Gastric Secretion Research Articles

Understanding the gastrointestinal tract in obesity: From gut motility patterns to enzyme secretion.

The pathophysiology of obesity has been the product of extensive research, revealing multiple interconnected mechanisms contributing to body weight regulation. The regulation of energy balance involves an intricate network, including the gut-neuroendocrine interplay. As a consequence, research on the gut-brain-microbiota axis in obesity has grown extensively. The physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, far from being underexplored, has significant implications for the development of specific complications in people living with obesity across the fields of gastroenterology, nutrition, and pharmacology. Clinical research indicates higher fasting bile acids serum levels, and blunted postprandial increases in bilious secretions in people living with obesity. Findings are less straightforward for the impact of obesity on gastric emptying with various studies reporting accelerated, normal, or delayed gastric emptying rates. Conversely, the effect of obesity on gastrointestinal pH, gastrointestinal transit, and gastric and pancreatic enzyme secretion is largely unknown. In this review, we explore the current evidence on the gastrointestinal physiology of obesity.

Critical care nurses' decision-making regarding verification of blindly inserted gastric tubes: A cross-sectional questionnaire study

Critical care nurses' decision-making regarding verification of blindly inserted gastric tubes: A cross-sectional questionnaire study Abstract: Background: The placement and verification of the correct position of blindly applied gastric tubes is regularly performed by nurses in clinical practice. International guidelines recommend a radiological verification as a "first-line" method or if pH measurement is not possible. For Germany, neither evidence-based recommendations nor current data are available. Question: Which methods are used by nurses in German intensive care units for verification of the correct position of blindly applied gastric tubes and how do they assess the reliability of different methods? Methods: Multicenter questionnaire survey. Intensive care units in a non-probability, citeria-based sampling of hospitals in and around Cologne, Germany were included. One nurse was included per participating ward. Analyses were mostly descriptive. Results: In 22 hospitals, 38 wards agreed to participate and 32 (84%) responded to the survey. Auscultation of the upper abdomen with simultaneous air insufflation and aspiration of gastric secretions are frequently used methods for determining the position of gastric tubes. Participants consider auscultation, aspiration of gastric secretions, and radiological control as reliable methods. Conclusions: The findings are in contrast to international recommendations and support the need for evidence-based best practice recommendations and training. Likewise, there is a need for research on feasible bedside methods.

Effects of fish oil on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats: inflammatory responses and oxidative stress

Background: The prevalence of peptic ulcers is increasing due to lifestyle changes and harmful diets. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of fish oil (FO) on gastric ulcers induced by ethanol in rats. Methods: The pharmacological efficacy of FO with doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg investigated using the gastric ulcer index, the acidity of gastric secretions, pro-inflammatory cytokine assessment, and oxidative stress examination. Results: Ethanol-induced gastric ulcer improves with FO 5 or 10 mg/kg pretreatment (P<0.05). FO did have acid-neutralizing activity. FO also increased the levels of glutathione and catalase and decreased the malondialdehyde levels (P<0.05). Moreover, FO reduced the levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) interleukin-6 (IL-6), through downregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) (P<0.05). Pretreatment with FO attenuates ethanol-induced gastric ulceration. Conclusion: The observed effects may be due to the role of FO in regulating gastric secretions, changes in the expression of NF-κB, and changes in the levels of oxidative stress factors.

Efficacy of the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in the complex therapy of gastroduodenal erosions and ulcers in patients with unstable angina

Purpose of the study. To find out the effectiveness of the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in the complex therapy of erosive and ulcer lesions of the stomach and duodenum in unstable angina pectoris (UA). Materials and methods. A survey of 109 patients with UA with gastroduodenal erosions and ulcers was carried out, taking into account their clinical signs, endoscopic features and the parameters of gastric secretion. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the nature of the treatment of erosions and ulcers. The first group included 40 patients treated with standard therapy, and the second one included 69 patients who additionally received ACE inhibitor lisinopril at an average dose of 7.27±0.16 mg a day. Results. The therapy by lisinopril resulted in decreasing of pain and dyspeptic syndrome, especially in patients with acute erosions, compared with conventional treatment group. According to endoscopic examination, in patients treated with lisinopril, an acceleration of repair processes in the tissues of the gastroduodenal zone was observed. The depth and size of damages, a reduction in the period of persistence of microbleeding signs and inflammatory changes in the periulcerous zone were also less pronounced in lisinopril patient’s group. In patients with acute erosions a decrease in the number and size of erosive defects of the mucous membrane was observed. The study of the parameters of gastric secretion showed that gastroduodenal erosions and ulcers in UA revealed the activation of the acid-peptic factor and a decreasing in the production of gastromucoproteins. Increased production of pepsinogen and a sharply reduced formation of protective mucus was observed in patients after conventional treatment, despite some positive dynamics. Normalization in pepsinogen secretion with some inhibition of the production of mucopolysaccharides was observed in Lisinopril treated patients at the end of therapy. Acid production in both groups was reduced, which was associated with could be provoked by an uptake of antisecretory agents. Conclusion. The use of ACE inhibitor lisinopril in the complex therapy in patients with UA with gastroduodenal erosions and ulcers is pathogenetically justified and clinically effective. This combination helps to reduce the duration of clinical signs, accelerate the healing of defects and normalize the parameters of gastric secretion.

Columbianadin ameliorates experimental acute reflux esophagitis in rats via suppression of NF-κB pathway.

Reflux esophagitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of the esophagus, resulting from the backflow of stomach acid and other gastric contents into the esophagus. Columbianadin is a coumarin derivative that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this study, we tried to scrutinize the protective effect of Columbianadin against acute reflux esophagitis in rats. RAW 264.7 cells were utilized to assess cell viability and measure the production of inflammatory parameters. The rats received anesthesia, and reflux esophagitis was induced via ligation of pylorus and fore stomach and corpus junction. Rats received the oral administration of Columbianadin (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and omeprazole (20 mg/kg). The gastric secretion volume, acidity, and pH were measured. Additionally, the levels of oxidative stress parameters, cytokines, and inflammatory markers were determined. At the end of the study, mRNA expression was assessed. Columbianadin remarkably suppressed the cell viability and production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and prostaglandin (PGE2). Columbianadin treatment remarkably suppressed the secretion of gastric volume, total acidity and enhanced the pH level in the stomach. Columbianadin remarkably altered the level of hydrogen peroxidase, free iron, calcium, and plasma scavenging activity, sulfhydryl group; oxidative stress parameters like malonaldehyde, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase; inflammatory cytokines viz., TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-17, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1; inflammatory parameters including PGE2, iNOS, COX-2, and nuclear kappa B factor (NF-κB). Columbianadin remarkably (P < 0.001) suppressed the mRNA expression TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. Columbianadin demonstrated a protective effect against acute reflux esophagitis via NF-κB pathway.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Pathophysiology and New Treatment Trends.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus due to a decline in esophageal clearance and anti-reflux barrier mechanisms. Mucosal injury is caused by a combination of gastric juice directly damaging the esophageal mucosa and the immune and inflammatory mechanism in which inflammatory cytokines released from the esophageal mucosal epithelium cause neutrophil migration, triggering inflammation. Gastric secretion inhibitors are the first-line treatment for GERD, but they can be combined with prokinetic agents and Chinese herbal remedies. However, pharmacotherapy cannot improve anatomical problems or prevent physical causes of GERD, such as reflux of non-acidic contents. Therefore, surgery can be warranted, depending on the pathology. Intraluminal endoscopic therapy, which is both less invasive and more effective than surgery, was recently developed and applied in Europe and the United States. In Japan, intraluminal endoscopic therapies, such as anti-reflux mucosectomy, anti-reflux mucosal ablation, and endoscopic submucosal dissection, for GERD have been independently developed.

Sulfated iota-carrageenan from marine alga Agardhiella ramosissima prevents gastric injury in rodents via its antioxidant properties

In the present study, the gastroprotective effect of a sulfated polysaccharide isolated from marine alga Agardhiella ramosissima (SP-Ar) was investigated against alcoholic gastropathy. Gastric physiological functions and in vitro antioxidant activity also were studied. It was found that SP-Ar significantly reduced macroscopic injury and histologically maintained the architecture of gastric epithelium altered by ethanol, with maximum effect at 90 mg/kg. Importantly, animals treated with SP-Ar also had preservation of oxidative status, with reduction of nonprotein sulfhydryl groups (NP-SH) consumption and malondialdehyde (MDA) production, reduced vascular permeability, besides preventing gastric hemorrhage. In addition, SP-Ar administration did not modify gastric secretion or emptying. In vitro antioxidant data showed that SP-Ar presented high total antioxidant activity, DPPH radical scavenging, and ferrous iron chelating capacity. It was observed that SP-Ar protected gastric mucosa against alcoholic gastropathy by preventing the formation or neutralizing free radicals, associated with its intrinsic antioxidant activity. In this regard, this macromolecule should have possible application as a new therapeutic alternative or food additive to increase gastric mucosa defense.

Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics induce gastric toxicity through ROS mediated oxidative stress and P62/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway

Microplastics (MPs) exist widely in the environment and can enter the human body indirectly through the food chain or directly through inhalation or ingestion. The primary organ that MPs contaminated food or water enters the human body through the digestive tract is the stomach. However, at present, the effects of MPs on the stomach and the related mechanism remain unclear. In this study, our results indicated that 50 nm and 250 nm polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) at environmental related dose significantly decreased stomach organ coefficient, inhibited gastric juice secretion and mucus secretion, disrupted gastric barrier function and suppressed antioxidant ability in mice. In vitro experiments showed that PS-MPs inhibited cell viability, increased ROS generation, and induced apoptosis through mitochondria-dependent pathway. Simultaneously, PS-MPs also decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP level, disrupted mitochondrial kinetic homeostasis, and activated P62 / Nrf2 / Keap1 pathway. Furthermore, blocking ROS (NAC) partially alleviated ROS and apoptosis caused by PS-MPs. Based on above findings, the potential adverse outcome pathway (AOP) of PS-MPs-caused gastric toxicity was proposed which provides a new insight into the risk assessment of MP related gastric damage. Our study unveils the gastric injury induced by PS MPs is dependent on ROS - mediated P62 / Nrf2 / Keap1 signaling pathway, and provides scientific basis for further exploration the mechanism of gastric toxicity of PS MPs.

Protective effect of Amauroderma rugosum ethanol extract and its primary bioactive compound, ergosterol, against acute gastric ulcers based on LXR-mediated gastric mucus secretions

BackgroundAmauroderma rugosum (Blume & T. Nees) Torrend (Ganodermataceae) is an edible mushroom with a wide range of medicinal values. Our previous publication demonstrated the therapeutic effects of the water extract of A. rugosum (WEA) against gastric ulcers. However, the protective effects of the ethanol extract of A. rugosum (EEA) on gastric mucosa and its major active constituents have not yet been elucidated. PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the gastroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of EEA and its fat-soluble constituent, ergosterol, in acute gastric ulcers. Study design and methodSD rats were pre-treated with EEA (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) or ergosterol (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), and acute gastric ulcer models were constructed using ethanol, gastric mucus secretion inhibitor (indomethacin) or pyloric-ligation. The gastric ulcer area, histological structure alterations (H&E staining), and mucus secretion (AB-PAS staining) were recorded. Additionally, Q-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, MM-GBSA analysis, and surface plasmon resonance assay (SPR) were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the gastroprotective effect. ResultCompared with WEA, which primarily exerts its anti-ulcer effects by inhibiting inflammation, EEA containing fat-soluble molecules showed more potent gastroprotective effect through the promotion of gastric mucus secretion, as the anti-ulcer activity was partly blocked by indomethacin. Meanwhile, EEA exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the production of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and NO, thereby inhibiting the MAPK pathway. Significantly, ergosterol (20 mg/kg), the bioactive water-insoluble compound in EEA, exhibited a gastroprotective effect comparable to that of lansoprazole (30 mg/kg). The promotion of gastric mucus secretion contributed to the effects of ergosterol, as indomethacin can completely block it. The upregulations of COX1-PGE2 and C-fos, an activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor, were observed after the ergosterol treatment. Ergosterol acted as an LXRβ agonist via van der Waals binding and stabilizing the LXRβ protein without compromising its flexibility, thereby inducing the upregulation of AP-1 and COX-1. ConclusionEEA and its primary bioactive compound, ergosterol, exert anti-ulcer effects by promoting gastric mucus secretion through the LXRβ/C-fos/COX-1/PGE2 pathway.

Preventive and Healing Effects of the Total Aqueous Extract of the Trunk Bark of Zanthoxylum gilletii (De Wild.) P. G. Waterman (Rutaceae) on Gastric Acid Reflux and Non-reflux Induced Esophagitis in Rats

Zanthozylum gilletii is a medicinal plant well known for its richness in phytochemicals and its use in Côte d’Ivoire in the traditional treatment of burns in esophagus. However, its bioactive anti-reflux and non-reflux oesophagitis potential has not yet been scientifically proven. This work aims at evaluating the preventive and curative anti-esophagitis potential of a total aqueous extract of Z. gilletii trunk bark (TAEZg) in rats. Thirty-six rats were subjected to 24 hours fast and divided into six groups of six rats each were used for each model of esophagitis induction, in particular the preventive model (acute, chronic, chronic exposure to naproxen followed by forced swimming test) and the healing model. Rats received as a pretreatment (preventive model) and treatment (healing model), TAEZg at 125, 250 and 500 mg / kg of body weight (b.w.) as well as omeprazole (preventive model) and misoprostol (healing model) at 30 and 0.012 mg / kg b.w respectively. As for the control groups, they received distilled water at 1 mL/ 100 g b.w. The animals were sacrificed by over dose of ether and then the ulcer macroscopic parameters (ulceration surface, ulceration index, scores and inhibition percentages) and gastric secretion parameters (gastric volume, gastric acidity and gastric pH) were assessed. Biochemical parameters such as total proteins and some oxidative stress parameters (Malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT)) were assessed. The results showed that pretreatment and treatment of rats with TAEZg at doses ranging from 125 to 500 mg / kg b.w significantly (P &lt;0.001) and dose dependently reduced ulceration surface, ulceration index, gastric volume, gastric acidity, score and significantly (P &lt;0.001) increase pH and inhibition percentage compared to control group 2. The inhibition percentages such as 93.71; 95.89; 91.03 and 98.20 % were recorded at 500 mg / kg in preventive model (acute, chronic and chronic exposure to naproxen followed by forced swimming test) and healing model respectively. Biochemical analysis showed a significant (P &lt;0.001) increase in total protein, CAT levels and a significant decrease (P &lt;0.001) in MDA level of the treated groups compared to the control group 2. In conclusion, TAEZg possessed a real preventive and healing anti-esophagitis effects in rats.

Health implications forecast for electronic cigarette users

Electronic cigarettes have rapidly gained popularity in the tobacco market, primarily among young adults. Marketers exploit the lack of evidence regarding their health effects and label them as a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes. Our study aims to expand the existing body of evidence on their impact on the human body. Objective: To identify the most significant characteristics of individuals using electronic cigarettes based on statistical analysis of clinical and laboratory examination data. Materials and Methods. The study included 102 participants (main group – 66 individuals using electronic cigarettes as an alternative form of smoking; control group – 36 individuals who did not use electronic or industrial cigarettes) aged 20 to 35 years. Each participant provided written informed consent to participate. Patient examinations included the following parameters: height, weight, body mass index (BMI) calculation; measurement of blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, and respiratory rate; throat swab collection. Results. According to our data, individuals in the main group had higher height, weight, and BMI values. A higher BMI may be associated with excessive stimulation of salivary glands and, consequently, increased gastric secretion and appetite stimulation. Electronic cigarette users had significantly higher blood pressure levels compared to the control group. Users of nicotine delivery systems in throat swabs had significantly higher levels of mucus, coccal flora, and neutrophil percentage, indicating the presence of bacterial agents in the oral cavity mucosa. This may be related to bacterial agents’ dissemination through nicotine delivery devices. We conducted multiple logistic regression analysis with potential patient characteristics. Conclusions. Electronic cigarette users are characterized by higher height, weight, BMI, blood pressure levels compared to non-smoking peers, as well as reduced adaptation potential and a prevalence of parasympathetic nervous system regulation. It was found that a typical electronic cigarette user is a male (OR = 15.9364) with reduced IFZ – adaptive potential of functional abilities (OR = 7.8128) and an abnormal amount of oral cavity flora (OR = 1.7748).

In vivo acute toxicity, antidiabetic and antiulcer activities of polysaccharide from Linum usitatissimum L. seeds

The present study investigated acute oral toxicity, antidiabetic and antiulcer effects of the polysaccharide extracted from linseeds mature and ripe (Linum usitatisimum L., Family: Liliaceae). The acute oral toxicity (in vivo) of linseed polysaccharide was examined in Albino Wistar rats. In vivo antidiabetic activity and antiulcer activity were evaluated in Albino Wistar rats by alloxan-induced diabetic model and ethanol-induced ulcer model, respectively. The effects of linseed polysaccharide administered at 250 mg/kg of body weight dose on fasting blood glucose, body weight, lipid levels and histopathology of the treated pancreas were evaluated. The effects of linseed polysaccharide administered at 250 mg/kg of body weight dose on ulcer index, gastric secretion (gastric juice, pH, free acidity, and total acidity), macroscopic and histopathology analyses of treated gastric mucosa were evaluated. The acute oral toxicity results did not indicate any indication of toxicity associated with the administration of linseed polysaccharide to the treated rats. Linseed polysaccharide exhibited significant hypoglycaemic benefits in comparison to glibenclamide, which was treated as the positive control. In addition, linseed polysaccharide exhibited good gastroprotective properties with a significant improvement in inhibition percentage. Therefore, the results of the present study presented a clear demonstration of the potential uses of linseed polysaccharide as an adjuvant therapy for the management of diabetes mellitus and gastric ulcers.

Antioxidant and Anti-Glycation Potential of H2 Receptor Antagonists-In Vitro Studies and a Systematic Literature Review.

Background: Histamine H2 receptor antagonists are a group of drugs that inhibit gastric juice secretion in gastrointestinal diseases. However, there is evidence to suggest that H2 blockers have a broader spectrum of activity. The antioxidant properties of H2 blockers have not been fully elucidated, and their anti-glycation potential has not been studied to date. Therefore, this is the first study to compare the antioxidant and antiglycation potentials of the most popular H2 antagonists (ranitidine, cimetidine, and famotidine) on protein glycoxidation in vitro. Methods: Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was glycated using sugars (glucose, fructose, galactose, and ribose) as well as aldehydes (glyoxal and methylglyoxal). Results: In the analyzed group of drugs, ranitidine was the only H2 blocker that significantly inhibited BSA glycation in all tested models. The contents of protein carbonyls, protein glycoxidation products (↓dityrosine, ↓N-formylkynurenine), and early (↓Amadori products) and late-stage (↓AGEs) protein glycation products decreased in samples of glycated BSA with the addition of ranitidine relative to BSA with the addition of the glycating agents. The anti-glycation potential of ranitidine was comparable to those of aminoguanidine and Trolox. In the molecular docking analysis, ranitidine was characterized by the lowest binding energy for BSA sites and could compete with protein amino groups for the addition of carbonyl groups. H2 blockers also scavenge free radicals. The strongest antioxidant properties are found in ranitidine, which additionally has the ability to bind transition metal ions. The systematic literature review also revealed that the anti-glycation effects of ranitidine could be attributed to its antioxidant properties. Conclusions: Ranitidine showed anti-glycation and antioxidant properties. Further research is needed, particularly in patients with diseases that promote protein glycation.

Domestic researchers who have made important contributions to the study of digestive system diseases: images in art. Maks Moiseyevich Gubergrits

A few main directions can be distinguished in the scientific and practical activities of M. M. Gubergrits. Even his first studies contributed to the history of the development of domestic cardiology. He continued the work started by V. P. Obraztsov on the III normal heart sound, studied changes in heart tones and the formation of a gallop rhythm, the rhythm of a neurasthenic quail, was one of the first to evaluate the clinical significance of the electrocardiographic technique, and tried to use it for better understanding the effect of certain drugs on the heart. He described disorders of the cardiovascular system in severe infectious diseases (epidemic typhus, relapsing fever, and typhoid fever) and thrombosis of the splenic vein. An important part of the scientific activity of M. M. Gubergrits was the pain problem. An outstanding humanist scientist could not ignore this human suffering from various diseases. He was interested not only in the origin of pain in diseases of the heart, liver, and kidneys but also in pain as a general problem of physiology and pathology. However, he most clearly revealed himself as a talented clinician in gastroenterology by constantly combining thoughtful observation at the patient’s bedside with clinical and physiological experimentation. Back in 1929, in his work on the mechanism of gastric secretion, he established the effect of mechanical irritation of the gastric mucosa on the secretion of gastric juice. He described a unique palpatory symptom of a bigastric stomach (changes in the position of the lower border of the stomach, re‑determined by splashing noise). He had a keen interest in peptic ulcer disease. His studies on pancreatic physiology and pathology have retained their value to the present day: data on excretory function, the adaptability of exocrine function to different diets, the possibility of a partial violation of this function (dyspancreatism), as well as the organ’s functional study technique developed in his clinic. M. M. Gubergrits described the pain zone in the pathology of the head and body of the pancreas. In addition, he described concomitant diseases of the liver and pancreas and the liver’s involvement in the pathological process in gastric, duodenal, and large intestinal diseases. The studies by M. M. Gubergrits on the clinical picture of pancreatic diseases played a significant role in the further research. To a large extent, his statements on the diagnosis of pancreatitis have retained their significance. He emphasized the importance of such symptoms as pathological hunger, thirst, polyuria, weight loss, pain in the epigastric area, sometimes jaundice, diarrhea with creatorrhea and steatorrhea, and changes in the blood and urine.

Characteristics of Helicobacter pylori-Seropositive Subjects According to: A) The Stool Antigen Test Findings. B) Serum Pepsinogen Level. C) Upper Endoscopic Findings

Abstract Background Helicobacter pylori infection can be diagnosed by invasive methods using the gastric biopsied specimens or non-invasively by examining serum, urine, breath, or stool. Histological examination by Giemsa staining is usually recommended for the diagnosis, but it is difficult to visualize the bacterium when there is alow density of H.Pylori on the gastric mucosa with atrophic and metaplastic changes, Limitations of histological examination include increased false negative test findings due to various density of H. pylori at a different sites, high cost, long turn-around time, and inter observer variability. Therefore, in endemic countries like Egypt with s higher risk of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), intestinal metaplasia, and gastric cancer, noninvasive tests need to be added for a more reliable diagnosis of H.Pylori infection. Aim of the Work The aim of this study is to compare between the prevalence of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and gastric corpus atrophy in Helicobacter pyloriseropositive subjects according to the stool antigen test, serum pepsinogen(PG) level and upper endoscopic findings. Patients and Methods The current study represents Cross- sectional study -Descriptive -Diagnostic study. This study had been carried at Ain Shams University and Abbasia fever hospital on 80 seropositive- patients attending to endoscopy ward for a regular check-up, All patients subjected to full history, clinical examination and investigation in the form of; complete blood count, serum antiH.Pylori immunoglobulin G (IgG), stool antigen test and serum pepsinogen. Results The current study showed that there was a significant difference between positive and negative H. pylori regarding pepsinogen I &amp; II and endoscopic finding regarding CAG and CSG. Conclusion In conclusion, there is a link between positive stool H. pylori antigen test findings and a serum PG assay and upper endoscopic findings in seropositive subjects. Positive stool H. pylori antigen test findings are common in seropositive subjects with increased serum PG I levels indicating an ongoing H. pylori infection. Our study findings further suggest that, to reduce the infected subjects with H. pylori in their fecal material, seropositive subjects with increased gastric secreting ability need to be treated.

Efficacy and potential therapeutic mechanism of Weiwei decoction on Spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia in Helicobacter pylori-infected and Atp4a-knockout mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSpasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM) is characterized by mucus cell morphologies at the base of gastric glands, which is considered advanced SPEM when accompanied with an increase in transcripts associated with intestinal-type gastric cancer. Weiwei decoction (WWD) was modified from "Si-Jun-Zi Tang," which has been used for thousands of years in China against gastric atrophy and metaplasia. Aim of the studyTo investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of WWD against advanced SPEM. Materials and methodsLiquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to analyze the constituents of WWD. Five-month-infected Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Sydney strain 1 C57BL/6J mice and 6-week-old ATPase H+/K+ transporting subunit alpha-knockout mice (Atp4a−/−) were given folic acid (1.95 mg/kg) or WWD (13.65 g/kg, 27.30 g/kg, 54.60 g/kg) by gavage for one month. ResultsWWD demonstrated beneficial effects on gastric mucosal pathology and mucus secretion. In H. pylori-infected mice, WWD effectively reduced the expression of GSII and inhibited the mRNA levels of key markers associated with advanced SPEM, including Clu, Cftr, Wfdc2, Dmbt1, and Gpx2. Similarly, in Atp4a−/− mice, WWD significantly decreased the expressions of GSII and Clusterin, and inhibited the mRNA levels of Wfdc2, Cftr, Dmbt1, and Gpx2. Notably, WWD restored the expression of markers for chief cells (PGC, GIF) and parietal cells (ATP4A), particularly in the medium- and high-dose groups, indicating its potential anti-atrophy effect on H. pylori-infected and Atp4a−/− mice. WWD administration resulted in a decline in TFF2 expression to baseline levels, suggesting that the mucous protection mediated by TFF2 was unaffected. Furthermore, the infiltration of CD163+F4/80+ M2 macrophages in the gastric mucosa of H. pylori-infected mice was reduced after WWD treatment, indicating a potential modulatory role of WWD on M2 macrophages. ConclusionWWD exerted protective effects against SPEM in H. pylori-infected and Atp4a−/− mice. The optimal doses of WWD were found to be medium doses in H. pylori-infected mice and high doses in Atp4a−/− mice. These effects include inhibition of transcripts associated with intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma, restoration of ATP4A and PGC expression, and reduction of M2 macrophage infiltration. These findings provide valuable insights into the therapeutic effects of WWD on advanced SPEM and highlight its potential as a treatment option.

Ghrelin is hungry hormone

The article provides data on the history of creation, study of the functions and role of the "hunger hormone" ghrelin in the human body and animals The regulatory effect of ghrelin on formation is described in detail appetite and eating behavior, the amount of its content in the blood under different conditions. Establishing the role of ghrelin in physiological processes is an important discovery. Actuality of theme. New data appear every year on the role of ghrelin in various processes. The conducted research is relevant and up-to-date. Main part. The role of ghrelin in conditions of chronic stress and depression, dysfunction is shown hypothalamus and obesity. Ghrelin is one of the main regulators of appetite and eating behavior. It plays an important role in the regulation of biochemical processes related to digestion, mainly by influencing the synthesis of various enzymes. The hormone is a powerful stimulator of gastric secretion and motility of the organs of the digestive system, including the gallbladder, which prevents bile stagnation and improves the function of other organs and systems. The work of scientists has opened another direction of the properties of ghrelin regarding its effect on the psyche. It becomes clear why some people who are in a state of stress or depression begin to overeat. According to the authors, ghrelin coordinates the body's overall behavioral response to stress and affects mood, stress and the level of energy consumption by the body. Conclusions. Therefore, ghrelin plays an essential role in the functioning of many organs and body systems. As an orexigenic hormone, it is one of the most important regulators of appetite and eating behavior, the level of which depends on the nature and mode of nutrition. Activating neurons of the hypothalamus leads to a positive energy balance due to stimulation of food consumption and increased utilization of fat

Gastroprotective effects of Pikad Tri-phol-sa-mut-than herbal remedy on multiple gastric ulcer models in rats

In Thai traditional medicine, Pikad Tri-phol-sa-mut-than has long been used to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms, renal disease, inflammation-related disorders, and severe malady. This recipe is composed of dried fruits of Morinda citrifolia L., Coriandrum sativum L., and Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-gastric ulcer property of the water extract of Pikad Tri-phol-sa-mut-than (TS), using various animal models with different inducers, including restraint water immersion stress, indomethacin, and ethanol/hydrochloric acid (EtOH/HCl). Its mechanisms of anti-gastric ulcer actions were also elucidated using both in vitro and in vivo experiments. When compared with the control groups, the oral pretreatment of TS at the doses of 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg significantly reduced the gastric ulcer formation in all models. It was also found that TS at the dose of 600 mg/kg could increase gastric wall mucus in rats but could not produce the significant reduction of the gastric volume or total acidity of gastric content. Results from hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining examinations of gastric tissues confirmed that TS visibly reduced gastric mucosal damage, while immunohistochemistry revealed that TS remarkably suppressed the protein expression of Bcl-2-associated X (BAX), a regulator of apoptosis, compared to those of the control group. The DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays showed antioxidant effects of TS. All of these findings demonstrated that TS has gastroprotective effects, which may be related to the increase in the gastric wall mucus secretion, not anti-secretory activity, as well as its antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities.

Feasibility and Utility of Routine Point of Care Gastric Ultrasonography in Patients Undergoing Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Procedures: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Previous studies have indicated that point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) of the gastric antrum can predict the adequacy of fasting before surgery and anesthesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of gastric POCUS in patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy procedures. We performed a single-center cohort study in patients undergoing upper GI endoscopy. Consenting patient's gastric antrum was scanned before anesthetic care for endoscopy to determine the cross-sectional area (CSA) and qualitatively determine safe and unsafe contents. Further, an estimate of residual gastric volume was determined using the formula and the nomogram methods. Subsequently, gastric secretions aspirated during endoscopy were quantified and further correlated with nomogram and formula-based assessments. No patient required a change in the primary anesthetic plan except for using rapid sequence induction in those with unsafe contents on POCUS scans. Qualitative ultrasound measurements consistently determined safe and unsafe gastric residual contents in 83 patients enrolled in the study. Unsafe contents were determined by qualitative scans in 4 out of 83 cases (5%) despite adequate fasting status. Quantitatively, only a moderate correlation was demonstrated between measured gastric volumes and nomogram (r = .40, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.57; P = .0002) or formula-based (r = .38, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.55; P = .0004) determinations of residual gastric volumes. In daily clinical practice, qualitative POCUS determination of residual gastric content is a feasible and useful technique to identify patients at risk of aspiration before upper GI endoscopy procedures.

Evaluation of Gastroprotective Effect of Betalain-Rich Ethanol Extract from Opuntia stricta var. Dillenii Employing an In Vivo Rat Model

The goal of this study is to investigate the antiulcer effects of betalain-rich extract (BRE). Gastric ulcer was induced by the administration of ethanol by gastric gavage route. This study showed that the supplementation of the BRE from pulp and peel at 800 mg/kg to rats with ethanol-induced gastric-ulcer significantly reduced the volume of gastric secretion (VGS) by 35% ( p = 0.001 ) and 34% ( p = 0.0009 ), the ulcer index (UI) by 41% ( p = 0.001 ) and 68% ( p = 0.0008 ), and the curative radio (CR) by 41% and 68%, respectively, as compared to untreated ethanol-induced gastric ulcer. In addition, the administration of pulp and peel BRE to rats at dose 800 mg/kg significantly attenuates the variation in pH of gastric juice ( p = 0.008 and p = 0.001 ) and its total acidity (TA) ( p = 0.001 and p = 0.001 ). The antiulcer effect of BRE was confirmed by macroscopic and histological evaluation. Furthermore, pulp and peel BRE attenuated gastric ulcer-induced stress oxidants in rats’ stomachs showed by a significant decrease in the lipid peroxidation rate ( p = 0.007 and p = 0.001 ) and LDH activity ( p = 0.01 and p = 0.008 ) and a potential increase in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) ( p = 0.01 and p = 0.008 ), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) ( p = 0.006 and p = 0.001 ), and catalase (CAT) ( p = 0.001 and p = 0.0009 ). Conclusion. Therefore, this study shows for the first time that BRE, a natural colorant from O. stricta, is efficient in the amelioration of ulcer and stomach inflammation.