Gastric Ulcer Research Articles

Rhododendron poisoning in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in Northern Germany

Poisoning is often suspected to be the origin of disease in South American camelids (SACs) by owners, but only in a few cases this assumption can be confirmed. In small ruminants, rhododendron poisoning is a common emergency for livestock veterinarians. However, this condition has rarely been reported in SACs so far. This paper provides information regarding clinical findings, hematology, clinical chemistry, and treatment of four alpacas after presumed intake of rhododendron leaves including pathological findings of one of the animals. Rhododendron leaves contain grayanatoxins that lead to hyperpolarization of excitable cells. Clinical signs that were observed in the presented alpacas comprised: salivation, dehydration, decreased motility of compartment 1, uncoordinated regurgitation, and cardiac arrhythmia. Clinical chemistry revealed that rhododendron poisoning was associated with metabolic acidosis and azotaemia, hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. Most striking macroscopic and histopathological findings included gastric ulceration, and renal infarcts along with inflammatory changes. Leaves of Rhododendron spp. were identified in the forestomach content of this animal. Affected animals were treated symptomatically as there is no specific antidote in rhododendron poisoning. This included parenteral rehydration, treatment of metabolic acidosis (infusion of sodium bicarbonate solution), and oral administration of activated charcoal to bind potential toxins. In addition, antibiotic treatment might be necessary to prevent aspiration pneumonia in case of uncoordinated regurgitation. Of the four animals, the worst affected alpaca was euthanized, one had minimal signs and two responded to supportive care and recovered. In conclusion, rhododendron poisoning might be fatal for alpacas in individual cases and therefore rhododendron bushes should not be placed in the habitat of SACs.

Laurus nobilis Esansiyel Yağının Sıçanlarda İndometasin Kaynaklı Mide Ülserinin Azaltılmasında Potansiyel Rolü

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective effects of Laurus nobilis leaves essential oil (LANO) against indomethacin (INDO)-induced gastric ulcers in rats.
 Materials and Methods: In this study, an indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer model was employed. 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n=6): Control, LANO, INDO, INDO with famotidine (FAM), and INDO with LANO. Indomethacin (25 mg/kg) induced ulcers, while LANO and FAM were administered by oral gavage at 200 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, respectively. Gastric tissues underwent histopathological examination for ulceration, and biochemical assays measured total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and nitric oxide (NO) levels.
 Results: Compared to the INDO group, treatment with LANO significantly decreased the number of gastric ulcer foci. Biochemically, LANO moderated TOS and OSI levels and preserved TAS, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Additionally, LANO appeared to stabilize NO levels. These biochemical findings were corroborated by histopathological examination.
 Conclusions: The study's results indicate that LANO may be beneficial in protecting against NSAID-induced gastric damage. LANO's observed modulation of oxidative stress markers and NO levels suggests its potential role in managing gastric ulcers.

Role of H.pylori in Chronic Sore Throat by Using H.pylori Line.

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oropharynx. Pharyngitis may be caused by an infectious or noninfectious disease. Noninfectious diseases of pharynx include allergies, trauma, cancer, reflux and certain toxins. Infection with H. Pylori is associated with developing chronic sore throat, gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcer, gastric cancer and MALT lymphoma. There are many different investigations to diagnose H pylori as H pylori antigen in blood and stool, urea breath test but, H. Pylori line is a new test for detection of the virulent strains. There are many lines of H pylori therapy in the form of PPIs and antibiotics for about two weeks. This study aimed to detect role of H pylori in chronic pharyngitis. 85 patients who had chronic pharyngitis with normal CBC, WBCS, lymphocyte, monocyte and eosinophils with negative ASO titer and throat swab. These patients did H pylori line to detect H pylori virulent antigen. 77 patients with chronic pharyngitis are positive H pylori and after medical treatment 68 patients became negative. H. Pylori line is a new test for detection of the virulent strains and screening H pylori carrier at risk of developing gastric and duodenal ulcers as well as cancer.

Exploring the mechanism of Mie-you decoction "homotherapy for heteropathy" to chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric ulcer using network pharmacology-molecular docking

Exploring the mechanism of Mie-you decoction "homotherapy for heteropathy" to chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric ulcer using network pharmacology-molecular docking

Aloe vera gel confers therapeutic effect by reducing pyroptosis in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer rat model: Role of NLRP3/GSDMD signaling pathway

BackgroundGastric ulcer (GU) is a common gastrointestinal tract illness. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing characteristics. This research sought to explore the therapeutic impact of Aloe vera gel on ethanol-provoked GU in rats and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved.MethodsAn ethanol-induced GU rat model was constructed using forty male Wistar rats distributed at random into four groups: control, ulcer, pantoprazole, and Aloe vera. Gross evaluation of the stomach, ulcer index (UI), inhibition index, and gastric pH estimation were analyzed. Gastric malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined using the spectrophotometric method, and serum gastrin level was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gastric nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain PYD containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and gasdermin D (GSDMD) mRNA expression levels were estimated by quantitative real-time PCR. Finally, the histopathological examination of the glandular part of stomach tissue was done.ResultsThe ulcer group revealed a significant increase in MDA, gastrin, NLRP3, and GSDMD and a decrease in gastric pH and GSH compared to the control group. Gross investigations of the ulcer group revealed a hemorrhagic lesion in the stomach and an increase in UI. Also, histopathological results for this group showed severe epithelial loss, haemorrhage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and blood vessel congestion. However, Aloe vera treatment improved the gross, biochemical, molecular, and histopathological alterations induced by ethanol when compared to the ulcer group.ConclusionsAloe vera exerted antiulcer activities through modulation of oxidant/antioxidant status, anti-secretory properties, and mitigation of pyroptosis.

Ulcer Bleeding in the United States: Epidemiology, Treatment Success, and Resource Utilization.

Peptic ulcer disease is the most frequent cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We sought to establish the epidemiology and hemostasis success rate of the different treatment modalities in this setting. Retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample. Non-elective adult admissions with a principal diagnosis of ulcer bleeding were included. The primary outcome was endoscopic, radiologic and surgical hemostasis success rate. Secondary outcomes were patients' demographics, in-hospital mortality and resource utilization. On subgroup analysis, gastric and duodenal ulcers were studied separately. Confounders were adjusted for using multivariate regression analysis. A total of 136,425 admissions (55% gastric and 45% duodenal ulcers) were included. The mean patient age was 67years. The majority of patients were males, Caucasians, of lower income and high comorbidity burden. The endoscopic, radiological and surgical therapy and hemostasis success rates were 33.6, 1.4, 0.1, and 95.1%, 89.1 and 66.7%, respectively. The in-hospital mortality rate was 1.9% overall, but 2.4% after successful and 11.1% after failed endoscopic hemostasis, respectively. Duodenal ulcers were associated with lower adjusted odds of successful endoscopic hemostasis, but higher odds of early and multiple endoscopies, endoscopic therapy, overall and successful radiological therapy, in-hospital mortality, longer length of stay and higher total hospitalization charges and costs. The ulcer bleeding endoscopic hemostasis success rate is 95.1%. Rescue therapy is associated with lower hemostasis success and more than a ten-fold increase in mortality rate. Duodenal ulcers are associated with worse treatment outcomes and higher resource utilization compared with gastric ulcers.

The protective effects of Gamma-linolenic acid against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

The primary goal of the investigation was to analyse the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) on rats with indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric ulcers. Thirty rats were divided into five groups: Control, IND (50 mg/kg, p.o.), IND pretreated with GLA 100 mg/kg (p.o. for 14 d), IND pretreated with GLA 150 mg/kg (p.o. for 14 d) and IND pretreated with omeprazole (20 mg/kg, p.o. for 14 d). The stomach tissues were examined to calculate the ulcer index and pH and analyse biochemical markers (prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cyclooxygenase 1 (COX1), TNF-1, IL-6 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1)) and oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde: (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and CAT (catalase)) as well as undergo histopathological assessment. GLA 100 and 150 mg/kg showed a protective effect against IND-induced gastric damage. It reduced levels of COX1, TNF-1, IL-6 and ICAM and increased PGE2 levels. GLA also normalised antioxidant function by modulating MDA, SOD, GSH and CAT. GLA intervention protects against IND-induced gastric ulcers by restoring oxidant/antioxidant balance and reducing inflammation.

Cholecystokinin-Induced Duodenogastric Bile Reflux Increases the Severity of Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Antral Ulcers in Re-fed Mice.

We examined the involvement of cholecystokinin (CCK) in the exacerbation of indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric antral ulcers by gastroparesis caused by atropine or dopamine in mice. Male mice were fed for 2h (re-feeding) following a 22-h fast. Indomethacin (IND; 10mg/kg, s.c.) was administered after re-feeding; gastric lesions were examined 24h after IND treatment. In another experiment, mice were fed for 2h after a 22-h fast, after which the stomachs were removed 1.5h after the end of the feeding period. Antral lesions, the amount of gastric contents, and the gastric luminal bile acids concentration were measured with or without the administration of the pro- and antimotility drugs CCK-octapeptide (CCK-8), atropine, dopamine, SR57227 (5-HT3 receptor agonist), apomorphine, lorglumide (CCK1 receptor antagonist), ondansetron, and haloperidol alone and in combination. IND produced severe lesions only in the gastric antrum in re-fed mice. CCK-8, atropine, dopamine, SR57227 and apomorphine administered just after re-feeding increased bile reflux and worsened IND-induced antral lesions. These effects were significantly prevented by pretreatment with lorglumide. Although atropine and dopamine also increased the amount of gastric content, lorglumide had no effect on the delayed gastric emptying provoked by atropine and dopamine. Both ondansetron and haloperidol significantly inhibited the increase of bile reflux and the exacerbation of antral lesions induced by atropine and dopamine, respectively, but did not affect the effects of CCK-8. These results suggest that CCK-CCK1 receptor signal increases bile reflux during gastroparesis induced by atropine and dopamine, exacerbating IND-induced antral ulcers.

Evaluation of the Anti-ulcer Activity of Curcumin and Linseed Oil in an NSAID-induced Gastric Ulcer Model in Rats

Evaluation of the Anti-ulcer Activity of Curcumin and Linseed Oil in an NSAID-induced Gastric Ulcer Model in Rats

Enhanced upregulation of SIRT1 via pioglitazone and ligustrazine confers protection against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats

Gastric ulcer is a disturbing disease that impacts many people worldwide. Pioglitazone (Piog), a thiazolidinedione, and ligustrazine (Ligu), a natural component of Ligusticum chuanxiong possess gastroprotective properties. However, the underlying mechanism is not well elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective effects of Piog (15 mg/kg, p.o.), Ligu (15 mg/kg, p.o.), and their combination against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Omeprazole (10 mg/kg) was used as a standard. Pre-treatment for 7 days with Piog, Ligu, and (Piog+Ligu) effectively alleviated ethanol-predisposed oxidative stress and inflammation through restoring HO-1, GSH, and SOD tissue levels and decreasing elevated MDA, TNF-α, ICAM, I-NOS, and IL-1β contents. Moreover, Piog, Ligu, and (Piog+Ligu) markedly inhibited the ethanol-induced increase of gastric NF-KB and BAX. In contrast, this pre-treatment regimen significantly accelerated protein expression of SIRT1, Nrf2, and Bcl-2, along with autophagic proteins, ATG5 and Beclin. Interestingly, macroscopic, histopathological examination and mucin content were in harmony with previous results, where pre-treatment with Piog, Ligu, and (Piog+Ligu) showed a declined mucosal injury as evidenced by the remarkable decrease of the ulcer area percentage by 62.3%, 38.7%, and 91.2%, respectively, compared to the ethanol-ulcerated group. In conclusion, Piog and Ligu exhibited remarkable gastroprotective properties. Our study was the first to show that Piog, Ligu, and (Piog+Ligu) ameliorated oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis and accelerated the autophagic process via the upregulation of the upstream SIRT1 protein. It is worth mentioning that future studies are needed to pave the way for the clinical use of Piog and Ligu as gastro-protective agents.

Real-world evidence of Pressure-Enabled Drug Delivery for trans-arterial chemoembolization and radioembolization among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastases

Objectives Pressure-Enabled Drug Delivery (PEDD), a method using pressure to advance catheter-delivered drug distribution, can improve treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver metastases, but real-world evidence is limited. We compared baseline patient characteristics, clinical complexity, and post-procedure healthcare resource utilization (HRUs) and clinical complications for PEDD and non-PEDD procedures. Methods This study used a retrospective, longitudinal, cohort design of claims data from Clarivate’s Real World Data Repository, which includes 98% of US payers with over 300 million unique patients from all US states. We identified patients with a trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or trans-arterial radioembolization (TARE) from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2022. Subsamples grouped patients with HCC receiving a TARE procedure at their first embolization and patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that received a TARE procedure. We reported descriptive comparisons of our full sample of patients with HCC and liver metastases receiving PEDD versus non-PEDD procedures. We then conducted a matching-adjusted comparison of HRUs and clinical complications for PEDD and non-PEDD patients among our subsamples (HCC receiving a TARE procedure at their first embolization and patients with metastatic CRC that received a TARE procedure). Matching was based on baseline demographic and clinical characteristics using coarsened exact matching and propensity-score matching. HRUs included inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department visits. Clinical complications included ascites, cholecystitis, fatigue, gastric ulcer, gastritis, jaundice, LFT increase, lymphopenia, portal hypertension, and post-embolization syndrome. Results PEDD procedures were used on patients with worse baseline disease burdens: baseline Charlson comorbidity index (mean of 6.5 vs. 5.8), any prior clinical complication related to underlying disease (33.7 vs. 31.0%), and prior systemic therapy (22.1% vs. 16.2%). PEDD patients had a greater number of procedural codes indicative of technical complexity for TACE (PEDD mean = 226.3; non-PEDD mean = 134.5; p value <.01) and TARE (PEDD mean = 205.56; non-PEDD mean = 94.8; p value <0.01). Matching-adjusted analyses of patients with HCC and CRC demonstrated comparable HRU and clinical complications for PEDD and non-PEDD procedures post-index. Conclusion Despite higher baseline disease burden and complexity, post-procedure HRU and clinical complications for PEDD patients were similar to non-PEDD patients. The complex baseline clinical profile may reflect selection of challenging cases for PEDD use. Future studies should validate the benefits observed with PEDD embolization in larger samples with greater statistical power.

Analyzing Mushroom Structural Patterns of a Highly Compressible and Expandable Hemostatic Foam for Gastric Perforation Repair.

Nature presents the most beautiful patterns through evolving. Here, a layered porous pattern in golden ratio (0.618) is reported from a type of mushroom -Dictyophora Rubrovalvata stipe (DRS). The hierarchical structure shows a mathematical correlation with the golden ratio. This unique structure leads to superior mechanical properties. The gradient porous structure from outside to innermost endows it with asymmetrical hydrophilicity. A mathematical model is then developed to predict and apply to 3D printed structures. The mushroom is then explored to repair gastric perforation because the stomach is a continuous peristaltic organ, and the perforated site is subject to repeated mechanical movements and pressure changes. At present, endoscopic clipping is ineffective in treating ulcerative perforation with fragile surrounding tissues. Although endoscopic implant occlusion provides a new direction for the treatment of gastric ulcers, but the metal or plastic occluder needs to be removed, requiring a second intervention. Decellularized DRS (DDRS) is found with asymmetric water absorption rate, super-compressive elasticity, shape memory, and biocompatibility, making it a suitable occluder for the gastric perforation. The efficacy in blocking gastric perforation and promoting healing is confirmed by endoscopic observation and tissue analysis during a 2-month study.

Evaluation of Serum Levels of Anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG and IgA by ELISA Method in Patients with Gastric Ulcer in Chalous, Iran

Background: Considering the role of Helicobacter pylori in various diseases such as chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer and malignancies, this study was performed to evaluate the level of antiHelicobacter pylori antibodies in the serum of the population of Chalous and then its relationship with demographic characteristics.&#x0D; Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in the department of Microbiology in a tertiary care teaching hospital during December 2019 to May 2021. All hospitalized patients with diarrhea, who had a history of exposure to antibiotic drugs and all patients with IBD were included in the study. Stool samples were collected from all patients with diarrhea who have been on antibiotic or anticancer drug during last 6weeks or previously diagnosed case. Patient’s demographic features and clinical details were collected from medical records.&#x0D; Results: About 78% of people had IgA positive titer and about 48% had IgG positive titer. Serum IgA level in patients with bloating (P = 0.005) and in patients with nausea (P = 0.016) was statistically significant. Also, in patients studied there was a significant relationship between bloating (p = &gt; 0.001), nausea (0.013) was seen with a serum IgG level .&#x0D; Conclusion: Due to the high percentage of positive titers of anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies, especially IgA in the sample population, it seems that the follow-up of positive serological titers will help to prevent and control the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Molecular docking, characterization, ADME/toxicity prediction, and anti-ulcer activity of new quercetin derivatives on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in mice

Gastric ulcer (GU) is a serious upper gastrointestinal tract disorder that affects people worldwide. The drugs now available for GU treatment have a high rate of relapses and drug interactions, as well as mild to severe side effects. As a result, new natural therapeutic medications for treating GU with fewer negative side effects are desperately needed. Because of quercetin's (QCT) diverse pharmacological effects and unique structural features, we decided to semi-synthesize new QCT derivatives and test them for antiulcer activity. Docking assays were performed on the synthesized compounds to determine their affinity for TLR-4/MD-2, MyD88/TIR, and NF-κB domains, an important inflammatory pathway involved in GU development and progression. Mice were given oral famotidine (40 mg/kg/day), QCT, QCT pentamethyl (QPM), or QCT pentaacetyl (QPA) (50 mg/kg/day) for 5 days before GU induction by a single intraperitoneal injection of indomethacin (INDO; 18 mg/kg). QPM and QPA have a stronger binding affinity for TLR-4/MD-2, MyD88/TIR and NF-κB domains than QCT. In comparison, they demonstrated the greatest reduction in ulcer score and index, gastric MDA and nitric oxide (NO) contents, MyD88 and NF-κB expressions, and gastric TLR-4 immunostaining. They also enhanced the levels of GSH, CAT, COX-1, and COX-2 in the gastric mucosa, as well as HO-1 and Nrf2 expression, with histological regression in gastric mucosal lesions, with QPA-treated mice demonstrating the best GU healing. QPA is safe against all of the target organs and adverse pathways studied, with good ADME properties. However, further in vitro experiments are necessary to demonstrate the inhibitory effects of QPM and QPA on the protein targets of interest. In addition, preclinical research on its bioavailability and safety is essential before clinical management can be undertaken. Overall, the new QPA derivative could one day serve as the basis for a new class of potential antiulcer drugs.

Antinociceptive and anti-ulcerogenic effect of hydroethanolic stem bark extract of Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre ex. Heckel (Euphorbiaceae): Involvement of the opioidergic pathway and attenuation of oxidative stress

Background and aimApproximately 80% of the population in developing countries is affected by gastric ulcers Gastric ulcers are associated with pain,and there is an urgent need for drugs that can manage both conditions. Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre ex. Heckel has long been regarded used in managing gastric ulcers and pain in African Traditional Medicine. In the present study, the antinociceptive and anti-ulcer activity of Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre ex. Heckel hydroethanolic stem bark extract (RHE) was evaluated. Experimental procedureThe antinociceptive effect of RHE was tested in ICR mice using the hot plate test, the glutamate-induced nociceptive test, and the formalin test. Gastric ulcers were induced in healthy male adult albino rats in acidified alcohol-induced ulcer (AAIU) and indomethacin-induced ulcer (IIU) models. After ulcer induction, the rats were treated with either RHE (30, 100, or 300 mg/kg, p.o.) or 10 mg/kg omeprazole. The stomachs of the sacrificed animals were removed for further analysis. Results and conclusionRHE (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) exhibited an anti-nociceptive effect in the hot plate, formalin and glutamate tests. The opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, reversed the analgesic effect, indicating that the extract may be acting via the opioidergic pathway. But compared to the model group in both AAIU and IIU, oral administration of RHE decreased ulcer index, raised pH levels, increased tissue levels of total antioxidant capacity, catalase, total thiols, and glutathione, and kept gastric histoarchitecture intact. RHE exhibited anti-nociceptive effects, possibly via the opioidergic pathway and anti-ulcer activity via reduction of oxidative stress.

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome in horses and foals

Gastric ulcers are common in adult horses and can also be present in foals. It is important to realise that ulcers can occur in the squamous and/or glandular mucosa of the stomach, and that these represent two different disease entities, namely equine squamous gastric disease and equine glandular gastric disease. Horses suspected of having gastric ulcers based on clinical signs should undergo gastroscopy to confirm the presence of ulcers and determine their severity, although there is a poor correlation between gastroscopic findings and clinical severity. As both squamous and glandular gastric disease are the result of tissue damage caused by gastric acid, the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole forms the mainstay of ulcer treatment. In cases of glandular gastric disease, sucralfate is usually added to the therapeutic plan. As several husbandry and management practices are known to be risk factors for the development of ulcers, these should be addressed during treatment and to prevent recurrence.

Gastroprotective Effect of 2,3-Dimethylquinoxaline Against Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rat.

Gastric ulcers pose a significant health risk due to an imbalance between protective and aggressive factors on the mucous membrane. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastric damage affects 25% of users. Quinoxaline compounds, known for their diverse biological properties, have potential applications in cancer therapy and as antimicrobial agents targeting various pathogens. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of DMQ on gastroprotective mechanisms in an experimental model of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups. Group 1 served as the control, while Group 2 received a single oral dose of IND (30 mg/kg). Groups 3 and 4 received oral DMQ (30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg, respectively) for three days, with the final dose administered intragastrically one hour before IND administration. Group 5 received esomeprazole (30 mg/kg) orally for three days, with the final dose given one hour before IND administration. Rats were sacrificed four hours after IND induction. Indomethacin-induced ulcers were associated with epithelial damage and blood streaks on the gastric mucosa. However, DMQ significantly decreased levels of inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-6, Cox-2, IFN-γ, and IL-β1) while increasing gastroprotective mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and mucin levels. Histopathological analysis revealed a significant reduction in ulcer-induced pathological alterations and upregulation of tumor suppressor genes (NF-κB levels) following DMQ treatment. Rats treated with Indo+DMQ showed a significant decrease in ulcer index compared to the Indo group, with mild injuries observed. DMQ demonstrated promising gastroprotective effects against IND-induced gastric ulcers, as evidenced by alterations in histopathological data and upregulation of gene expression.

WITHDRAWN: PIRES2-EGFP/CTB-UreI vaccination activated a mixed Th1/Th2/Th17 immune system defense towards Helicobacter pylori infection in the BALB/c mice model

The occurrence of gastritis, gastric ulcers, distal gastric cancer, and gastric mucosal lymphoma in humans is strongly associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Vaccination is an effective preventive measure due to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance. Fusion vaccination is a potentially practical approach. A fusion vaccine was created in this study by combining the cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) with the antigenic H. pylori urease I subunit (CTB-UreI). The CTB-UreI DNA vaccine was chemically cloned into pIRES2-EGFP, and the success of the cloning was validated using PCR and restriction enzyme digestion. An investigation was conducted on the induction of CTB-UreI in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The immunogenicity and immune-protective efficacy of the vaccination were assessed in BALB/c mice. The Western blot assay successfully identified the activation of CTB-UreI.In comparison, BALB/c mice receiving pIRES2-EGFP/CTB-UreI vaccination exhibited higher IgG, IgA, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17 levels in their blood samples. In addition, there was a decrease in stomach injuries and bacterial loads. Furthermore, BALB/c mice inoculated with pIRES2-EGFP/CTB-UreI showed a high level of immunity (100%) against the H. pylori challenge. The pIRES2-EGFP/CTB-UreI elicited a combination of Th1/Th2/Th17 immune responses, possibly contributing to an effective defence mechanism. Our data suggests that using this fusion vaccine to prevent H. pylori infection is a promising option.

In vitro true root cultures of Lotus hebranicus Hochst. ex brand: profiling of secondary metabolites and plausible in vivo gastroprotective effect

In vitro, the Lotus hebranicus produces true root cultures under entirely growth regulator-free culture conditions. These roots are completely independent of the shoots and gives abundant amounts of biomass of true root culture as raw materials in a short time. Lately, gastric ulcer have gained an increasing interest as it affects millions around the world. So, this study aimed to screen and evaluate the chemical constituents of the L. hebranicus extract (plant and true root culture), in addition to studying the biological effect of these extracts on mice with ethanol-induced gastric ulcer and the possible role of mediating oxidative stress, inflammation and TGFβ/Smad3 as underlying mechanisms. Fifty-four Albino mice were assigned into nine groups (n = 6). Lotus was orally administered for seven successive days, followed by a single dose of oral ethanol for ulcer induction. Using histological assessment and immunohistochemical studies as well as colorimetric analysis, ELISA and qRT-PCR, the results revealed that ethanol-induced ulcers exhibited a substantial increase (p < 0.05) in malondialdehyde and interleukin 18 with a remarkable lessening in the gastro-protective mediators; superoxide dismutase, prostaglandin E2 and glutathione, parallel with an increase in TGFβ/Smad3 expressions relative to control. Pre-treatment with L. hebranicus showed a comparable result to those with omeprazole and showed a significant inhibitory effect on inflammatory mediators and significant elevation of the gastro-protective mediators relative to the positive control. In conclusion, L. hebranicus extract (plant/true root culture) has the potential to protect the gastric tissues against ethanol by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation and enhancing TGFβ/Smad3 mediators along with gastric protective mediators.

Research progress in photodynamic therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a pathogenic microorganism that colonizes the human gastric mucosa and can lead to various gastric disorders, including gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer. However, the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in H. pylori has prompted the search for alternative treatment options. Photodynamic therapy has emerged as a potential alternative therapy, thus offering the advantage of avoiding some of the side effects associated with antibiotics and effectively targeting drug-resistant strains. In the postantibiotic era, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown promise as a novel treatment for H. pylori infection. This review focused on elucidating the mechanism of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of H. pylori. Additionally, we present an overview of the current research on photodynamic therapy by examining both standalone photodynamic therapy and combination therapies for H. pylori infection treatment. Furthermore, the safety profile of photodynamic therapy was also evaluated. Finally, we discuss the challenges and prospects associated with this innovative technology, with an aim to provide new insights and methodologies for the treatment of H. pylori infection.