11%), while during Ramadan, six cases were reported, the difference between Ramadan and other months regarding the incidence of DUP was not significant (P=0.7). Risk factors such as smoking (60%) and addiction (44%; especially to crystal and crack) were noted. Consumption of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in 20 (24%) patients, and use of antacids in 17 (25%) patients. Distribution of DUP in different blood types was as follows: O+=41%, A+=28%, B+=23%, AB=5%, and O-=3%; moreover, post-operative Helicobacter pylori antibody was present in 67% of the patients. Conclusion: Ramadan fasting did not escalate DUP incidence, and those with DUP risk factors can fast with the use of antacids.

From top-down to bottom-up: Time-dependent monitoring of proteolytic protein degradation by LC-MS.

The understanding of proteolytic processes includes manifold aspects, ranging from the characterization of proteases and their corresponding substrates to the localization of cleavage sites. The analysis of protease-catalyzed reactions at a single time-point in many cases excludes the identification of intermediate cleavage products of potential biological function. To overcome this problem, proteolysis has to be monitored over time. For that purpose, we established a straight-forward two-step approach. First, Tricine-SDS-PAGE separation of the proteolytic products is applied to survey the proteolytic reaction. In the second step, the reaction mixture is analyzed by an LC-MS set-up. An optimized chromatographic separation coupled to electrospray Orbitrap mass spectrometry allowed the simultaneous monitoring of intact substrates, intermediates and cleavage products of lower molecular weight. The applicability of the strategy was shown on the example of the gastric protease pepsin and its physiologically relevant substrate hen egg white lysozyme, one of the major egg allergens. While lysozyme-derived cysteine-free peptides were cleaved comparatively fast, disulfide bonds protected connected peptides from rapid peptic proteolysis. Two previously identified potential IgE-binding motifs were observed as disulfide-linked cleavage products. In summary, the presented approach is not only ideally suited for the simulation of gastro-intestinal digestion, which is of high interest in food research, but can be transferred to any protease-substrate pair of interest. Furthermore the strategy can be exploited to deduce the effect of post-translational modifications on proteolysis.

Microparticles based on chitosan/carboxymethylcellulose polyelectrolyte complexes for colon delivery of vancomycin

The aim of this work was to prepare polyelectrolyte complexes based on chitosan (CH) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) for colon delivery of vancomycin (VM). Various batches of polyelectrolyte complexes, using three different CH/CMC weight ratios (3:1, 1:1 and 1:3), were prepared and collected as microparticles by spray-drying process. Microparticles were characterized in terms of yield, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, morphology and mucoadhesion properties. Microparticles water-uptake and VM release as well as its protection against gastric pepsin degradation were also investigated. Finally, the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive model strain, was evaluated. The best formulation CH/CMC 1:3 was selected based on the encapsulation efficiency, water-uptake and drug release rate. Moreover, microparticles were able to prevent VM degradation and showed a good antibacterial activity against S. aureus. Finally, to improve the release of VM in the colon the selected formulation was coated with lauric acid.

Gastric ulceration: the role of thermoxidized palm oil

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of chronic consumption of fresh palm oil (FPO) and thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) diet on gastric acid secretion, pepsin secretions, gastric mucus output and gastric cytoprotection.Design/methodology/approach– Adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups, i.e. control, FPO and TPO groups (n= 10 in each). The control group was fed with normal rat chow only, the FPO group was fed on diet containing 15 per cent v/w FPO and the TPO group was fed with diet containing v/w of thermally oxidized palm oil. All animals had free access to feed and water, and the feeding lasted for 14 weeks. At the end of the feeding period, gastric acid secretion, pepsin secretion, mucus output and gastric ulceration were measured following standard methods.Findings– There was increase in histamine-stimulated gastric acid output in the TPO diet-fed group (p&lt; 0.01) compared with the control and FPO diet-fed groups. No significant change in the mucus output was observed across all the experimental groups; whereas, pepsin secretion was significantly higher (p&lt; 0.05) in the TPO diet-fed group (0.46 ± 0.27) compared with the control (0.14 ± 0.05) and FPO diet-fed groups (0.25 ± 0.01). Ulcer scores in the TPO diet-fed group (15.5 ± 0.33) was significantly higher (p&lt; 0.01) compared with the control (10.0 ± 0.05) and FPO diet-fed (5.0 ± 0.04) groups.Originality/value– Chronic consumption of TPO increased gastric acid and pepsin secretion (gastric-aggressive factors) without a change in the mucus output. This can bring about gastric ulceration; therefore, the liberal use of TPO should be discouraged.

Antiulcer Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Salvadora indica (W.) Leaves on Albino Rats.

Ulcer can be developed inside the inner lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). Both the ulcers are also cumulatively referred as peptic ulcers. It affects nearly 10% of world population. To investigate the antiulcer activity of ethanolic extract of Salvadora indica W. leaves (ESIL) on albino rats. The present study was carried by pylorus ligation, ethanol and cysteamine induced ulcer models in albino rats. The antiulcer activity of ESIL (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg p.o. for 7 days) was compared with standard drugs (Ranitidine). In pyloric ligation induced ulcer model, the studied parameters were gastric volume, pH, total acidity, free acidity, and ulcer index whereas in ethanol and cysteamine induced ulcer model, the ulcer index was determined for severity of ulcers. The parameters studied were ulcer index, gastric juice volume, pH, free acidity and total acidity. In pyloric ligation model; the volume of gastric content, total/free acidity and pepsin activity was significantly decreased at p<0.05 and p<0.01 and pH of the gastric juice was significantly increased at p<0.05 and p<0.01 in ESIL treated groups as compared to control group. All the doses of ESIL showed dose dependent antiulcer effect as well as significant (p<0.05 and p<0.01) reduction in the ulcer index as compared to control group in all the experimental models. The results of the study indicate that the ESIL have better potential against ulcer which supports the traditional claims in folklore medicine.

Herba Swertiae Benefits the Gastrointestinal System In Vivo

Due to the increasing usage of herbal medicines and natural products for the body function management and ailments treatment and the lack of study on the beneficial effect of Herba Swertiae, a widely used traditional herbal medicine, this paper aimed to investigate the effect of Herba Swertiae on gastrointestinal system in vivo. The effect of Herba Swertiae on gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion was examined in mice; the effect of Herba Swertiae on gastric acid secretion and pepsin activity was tested in rats; and the effect of Herba Swertiae on the mobility of ileum was evaluated by ex vivo experiments using isolated ileum from guinea pig. The results showed that Herba Swertiae markedly enhanced gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion in mice. Also, Herba Swertiae remarkably increased the gastric acid secretion, the acidity of gastric acid, and the activity of pepsin in rats. Of note, these effects were comparable to that of positive control. Moreover, Herba Swertiae exerted a potent promoting effect on the mobility of ileum of guinea pigs, with a marked increase in the muscular tension force and contraction amplitude in the isolated ileum. Moreover, Herba Swertiae excited the isolated ileum that was inhibited by atropine. Taken together, Herba Swertiae exerts markable beneficial effects on gastrointestinal system in vivo. More studies are warranted for the investigation of the underlying mechanisms for its beneficial effects.

Operationally defined species characterization and bioaccessibility evaluation of cobalt, copper and selenium in Cape gooseberry (Physalis Peruviana L.) by SEC-ICP MS

Physalis peruviana could attract great interest because of its nutritional and industrial properties. It is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and carotenoids. Physalis Peruviana is also known to have a positive impact on human health. Unfortunately, still little is known about trace elements present in Physalis Peruviana and their forms available for the human body. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate bioaccessibility and characterization of species of cobalt, copper and selenium in Physalis Peruviana fruits.Total and extractable contents of elements were determined by mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma (ICP MS). In order to separate the different types of metal complexes Physalis peruviana fruits were treated with the following solvents: Tris–HCl (pH 7.4), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) (pH 7.4) and ammonium acetate (pH 5.5). The best efficiency of extraction of: cobalt was obtained for ammonium acetate (56%) and Tris–HCl (60%); for copper was obtained for SDS (66%), for selenium the best extraction efficiency was obtained after extraction with SDS (48%).To obtain information about bioaccessibility of investigated elements, enzymatic extraction based on in vitro simulation of gastric (pepsin) and intestinal (pancreatin) digestion was performed. For copper and selenium the simulation of gastric digestion leads to the extraction yield above 90%, while both steps of digestion method were necessary to obtain satisfactory extraction yield in the case of cobalt.Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled to on-line ICP MS detection was used to investigate collected metal species. The main fraction of metal compounds was found in the 17kDa region. Cobalt and copper create complexes mostly with compounds extracted by means of ammonium acetate and SDS, respectively. Cobalt, copper and selenium were found to be highly bioaccessible from Physalis Peruviana. Investigation of available standards of cobalt and selenium allows confirming the presence of vitamin B12 and probably selenomethionine in the fraction bioaccessible by human body (obtained during enzymatic extraction). It should be noted that the presence of small seleno-compounds in Cape gooseberry was performed for the first time.The results show that the combination of SEC and ICP MS could provide a simple method for separating of soluble element species.

A Strong Stomach for Somatostatin.

Evolution of life from single cell to complex multicellular organisms necessitated sophistication in communication between a myriad of specialized cell types. This communication is enabled by a network of neurocrine, endocrine, paracrine, and juxtracrine (contact-dependent) arrangements. The first 3 forms involve release of chemical messengers that activate receptors expressed on the surface or within the target cell to affect a response. Such an array of communication modes enables rapid (eg, neurocrine) and selective (eg, paracrine) communication, while also ensuring a broader reach of chemical substances to all cells within the system (eg, endocrine). One unique chemical within the organism that functions and is regulated by all of the aforementioned modes is somatostatin. Originally isolated from hypothalamic extracts as an inhibitory signal to GH release from the pituitary gland (1, 2), somatostatin was later found to be synthesized by an extensive network of distinct endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and pancreas (3). Somatostatin subsequently was discovered to function broadly throughout the body as an inhibitor of multiple secretory processes, including insulin and glucagon from the pancreas, gastrin, secretin, cholecystokinin (CCK), vasoactive intestinal peptide, glucagon-like peptide 1, gastric inhibitory peptide, ghrelin, pepsin, and gastric acid from the digestive tract, T3, T4, and calcitonin from the thyroid gland, aldosterone from the adrenal gland, and monoamines from the brain (4, 5). Clinical therapeutics has taken advantage of some of these functions, resulting in the development of various somatostatin analogues for diagnosis, staging and treatment of certain neuroendocrine tumors and for treatment of acromegaly; they also hold promise to treat inflammatory conditions as well as obesity and diabetic complications (4, 6–8). Further studies on somatostatinsecreting cells, and in particular, the mechanisms regulating somatostatin release, hold similar promise. Gastric D cells serve as a major source for circulating somatostatin and are of particular interest because of their relatively large numbers as compared with other sources and due to their distinctive ability to secrete somatostatin in response to a plethora of neurotransmitters, hormones as well as nutrients. These somatostatin-secreting cells are similar to other gastric endocrine cells, which include ghrelin cells, serotonin-secreting enterochromaffin cells, histamine-secreting enterochromaffin-like cells and gastrin-secreting G cells, in that they are sparsely distributed within the mucosa. Nestled among neighboring endocrine and exocrine cells, the D cells exert inhibitory input onto their neighbors’ secretory capacities via release of somatostatin from characteristic basal cytoplasmic peduncles. Gastric D cells are also major contributors to the picomolar concentrations of somatostatin found in circulation, even though most of the somatostatin produced in the stomach acts locally and is rapidly degraded by proteases. Somatostatin therefore lacks selectivity and precision in its role as a “hormone,” in terms of both site of origin and its target organs (9). The speckled distribution of D cells within the gastric mucosa has hindered the derivation of homogenous populations of D cells thus slowing research on their physiology. Also, lack of selective antibodies to membrane-bound G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and other receptor classes has largely prevented immunohistochemical characterization of the signaling systems that directly regulate somatostatin secretion and other aspects of D-cell function. Instead, insights into somatostatin secretion from D cells so far have been obtained mostly

Changes in digestive enzyme activities during larval development of Chinese loach Paramisgurnus dabryanus (Dabry de Thiersant, 1872).

The digestive physiology of Chinese loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus) was studied by assessing the specific and total activities of different pancreatic (trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase and lipase), gastric (pepsin) and intestinal (alkaline phosphatase and leucine-aminopeptidase) enzymes from hatching to 40 days after hatching (DAH). Larvae were reared at 24.4 ± 0.4 °C and fed with rotifers from mouth opening (4 DAH) to 15 DAH, from 10 to 35 DAH with Cladocera and from 30 to 40 DAH with compound diet. Enzyme activities for trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase and lipase were detected before the onset of exogenous feeding, indicating that these enzymes were genetically pre-programmed. Most of the pancreatic enzyme specific activities increased until 20 DAH and decreased thereafter. The pepsin activity of Chinese loach was firstly detected at 30 DAH, indicating the appearance of functional gastric gland. Alkaline phosphatase specific activity was detected from hatching onward, showed marked increase and reached the second peak at 20 DAH, while a gradual increase in specific leucine-aminopeptidase activity was observed until the end of the experiment. Accordingly, the larvae of Chinese loach possess a functional digestive system before the onset of exogenous feeding and the digestive capacity gradually increases as development progresses. The abrupt increase in intestinal enzyme activities between 10 and 20 DAH demonstrates onset of juvenile-like digestive mode in Chinese loach larvae. The increase in pepsin activity after 30 DAH indicates the shift from alkaline to acidic digestion in Chinese loach larvae, which may be considered as the onset of weaning.

Gastroprotective bio-guiding study of fruits from Mimusops balata.

Mimusops spp. is used as plant-based antiulcer drugs in Indian traditional medicine. In this study, a bio-guiding study of methanolic extracts of Mimusops balata edible fruits was performed to identify an antiulcer gastric compound. The gastric lesions induced by HCl/ethanol in mice were significantly improved by methanolic extract from seed (MESe, 300 mg/kg), but not by methanolic extract from peel (MEPe, 300 mg/kg) or pulp (MEPu, 300 mg/kg), when compared to the vehicle group. Treatment with MESe also decreased gastric ulceration induced by indomethacin. The antiulcerogenic activity of MESe appears to involve the maintainance of GSH levels, reduction of LPO content, inhibition of neutrophil migration (as evidenced by a decrease in the MPO activity) and a potent free radical scavenger activity (IC50 = 3.4 μg/ml). Moreover, MESe decrease the gastric volume, pH, total acidity, and pepsin activity in the gastric juice. Exceptionally, MESe showed a high content of phenolic compound, identified by layer chromatography and Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Considering the better pharmacological and phytochemical profile, MESe was successively partitioned and resulted in isolation and identification of a constituent, the flavonoid taxifolin, identified by spectroscopic methods ((1)H, (13)C NMR, and HPLC). Taxifolin also inhibited the ulcerogenic effect of HCl/ethanol at a low dose of 1.14 mg/kg and inhibited in vitro H+/K(+)-ATPase activity by 41% at a concentration of 100 μg/ml. Taken together, these results evidenced the gastroprotective potential of fruits from M. balata and showed that this effect is exclusive to the seeds.

In vitro digestion of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analog (LHRHa) using simulated gastric conditions in assessing human food safety

Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone analog (LHRHa, des Gly10, [D-Ala6] ethylamide) is routinely applied for induced spawning of fish. Simulated gastric acid and pepsin were used to mimic human digestion in vitro to determine the stability of LHRHa upon possible ingestion. In vitro cleavage of LHRHa was quantified using UPLC–MS, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. LHRHa was broken down mainly into two fragments from Glp-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Ala-Leu-Arg-Pro-NHEt (LHRHa) to Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Ala-Leu-Arg-Pro-NHEt (fragment 1) and Ser-Tyr-D-Ala-Leu-Arg-Pro-NHEt (fragment 2). By 24h of incubation, LHRHa was completely digested or barely detectable if the starting material was at 250ng/μl. If the starting concentration was at 5ng/μl, LHRHa was completely digested by 5h of incubation, or earlier. In both extreme scenarios, the results indicated that LHRHa would be digested completely in the human stomach and would pose no risk in human food consumption. This study supports the assertion that LHRHa used as a spawning aid would not pose a human food safety risk.

Proulcerogenic effect of water extract of Boswellia sacra oleo gum resin in rats

Context: The water extract of Boswellia sacra Flueck. (Burseraceae) is used in the treatment of gastric and hepatic disorders in the Arab countries.Objective: The effect of Boswellia sacra water extract on gastric secretion and experimentally induced gastric ulcers in rats was studied.Materials and methods: Acetic acid-induced chronic gastric ulcers, pylorus ligation, aspirin-induced, ethanol-induced, and restraint plus cold stress-induced gastric ulcer models were employed. The effect on normal rats was also studied. The water extract of B. sacra was administered orally at doses of 2 and 5 ml/kg once daily ranging from single dose to 30 d treatment depending on the model. The extract was subjected to GC-MS analysis to determine the presence of various phytoconstituents.Results: Boswellia sacra water extract (5 ml/kg, p.o (per os)) aggravated acetic acid-induced chronic ulcers, wherein an increase in ulcer index (p < 0.01) and ulcer score (p < 0.05) was observed. In pylorus-ligated rats, the extract increased gastric content volume (p < 0.01), free acidity (p < 0.01), total acidity (p < 0.01), ulcer index (p < 0.01), and pepsin activity (p < 0.05). There was no significant effect on the development of ethanol-induced and aspirin-induced ulcers while an increase in the development of stress-induced ulcers was observed (p < 0.01). The extract did not produce any ulcers when administered to normal rats. The dose of 2 ml/kg was less proulcerogenic compared with 5 ml/kg. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several phytoconstituents that included menthol, 3-cyclohexen-1-ol, and octanoic acid.Conclusion: Boswellia sacra water extract has proulcerogenic activity due to its gastric hypersecretory effect.

The role of gastric pepsin in the inflammatory cascade of pediatric otitis media.

Otitis media is characterized as an ongoing inflammation with accumulation of an effusion in the middle ear cleft. The molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis, particularly the inflammatory response, remain largely unknown. We hypothesize that aspiration of gastric contents into the nasopharynx may be responsible for the initiation of the inflammatory process or aggravate a preexisting condition. To investigate the correlation of gastric pepsin A with inflammatory cytokines, bacterial infection, and clinical outcomes. Prospective study of 129 pediatric patients undergoing myringotomy with tube placement for otitis media at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Ear samples were tested for pepsin A; cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor; and bacterial culture inoculation. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and regression analysis to identify risk factors for the presence of pepsin A and to correlate pepsin A levels with cytokine levels, infection status, and clinical outcomes. Of the 129 patients, 199 ear samples were obtained; 82 samples (41%) and 64 patients (50%) were positive for pepsin A as measured by immunoassay. Pepsin A positivity correlated with age younger than 3.0 years (mean [SD], 2.3 [2.1] years in the positive group vs 3.3 [3.0] years in the negative group) and with all 3 cytokine levels (mean [SD] tumor necrosis factor, 29.5 [45.9] pg/mL in the positive group vs 13.2 [21.6] pg/mL in the negative group; IL-6, 6791.7 [9389.1] pg/mL in the positive group vs 2849.9 [4066.3] pg/mL in the negative group; and IL-8, 6828.2 [8122.3] pg/mL in the positive group vs 2925.1 [3364.5] pg/mL in the negative group [all P < .05]); however, logistic regression analysis showed that only IL-8 (odds ratio, 3.96; 95% CI, 1.3-12.0; P = .02) and age (odds ratio, 3.83; 95% CI, 1.2-12.7; P = .03) were significant independent variables. No statistically significant association was found with other parameters. Multiple linear regressions revealed that the levels of pepsin A were correlated with IL-8 levels (R2 = 0.248; P < .001) and the need for second or third tubes 6 to 12 months after the first (R2 = 0.102; P = .006). The presence of pepsin A in the middle ear was not associated with increased bacterial infection. Interleukin 8 was independent and significantly associated with both pepsin A levels and bacterial infection (R2 = 0.144 and 0.263, respectively; P = .001 for both). Extraesophageal reflux as indicated by the presence of pepsin A is closely involved in the middle ear inflammatory process and may worsen the disease in some children; however, a proof of cause and effect between extraesophageal reflux and middle ear inflammation requires further investigation.

Expression of recombinant Arabian camel lactoferricin-related peptide in Pichia pastoris and its antimicrobial identification.

Lactoferricin (LFcin) is a strong cationic peptide released from the N-terminus of lactoferrin by gastric pepsin digestion. LFcin has some important properties, including high antimicrobial activity. To date, lactoferricins have been isolated and characterised from various animal species, but not from camel. The aim of this study was to characterise and express recombinant camel lactoferricin (LFcinC) in Pichia pastoris and investigate its antimicrobial activity. After methanol induction, LFcinC was expressed and secreted into a culture broth medium and the results determined by concentrated supernatant culture medium showed high antimicrobial activity against the following microorganisms: Escherichia coli PTCC 1330 (ATCC 8739), Staphylococcus aureus PTCC 1112 (ATCC 6538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa PTCC 1074 (ATCC 9027), Bacillus subtilis PTCC 1023 (ATCC 6633), and Candida albicans PTCC 5027 (ATCC 10231). Thermal stability was clarified with antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli PTCC 1330 (ATCC 8739). Results confirmed that camel lactoferricin had suitable antimicrobial activity and its production by Pichia pastoris can be used for recombinant production.

Effect of Cannabis sativa extract on gastric acid secretion, oxidative stress and gastric mucosal integrity in rats

Studies were conducted in pylorus-ligated rats to investigate the effect of Cannabis sativa extract on gastric acid secretion, experimental gastric ulcer and on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in the gastric mucosa. C. sativa (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, expressed as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) was administered subcutaneously daily for 4 weeks prior to pylorus ligation and different treatments. Under basal conditions, pretreatment with cannabis extract at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg increased gastric acid secretion and induced minimally visible gastric mucosal lesions in the 4 h pylorus-ligated rat. Malondialdehyde and nitric acid concentration increased, while reduced glutathione decreased by cannabis at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg in gastric mucosa. TNF-α increased by cannabis extract at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg but decreased following the high dose of 20 mg/kg. On the other hand, the gastric acid secretory responses stimulated by pentagastrin or carbachol (but not histamine) were inhibited in rats pretreated with cannabis extract. Under these conditions, cannabis decreased pepsin content after pentagastrin and carbachol but not histamine stimulation. Cannabis also decreased lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide content, and increased both reduced glutathione and catalase activity in mucosa. Moreover, cannabis decreased mucosal inflammation (level of TNF-α) and the development of gastric mucosal lesions. Cannabis administered for 1 month prior to pylorus-ligation and either acidified aspirin or ethanol (96 %) decreased the development of gastric mucosal damage in a dose-dependent manner, along with reduction in gastric acid output, gastric mucosal oxidative stress and inflammation (TNF-α). Sections of gastric mucosa stained with periodic acid Schiff showed increased mucus secretion by cannabis in basal conditions and after treatment with aspirin or ethanol. Results indicate that: (1) the effect of cannabis differs in basal conditions and after exposure of the gastric mucosa to high acid concentrations or other chemical noxious agents; (2) cannabis administered systemically exerts gastric mucosal protective effects against mucosal damage evoked by stimulation of gastric acid secretion, acidified aspirin or ethanol. These effects of cannabis are likely to involve inhibition of gastric acid and pepsin secretion, increased mucus, decreased oxidative stress and inflammation in gastric mucosa.

Anti-ulcerogenic activity of aqueous extract of Carica papaya seed on indomethacin-induced peptic ulcer in male albino rats

ObjectiveCarica papaya is an important fruit with its seeds used in the treatment of ulcer in Nigeria. This study investigated the anti-ulcerogenic and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of Carica papaya seed against indomethacin-induced peptic ulcer in male rats. MethodsThirty male rats were separated into 6 groups (A–F) of five rats each. For 14 d before ulcer induction with indomethacin, groups received once daily oral doses of vehicle (distilled water), cimetidine 200 mg/kg body weight (BW), or aqueous extract of C. papaya seed at doses of 100, 150 or 200 mg/kg BW (groups A, B, C, D, E and F, respectively). Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, groups B, C, D, E and F were treated with 100 mg/kg BW of indomethacin to induce ulcer formation. ResultsCarica papaya seed extract significantly (P<0.05) increased gastric pH and percentage of ulcer inhibition relative to indomethacin-induced ulcer rats. The extract significantly (P<0.05) decreased gastric acidity, gastric acid output, gastric pepsin secretion, ulcer index and gastric secretion volume relative to group B. These results were similar to that achieved by pretreatment with cimetidine. Specific activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the extract-treated groups (D, E and F) were increased significantly over the group B (P<0.05). Pretreatment with the seed extract protected rats from the indomethacin-mediated decrease in enzyme function experienced by the group B. Similarly, indomethacin-mediated decrease in reduced glutathione level and indomethacin-mediated increase in malondialdehyde were reversed by Carica papaya extract. ConclusionIn this study, pretreatment with aqueous extract of Carica papaya seed exhibited anti-ulcerogenic and antioxidant effects, which may be due to the enhanced antioxidant enzymes.

Hawthorn Nectar Enhances Gastrointestinal Motility as Well as Stimulates Intestinal Am-ylase and Lipase Activities in Mice

Gastrointestinal (GI) digestion, which facilitates the decomposition of ingested food into absorbable small molecules for further utilization in the body, necessitates both neural- and hormonal-regulated coordination of GI motility and secretion of digestive enzymes in the GI tract. The dysregulation of such coordination is likely associated with a wide range of disorders in the digestive system. Hawthorn Nectar (HN) is a health supplement for improving the wellness of the gastrointestinal digestive system in humans. The ingredients of HN, which include hawthorn, citrus, germinated barley and honeysuckle, are commonly prescribed to increase appetite and to treat digestive disorders in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Pharmacological studies have also shown that these herbs can produce beneficial effects on the GI digestive system. In the present study, HN was first examined for its effects on gastric emptying and postprandial intestinal motility in mice. The activities of digestive enzymes in gastric and pancreatic juice were also measured in HN-pretreated mice. Our results showed that long-term HN treatment increased the extents of gastric emptying and postprandial intestinal motility in mice. HN pretreatment also stimulated the activities of intestinal amylase and lipase in mice, while gastric pepsin and intestinal chymotrypsin activities remained unchanged. However, intestinal trypsin activity was suppressed by HN pretreatment. In conclusion, long-term HN consumption may produce beneficial effect on GI digestive function in humans.

Effects of Passive Immunization against Peptide Tyrosine Tyrosine on the Activity of Digestive Enzymes in Rats

The object of this study was to investigate the effect of serum antibody of peptide tyrosine tyrosine on activities of digestive enzymes in rats. A total of sixty sprague-dawley (SD) rats weighing 87.77 ± 1.61 g were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 dose treatment:0 (control), 50 μL, 100 μL, or 200 μL peptide tyrosine tyrosine antiserum during the 21-d experimental period. The activity of amylases and lipases in the pancreas and duodenum as well as gastric pepsin was measured at the end of the study. The results showed that the activity of lipases in the pancreas and duodenum increased with increasing peptide tyrosine tyrosine antiserum level, but obvious tendency of pancreatic lipases activity between all treatments was not observed(P>0.05). The lipase activity in the duodenum showed a significant increase (P 0.05) among groups, but the group treated with 200 μL of PYY antiserum showed the highest activity. In conclusion, the injection of peptide tyrosine tyrosine antiserum improved nutrition utilization rate and activity of digestive enzymes in a dose dependent manner in rats.

Identification of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Helicobacter pylori Infected Patients

Background: H. pylori infection is strongly related with chronic gastritis of the antrum of the stomach, which causes impairment in gastric acid and pepsin secretion, and is thus linked to malabsorption of food-vitamin B12. H. pylori can cause an individual to have a vitamin B12 deficiency. It is also a known contributor to gastritis ulcers and it can prevent to the stomach from being able to absorb the vitamin B12 you consume and leads to a deficiency of vitamin B12. The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in Helicobacter pylori infected patients. Methods: All patients above 13 years of age, of either gender with Helicobacter pylori infection were evaluated for urine vitamin B12 level by human vitamin B12 ElSA kit. The data was analyzed in statistical software (SPSS) and the P-value=0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: One hundred and twenty nine (129) Helicobacter pylori infected patients with means age 44.3176 ± 15.9114 (males) and 49.6308 ± 15.1612 (females) were enrolled and evaluated. Sixty seven (52%) H. pylori infected patients had normal vitamin B12 level, 31 (47%) were males and 36 (53%) were females. Whereas sixty tow (48%) H. pylori infected patient had low vitamin B12 level, 42 (67%) were males and 20 (33%) were females with (p-value 0.02). Conclusions: The frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency observed in H. pylori infected patients in this study (48%). However, there is a significant difference between H. pylori infected male patients and female patients who had deficient in vitamin B12 (68%, 32% respectively) with p value (0.01*).