Gastric Secretion Research Articles

Failure to Thrive and Vomiting in a 32-day-old Girl.

Failure to Thrive and Vomiting in a 32-day-old Girl.

Protective and Healing Effects of Ghrelin and Risk of Cancer in the Digestive System.

Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand for the ghrelin receptor, previously known as the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. This hormone is mainly produced by endocrine cells present in the gastric mucosa. The ghrelin-producing cells are also present in other organs of the body, mainly in the digestive system, but in much smaller amount. Ghrelin exhibits a broad spectrum of physiological effects, such as stimulation of growth hormone secretion, gastric secretion, gastrointestinal motility, and food intake, as well as regulation of glucose homeostasis and bone formation, and inhibition of inflammatory processes. This review summarizes the recent findings concerning animal and human data showing protective and therapeutic effects of ghrelin in the gut, and also presents the role of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 in these effects. In addition, the current data on the possible influence of ghrelin on the carcinogenesis, its importance in predicting the risk of developing gastrointestinal malignances, as well as the potential usefulness of ghrelin in the treatment of cancer, have been presented.

Physiological and histopathological effects of electroporation pulse on stomach of rats

BackgroundIrreversible electroporation (IRE) is an emerging tissue ablation technique with widespread potential, especially for cancer treatment. Although the safety and efficacy of IRE for gastric tissue ablation have been demonstrated, there is a gap of knowledge regarding the effect of electroporation pulse (EP) on the physiology and histopathology of the stomach. This study applied EP to the stomach of healthy rats and investigated the digestive function, serum marker levels, and gastric tissue structure of EP-treated rats.MethodsNinety male rats were divided into nine groups and examined up to 28 days post-treatment. A single burst of electroporation pulse (500 V, 99 pluses, 1 Hz, 100 µs) was delivered to the stomachs of rats using a tweezer-style round electrode. Gastric emptying, small intestinal transit, and gastric secretion were measured to evaluate the digestive function. Serum marker levels were determined using ELISA. Haematoxylin–eosin, Masson trichrome, and immunofluorescence were performed for histopathological analysis.ResultsNo significant effect on gastric emptying or secretion was found post-EP, whereas the small intestinal transit decreased at 4 h and rapidly recovered to normal on 1-day post-EP. Further, serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels temporarily changed during the acute phase but returned to baseline within 28 days. Moreover, histopathological analysis revealed that cell death occurred immediately post-EP in the ablation area, whereas the gastric wall scaffold in the ablation region remained intact post-EP.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of EP on the physiology and histopathology of the stomach and lays a foundation for more comprehensive applications of this technique.

Effect of mare and cow kumis on gastric secretion

Kumis is a product of two fermentation, brought to a well-known equilibrium - lactic acid and alcohol. In this case, milk proteins, mainly casein, undergo partial hydrolysis, passing into solution.

Amelioration of alcohol‑induced gastric mucosa damage by oral administration of food‑polydeoxyribonucleotides

Gastritis refers to inflammation caused by injury to the gastric epithelium, which is usually due to excessive alcohol consumption and prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from this disease. However, the lack of safe and promising treatments makes it urgent to explore and develop leads from natural resources. Therefore, food as medicine may be the best approach for the treatment of these disorders. The present study described the protective effects of food-polydeoxyribonucleotides (f-PDRNs) in a rat model of gastric mucosal injury induced by HCl-EtOH. Administration of f-PDRN was performed with low-PRF002 (26 mg/kg/day), medium-PRF002 (52 mg/kg/day) and high-PRF002 (78 mg/kg/day) on the day of autopsy. The site of damage to the mucous membrane was also analysed. In addition, an increase in gastric juice pH, total acidity of gastric juice and decrease in gastric juice secretion were confirmed, and gastric juice secretion-related factors corresponding to the administration of f-PDRN were analysed. Administration of f-PDRN reduced the mRNA expression of histamine H2 receptor, muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3, cholecystokinin 2 receptor and H+/K+ ATPase related to gastric acid secretion and downregulation of histamine, myeloperoxidase and cyclic adenosine monophosphate. In addition, it was histologically confirmed that the loss of epithelial cells and the distortion of the mucosa were recovered in the group in which f-PDRN was administered compared to the model group with gastric mucosa damage. In summary, the present study suggested that f-PDRN has therapeutic potential and may have beneficial effects if taken regularly as a food supplement.

Chronic Diarrhea and Weight Loss in an 18-month-old Boy.

Chronic Diarrhea and Weight Loss in an 18-month-old Boy.

DIAGNOSTIC UTILITY OF THE RAPID UREASE TEST FOR HELICOBACTER PYLORI IN GASTRIC JUICE SAMPLES

Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic performance of the rapid urease test for H. pylori in endoscopic samples of gastric juice compared with the same test in gastric mucosa. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional, comparative and prospective study with study of concordance of diagnostic tests, carried out with patients referred to a medical center in Bogotá DC, Colombia for the performance of an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. We included 130 patients older than 18 years, without antibiotic treatment or inhibitors of gastric secretion, or with any type of immunodeficiency, or cancer. Were processed in the sensibacterpyroli test device a sample of gastric antrum for Rapid Ureasa Test RUT in mucosa and for the sample of juice 5 mL was taken with suctionator 7A-23B pulmomed (USA) R, to compare results. Results: In this study the infection by Helicobacter pylori was detected by biopsy sample in 40.8% of the patients that corresponded to 53 patients, among (59.2%) 77 patients with negative values. The prevalence of H. pylori infection in this study was 40.8%. It was calculated of VPP and NPV: 95% and NPV: 89.3%. Conclusions: rapid urease test in gastric juice is a fast and economic test, with very good sensitivity and specificity, is also very useful to detect H. pylori infection.

H. pylori eradication therapy: impact of gastric mucosa atrophy on transport of amoxicillin to H. pylori colonization area

AIM: The aim was to assess systemic transport of amoxicillin, the most common antibiotic in H. pylori eradication regimens to the gastric in atrophic gastritis.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systemic transport of amoxicillin to the gastric lumen of rats was evaluated in washes from the gastric mucosa in the model of atrophic gastritis after intravenous drug infusion. Transport of amoxicillin from bloodstream to the gastric lumen was also assessed in patients with atrophic and non-atrophic gastritis in aspirated via nasogastric probe gastric juice after oral drug administration. Amoxicillin concentration was measured in samples using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
 RESULTS: In rats with induced atrophic gastritis, hyperemia and acute erosions of the gastric mucosa, as well as microscopic signs of non-active chronic body gastritis and non-active antral atrophic gastritis were found. Amoxicillin concentration in washes from the gastric mucosa was significantly (p 0.01) higher in rats of experimental group than in control group at all time points (30, 60, 120, 240 min after drug infusion). The lowest mean amoxicillin concentration in gastric juice was observed in patients with antral atrophy (p 0.01). The maximum amoxicillin concentration in gastric secretion was found at the 180th min of aspiration in patients with atrophy of gastric mucosa, while in patients of the group of comparison it was found at 30-120th min of aspiration.
 CONCLUSIONS: Acute gastric mucosa erosions enhance amoxicillin delivery to gastric lumen in rats. Atrophy of antral mucosa more than in the corpus is characterized by decreased amoxicillin transfer from systemic bloodstream to gastric lumen in patients after oral amoxicillin intake. The gastric mucosa atrophy should be taken into consideration while predicting the efficacy of H. pylori eradication therapy in patients with chronic gastritis.

Evaluation of the antiulcerogenic activity of hydromethanol extracts of Solanum incanum L. (Solanaceae) leaves and roots in mice; single and repeated dose study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the antiulcer activity of hydromethanol extracts of Solanum incanum L. (Solanaceae) leaves and roots in mice. MethodsThe antiulcerogenic activity of the plant extracts were evaluated using Pylorus ligation and ethanol induced gastric ulcers in fasted mice. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA, and P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result:Pylorus ligation-induced ulcerSingle dose and repeated daily dose administration of the leaf and root extracts for 10 days didn't significantly (P > 0.05) affect pH, total acidity and volume of gastric secretion. Single dose of both extracts significantly reduced ulcer score (P = 0.036) and ulcer index (leaf, P = 0.037; root, P = 0.041) at the dose of 400 mg/kg. Similarly, significant reduction in ulcer score was observed after repeated daily treatment with 200 mg/kg (P = 0.030) and 400 mg/kg (P = 0.005) of the leaf extract and 400 mg/kg (P = 0.005) of the root extract. In addition, repeated administration of 400 mg/kg of the leaf (P = 0.004) and root (P = 0.005) extracts significantly reduced ulcer index. Ethanol-induced ulcerSingle dose of both extracts significantly reduced ulcer score at the dose of 200 mg/kg (leaf, P = 0.017; root, P = 0.036) and 400 mg/kg (leaf, P = 0.001; root, P = 0.001). Similarly, 200 mg/kg (leaf, P = 0.002; root, P = 0.018) and 400 mg/kg (leaf, P = 0.001; root, P = 0.001) of the extracts significantly reduced ulcer index after single dose treatment. Repeated daily treatment with leaf and root extracts for ten days caused a significant (P = 0.037, 0.001 and 0.001 for 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg leaf extract; P = 0.026, 0.018 and 0.001 for 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg root extract, respectively) reduction in ulcer score. In addition, both extracts significantly (P = 0.041, 0.004 and 0.000 for 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg leaf extract; P = 0.038, 0.008 and 0.000 for 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg root extract, respectively) reduced ulcer index after 10 days of treatment. ConclusionThis study has revealed hydromethanol extracts of Solanum incanum leaves and roots have antiulcerogenic activity using in vivo models. The antiulcer activity of the plant is not related to acid anti-secretory action, suggesting the plant may have cytoprotective effect on the gastric mucosa.

(-)-Carveol Prevents Gastric Ulcers via Cytoprotective, Antioxidant, Antisecretory and Immunoregulatory Mechanisms in Animal Models.

Background: (-)-Carveol (p-Mentha-6,8-dien-2-ol) is a monocyclic monoterpenic alcohol, present in essential oils of plant species such as Cymbopogon giganteus, Illicium pachyphyllum and in spices such as Carum carvi (cumin). Pharmacological studies report its antitumor, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, vasorelaxant, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.Hypothesis/Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute non-clinical oral toxicity, gastroprotective activity of monoterpene (-)-Carveol in animal models and the related mechanisms of action.Methods: Acute toxicity was assessed according to OECD guide 423 in mice. Ethanol, stress, NSAIDs and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer models were used to investigate antiulcer properties. The related mechanisms of action were using the ethanol-gastric lesions protocol.Results: (-)-Carveol has low toxicity, with a lethal dose 50% (LD50) equal to or greater than 2,500 mg/kg according to OECD guide nº 423. In all gastric ulcer induction methods evaluated, (-)-Carveol (25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the ulcerative lesion in comparison with the respective control groups. To investigate the mechanisms involved in the gastroprotective activity, the antisecretory or neutralizing of gastric secretion, cytoprotective, antioxidant and immunoregulatory effects were evaluated. In the experimental protocol of pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer, (-)-Carveol (100 mg/kg) reduced (p < 0.001) the volume of gastric secretion in both routes (oral and intraduodenal). The previous administration of blockers NEM (sulfhydryl groups blocker), L-NAME (nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor), glibenclamide (KATP channel blocker) and indomethacin (cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor), significantly reduced the gastroprotection exercised by (-)-Carveol, suggesting the participation of these pathways in its gastroprotective activity. In addition, treatment with (-)-Carveol (100 mg/kg) increased (p < 0.001) mucus adhered to the gastric wall. Treatment also increased (p < 0.001) levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). It also reduced (p < 0.001) malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels.Conclusion: Thus, it is possible to infer that (-)-Carveol presents gastroprotective activity related to antisecretory, cytoprotective, antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms.

Lycopene Aggravates Acute Gastric Injury Induced by Ethanol.

Lycopene is an important natural red pigment with strong singlet oxygen and peroxide free radical quenching ability. Ethanol directly destroys the epithelial cells of gastric mucosa, causing oxidative damage and inflammation. To evaluate the effect of lycopene on the ethanol induced gastric injury, 112 adult male Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal control, lycopene control, gastric injury control, omeprazole (20 mg/kg) positive control, and lycopene experimental groups (at doses of 10, 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg body weight) in this study. The general and pathological evaluation, gastric secretion, as well as the levels of antioxidant and inflammatory factors were detected. In lycopene experimental groups, the amount of gastric juice were lower than that in the gastric injury control group; the levels of T-SOD, and the levels of MDA and inflammatory factors (MMP-9 and MCP-1) decreased. However, general and pathological evaluation of gastric tissues revealed that lycopene (especially at high doses) could aggravate acute gastric mucosal injury induced by ethanol. Therefore, lycopene (especially at high doses) aggravates acute gastric mucosal injury caused by ethanol, but this was not due to oxidative stress or inflammatory factors. In lycopene control group, the levels of MTL, T-SOD, and NO increased, but the levels of ALT and AST decreased, indicating that lycopene has a protective effect on the stomach and liver when ethanol wasn't taken. It reminds us that, when alcohol is consumed in large quantities, consumption of lycopene products should be carefully considered.

Evaluation of Gastroprotective Activity of Qarahine: A Polyherbal Formulation

Abstract: Background and Aim: Qarahine, a polyherbal formulation consisting of natural active ingredients, is used to treat peptic ulcer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of qarahine against aspirin (200 mg/kg) and ethanol (5 ml/kg) induced gastric ulcer rat models. Methodology: The pH of stomach contents, numbers of lesions in gastric mucosa, severity score, ulcer index and percentage protection were determined. The stomachs mucosa was also evaluated for morphological changes. Three doses of qarahine (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) were evaluated. Omeprazole (20 mg/kg) was used as a standard drug. Results: Different doses of qarahine significantly raised pH and reduced the ulcer index in both aspirin and ethanol induced ulcerative rats. Qarahine (500 mg/kg) provided 29.9% and 32.9% protection in aspirin and ethanol-induced ulcer models. Histopathological studies validated the biochemical outcomes. Conclusion: This study suggested gastroprotective effect of qarahine which might be due to increase in gastric mucus secretions and mucus protective mechanisms. However, further studies are necessary to clarify the mechanisms of action of qarahine. Key words: Qarahine, Gastroprotective, Aspirin, Ethanol, Ulcer index.

To the question of the effect of sodium, calcium and potassium chloride salts on the work of the gastric glands

When studying the question of the effect of NaCl on gastric secretion, not all authors come to concordant conclusions, and the data of clinical studies are sharply at variance with the results of experimental studies on animals.

Parameters of blood short-chain peptides and digestive hydrolases in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

The aim of the study was to examine specifics of changes in the level of stomach- and pancreas-released blood hydrolases in chronic viral hepatitis B and analyze the mechanisms underlying such changes. We assessed serum markers of HBV infection, liver enzymes tests as well as gastric and pancreatic hydrolase level. The patients examined were divided into three groups: control (healthy) and two study groups — HBV post-infection and chronic HBV infection. Patients with HBV post-infection had no significant deviations from normal range for blood level of gastric and pancreatic hydrolases. Patients with chronic HBV infection were found to contain increased blood level of amylase and lipase, which may evidence about increasing pancreatic functional activity and development of covert pancreatitis. At the same time, decline in the concentration of serum pepsinogen-1 below 40 μg/l could indicate about prominently decreased secretion of hydrochloric acid and development of atrophic gastritis, and it was found that the major factor contributing to development of such disorders was the short-chain peptide CCK-8, which utilization declines in patients with chronic HBV infection. CCK-8 can play a pivotal role in inhibiting stimulation of gastric acid secretion and controls gastric acid, plasma gastrin and somatostatin secretion. Cholecystokinin has been found to inhibit acid secretion by activating CCK type A receptors as well as via somatostatin-involving mechanism. The secretion of gastric somatostatin-14 increased by fivefold due to CCK-8 alone, but was blocked by the CCK-A receptor blocker loxiglumide. These data show that CCK-8 directly inhibits acid reactions by stimulating the release of gastric somatostatin indirectly through the CCK-A receptor. Thus, it can be assumed that normally CCK-8 is mainly utilized by the liver, which is altered during chronic hepatitis B resulting in elevated blood CCK-8 concentration. As a consequence, it enhances pancreatic secretion resulting in developing pancreatitis that is paralleled with inhibited gastric secretion and emerged atrophic gastritis.

EPISODES OF HEARTBURN AND BLOATING IN MEDICAL PRACTICE

The aim of the study was to study the frequency and nature of episodes of heartburn and bloating in patients with duodenal and gastric ulcers in the Georgian population, considering the histomorphological and morphometric changes of the gastric mucosa and the parameters of gastric secretion. At the same time, we were interested in analyzing patients' anamnesis before being hospitalized for the last 2 months. The analysis of the material showed that incidence of heartburn episodes in the Georgian population is clearly higher in patients with peptic ulcer disease 12 - (79.9%) than in patients with gastric ulcer (9 - 31.9%). Episodes of heartburn in these patients are characterized not only by increasing of rate (more than 50 episodes), both day and night, but the intensity and duration (which is due to abnormal gastroesophageal reflux). This is a high risk for the occurrence of heartburn episodes. As for bloating, it was detected in patients with duodenal ulcer (11–26.2%), in gastric ulcer 11– (32.9%). The main pathogenetic aspects of heartburn episodes were found to be diffuse fundal glands hyperplasia and high acidity (duodenal ulcer and pyloric anterior ulcer). It was also found that a large percentage of patients were not treated properly, leading to impaired ability to work and changes in quality of life and disease progression.

Interplay of potassium channel, gastric parietal cell and proton pump in gastrointestinal physiology, pathology and pharmacology.

Gastric acid secretion plays a pivotal role in the physiology of gastrointestinal tract. The functioning of the system encompasses a P2 ATPase pump (which shuttles electroneutral function at low pH) along with different voltage sensitive/neutral ion channels, cytosolic proteins, acid sensor receptors as well hormonal regulators. The increased acid secretion is a pathological marker of several diseases like peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic gastritis, and the bug Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has also a critical role, which altogether affects the patient's quality of life. This review comprehensively described the nature of potassium ion channel and its mediators, the different clinical strategy to control acid rebound, and some basic experimental observations performed to study the interplay of ion channels, pumps, as well as mediators during acid secretion. Different aspects of regulation of gastric acid secretion have been focused either in terms of physiology of secretion or molecular interactions. The importance of H pylori infection and its treatment has also been discussed. Furthermore, the relevance of calcium signaling during acid secretion has been reviewed. The entire theme will make anyone understand in detail the gastric secretion machinery in general.

Antiulcerogenic activity of Yttrium and Copper oxide nanoparticles

Gastric ulcer is an excavation of mucosa and extending to submucosal layers due to increased gastric secretion, generation of free radicals and imbalance between protective factors and aggravating factors. The present study aimed to screen yttrium and copper oxide nanoparticles for antiulcerogenic activity. Metal oxide nanoparticles were evaluated for various biological activities considering their high surface area to volume ratio, different oxidative states, cell permeability etc. Various studies have proved metal oxide nanoparticles to be beneficial in various ailments due to their antioxidant, antibacterial, and other pharmacological activities. Nanoparticles prepared using biogenic methods were relatively more biocompatible and less toxic compared to conventional methods of synthesis. In the present study, green synthesized yttrium and copper oxide nanoparticles were evaluated for acute toxicity, antioxidant, proton pump inhibition and antiulcerogenic activity. In vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH, nitric oxide scavenging methods and H+K+ATPase assay was performed to evaluate the mechanism of action. Synthesized nanoparticles have shown no signs of acute toxicity as per OECD 423. Pyloric ligation method was performed to evaluate gastric volume, pH and ulcer severity. The present study revealed the dose-dependent antiulcer potential of yttrium oxide nanoparticles at doses of 2mg/kg and 20mg/kg. Antisecretory action of yttrium and copper oxides were evident from in vitro H+K+ATPase activity and inhibition of gastric volume. Antioxidant activities of yttrium oxide nanoparticles indicate gastric mucosal protection by free radical scavenging action. Copper oxide nanoparticles produced antisecretory activity but produced mucosal damage and hemorrhage at a dose of 20mg/kg.

МОДУЛЯЦІЯ МЕЛОКСИКАМ-ІНДУКОВАНИХ ЗМІН СЕКРЕТОРНОЇ ТА МОТОРНОЇ АКТИВНОСТІ ШЛУНКА ШЛЯХОМ ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ КРІОЕКСТРАКТУ ПЛАЦЕНТИ

Introduction. Current approaches to reducing the ulcerogenicity of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are aimed primarily at eliminating the damaging effect on the gastric mucosa, and according to the literature, the use of proton pump inhibitors can even worsen the course of enteropathy. Objectives. To characterize the influence of cryopreserved placenta extract on the state of secretory and motor-evacuation activity of the stomach under the conditions of experimental meloxicam-induced gastropathy and enteropathy. Methods. Serial randomized placebo-controlled studies were performed on nonlinear rats and mice using a model of small intestine-induced gastrointestinal lesions. Gastric secretion in rats, gastric evacuation function and intestinal motor function in mice were studied with the help of standard methods. Results. The administration of meloxicam leads to a statistically significant increase (p &lt;0.05) in the volume of gastric secretion by 31.6±7.3%, an increase in total acidity (p=0.002) by 7.7 [7.7; 16.6]% and a statistically significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in peristaltic activity by 18.9% relative to intact animals. The administration of cryopreserved placenta extract led to a statistically significant (p=0.002) decrease in the ratio of free and total acidity by 2.3 times, with a statistically significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) by 14.5% in peristaltic activity relative to intact animals. The combined threaded administration of meloxicam and cryopreserved placenta extract was accompanied by a decrease in the ratio of free and total acidity by 43.0±3.0%. Conclusion. The combined application of placental cryoextract and meloxicam eliminates meloxicam-induced hypersecretion of gastric juice and gastric hypermobility. The cryoextract has also proved to reduce the aggressiveness of gastric juice by reducing its free and increasing combined acidity.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of chlorine dioxide

Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is widely used as a drinking water disinfectant in many countries. Due to its antibiotic and antiviral capacity, it has aroused interest as a potential therapeutic agent with respect to the COVID-19 disease, AIDS and Influenza. As a result of this debate in scientific and governmental settings, it was deemed highly timely to provide an up-to-date assessment of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ClO2. The main findings indicate that, due to its high chemical reactivity, ClO2 is rapidly reduced in oral and gastric secretions, producing chlorite (ClO2⁻), which becomes the active agent responsible for its systemic actions. ClO2 also showed potential to act as an oxidant or antioxidant depending on the concentration. Of particular therapeutic interest are the findings that, at low concentrations, ClO2⁻ can protect erythrocytes from oxidative stress while inhibiting excessive production of hypochlorous acid (HClO) mediated by myeloperoxidase (MPO), thus reversing the inflammatory responses and macrophage activation. Finally, taurine-chloramine represents the most relevant functional product formed under the influence of ClO2⁻, said molecule activates the erythroid nuclear factor 2 (Nrf2), (this transcription factor regulates the inducible expression of numerous genes for detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes) , increases the expression of heme-oxygenase (HO-1), protects cells from death caused by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), improves the expression and activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, and contributes to the resolution of the inflammatory process

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of chlorine dioxide

Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is widely used as a drinking water disinfectant in many countries. Due to its antibiotic and antiviral capacity, it has aroused interest as a potential therapeutic agent with respect to the COVID-19 disease, AIDS and Influenza. As a result of this debate in scientific and governmental settings, it was deemed highly timely to provide an up-to-date assessment of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ClO2. The main findings indicate that, due to its high chemical reactivity, ClO2 is rapidly reduced in oral and gastric secretions, producing chlorite (ClO2⁻), which becomes the active agent responsible for its systemic actions. ClO2 also showed potential to act as an oxidant or antioxidant depending on the concentration. Of particular therapeutic interest are the findings that, at low concentrations, ClO2⁻ can protect erythrocytes from oxidative stress while inhibiting excessive production of hypochlorous acid (HClO) mediated by myeloperoxidase (MPO), thus reversing the inflammatory responses and macrophage activation. Finally, taurine-chloramine represents the most relevant functional product formed under the influence of ClO2⁻, said molecule activates the erythroid nuclear factor 2 (Nrf2), (this transcription factor regulates the inducible expression of numerous genes for detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes) , increases the expression of heme-oxygenase (HO-1), protects cells from death caused by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), improves the expression and activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, and contributes to the resolution of the inflammatory process.