Interstitial Cells Of Cajal Research Articles

Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 3 (SERCA3) expression in gastrointestinal stromal tumours

Accurate characterisation of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) is important for prognosis and the choice of targeted therapies. Histologically the diagnosis relies on positive immunostaining of tumours for KIT (CD117) and DOG1. Here we report that GISTs also abundantly express the type 3 Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase (SERCA3). SERCA enzymes transport calcium ions from the cytosol into the endoplasmic reticulum and play an important role in regulating the intensity and the periodicity of calcium-induced cell activation. GISTs from various localisations, histological and molecular subtypes or risk categories were intensely immunopositive for SERCA3 with the exception of PDGFRA-mutated cases where expression was high or moderate. Strong SERCA3 expression was observed also in normal and hyperplastic interstitial cells of Cajal. Decreased SERCA3 expression in GIST was exceptionally observed in a zonal pattern, where CD117 staining was similarly decreased, reflecting clonal heterogeneity. In contrast to GIST, SERCA3 immunostaining of spindle cell tumours and other gastrointestinal tumours resembling GIST was negative or weak. In conclusion, SERCA3 immunohistochemistry may be useful for the diagnosis of GIST with high confidence, when used as a third marker in parallel with KIT and DOG1. Moreover, SERCA3 immunopositivity may be particularly helpful in cases with negative or weak KIT or DOG1 staining, a situation that may be encountered de novo, or during the spontaneous or therapy-induced clonal evolution of GIST.

Clinical and Morphological Characteristics of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor.

Introduction: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are a rare form of cancer located within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, defined as tumors with spindle, epithelioid, or occasionally pleomorphic cells. They originate in the interstitial cells of Cajal, with the function of "pacemaker" of gastrointestinal motility. Their behavior is dictated by changes in the c-kit/PDGFRA gene, which is often highlighted by immunolabeling. Methods: We report the clinical, macroscopic, microscopic, and immunohistochemical characteristics of consecutive patients diagnosed with GIST who underwent surgical removal of the tumor in our department between 2008-2022. Results: We included 20 consecutive patients. The presentation was considered a surgical emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention in most subjects. The most common localization is the small intestine (n=9, 45%), followed by the stomach (n=7, 35%), colon (n=3, 15%), and peritoneum (n=1, n=5%). Histologically, the tumors were predominantly mixed (n=10, 50%) followed by spindle type (n=8, 40%) and epithelioid - 2 cases (10%). Conclusion: The clinical presentation of GISTs remains heterogeneous, and the diagnosis is predominantly postsurgical, using complex immunohistochemistry analysis. The tumor size and number of mitoses are strongly associated with the long-term prognosis.

Morphofunctional traits and reactivity of the portal vein

Background: Portal vein is the most enigmatic vessel of our body because it regulates own contractile performances using a special pace-maker mechanism represented by cells of Cajal. The contribution of various metabolic mediators and natural vasotropic agents in the control of the portal blood circuit is much less studied compared to the arterial system in general and the hepatic system in particular. The studies designed on the structure, function, and reactivity of the portal vein in different preconditioning have brought some common but also distinct evidence of the arterial system. Nitric oxide production is higher partly due to reduced arginase expression, but muscular media is thinner. Periodic spontaneous contractions directed towards the liver gate are characteristic for portal vein (PV), and the longitudinal muscle fibers are considered to be responsible for this phenomenon. Spontaneous rhythmic oscillations of the cells of Cajal are triggered by increasing calcium ion concentration leading to their depolarization. PV constrictor effect of phenylephrine is dependent on the activity of receptors to ET-1. For PV is characterized the acetylcholine induced contraction either in vivo or in vitro, and this effect is thought to be dependent on ET-1. Conclusions: The establishment of main particularities of portal vein reactivity of action of different paracrine, endocrine, and hemodynamical stimuli represents an important tool for prediction of contractile disorders leading plausible to portal hypertension. Likewise, a well proven interplay between cholinergic and adrenergic stimulations and on the other hand between Ang II and ET-1 actions must be a support for pharmacological modulating of portal vein reactivity disorders.

A Rare Case of Epithelioid Variant of Duodenal Gastrointestinal Tumour

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are uncommon mesenchymal neoplasms of the digestive tract that develop from pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells. GISTs develop from interstitial cells of Cajal or their precursors that are distributed throughout the muscular wall of the gastrointestinal tract.
 Rare mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract called gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are derived from pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells. The interstitial cells of Cajal or their progenitors, which are dispersed throughout the muscular wall of the gastrointestinal system, give rise to gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). At a median age of 55–60 years old, they have an incidence of 10–20/million each year.[1-4] They develop mostly in the stomach (60%) and small intestine (35%) before developing in the rectum, oesophagus, omentum, and mesentery more than 5%. [2] Only less than 5% of GISTs are duodenal.[5] The majority of cases are sporadic, however 5% involve a family condition, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 or the Carney triad.[2] As a result of blockage, anaemia, or gastrointestinal bleeding from a core ulceration, they typically manifest with abdominal discomfort. The discovery of small duodenal GISTs during gastroscopy is possible.
 Within the GIST category, the epithelioid variant represents a distinct subtype that is less common than other variants, such as spindle cell or mixed cell types. The overall prevalence of epithelioid GISTs is relatively low compared to other subtypes. Large extragastric components may extend intraluminally or to the serosal side in larger tumours. GISTs have non-specific abdominal pain and distention as their clinical signs and symptoms; as a result, diagnosis and treatment are frequently delayed, which result in therapeutic failures and high morbidity and fatality rates. GISTs can exhibit a variety of histological subtypes under a microscope, including the spindle cell type (70%) and the epithelioid type (20–25%), as well as the combined spindle cell and epithelioid type. [6] The histopathological features of epithelioid GISTs have been extensively studied in the literature. One study by Pai et al. (2016) found that epithelioid GISTs had higher cellularity, higher mitotic counts, and more prominent nucleoli than other GIST subtypes. [7] Cytologically, the features of duodenal GIST resemble those of adenocarcinoma. Epithelioid Duodenal GIST must be differentiated from adenocarcinoma.
 We are reporting the case of a 68-year-old female who complained of pain abdomen, and constipation since 1 year. Pain was associated with nausea, vomiting, not able to digest food solid>liquid and USG guided FNAC was advised. Cytological features confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid variant of duodenal GIST.

Three-Dimensional Fractal Analysis of the Interstitial Cells of Cajal Networks of Gastrointestinal Tissue Specimens.

Several functional gastrointestinaldisorders (FGIDs) have been associated with the degradation or remodeling of the network of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Introducing fractal analysis to the field of gastroenterology as a promising data analytics approach to extract key structural characteristics that may provide insightful features for machine learning applications in disease diagnostics. Fractal geometry has advantages over several physically based parameters (or classical metrics) for analysis of intricate and complex microstructures that could be applied to ICC networks. In this study, three fractal structural parameters: Fractal Dimension, Lacunarity, and Succolarity were employed to characterize scale-invariant complexity, heterogeneity, and anisotropy; respectively of three types of gastric ICC network structures from a flat-mount transgenic mouse stomach. The Fractal Dimension of ICC in the longitudinal muscle layer was found to be significantly lower than ICC in the myenteric plexus and circumferential muscle in the proximal, and distal antrum, respectively (both p < 0.0001). Conversely, the Lacunarity parameters for ICC-LM and ICC-CM were found to be significantly higher than ICC-MP in the proximal and in the distal antrum, respectively (both p < 0.0001). The Succolarity measures of ICC-LM network in the aboral direction were found to be consistently higher in the proximal than in the distal antrum (p < 0.05). The fractal parameters presented here could go beyond the limitation of classical metrics to provide better understanding of the structural-functional relationship between ICC networks and the conduction of gastric bioelectrical slow waves.

Interstitial cells of Cajal - pacemakers of the gastrointestinal tract.

Gastrointestinal (GI) organs display spontaneous, non-neurogenic electrical, and mechanical rhythmicity that underlies fundamental motility patterns, such as peristalsis and segmentation. Electrical rhythmicity (aka slow waves) results from pacemaker activity generated by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). ICC express a unique set of ionic conductances and Ca2+ handling mechanisms that generate and actively propagate slow waves. GI smooth muscle cells lack these conductances. Slow waves propagate actively within ICC networks and conduct electrotonically to smooth muscle cells via gap junctions. Slow waves depolarize smooth muscle cells and activate voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (predominantly CaV1.2), causing Ca2+ influx and excitation-contraction coupling. The main conductances responsible for pacemaker activity in ICC are ANO1, a Ca2+ -activated Cl- conductance, and CaV3.2. The pacemaker cycle, as currently understood, begins with spontaneous, localized Ca2+ release events in ICC that activate spontaneous transient inward currents due to activation of ANO1 channels. Depolarization activates CaV 3.2 channels, causing the upstroke depolarization phase of slow waves. The upstroke is transient and followed by a long-duration plateau phase that can last for several seconds. The plateau phase results from Ca2+ -induced Ca2+ release and a temporal cluster of localized Ca2+ transients in ICC that sustains activation of ANO1 channels and clamps membrane potential near the equilibrium potential for Cl- ions. The plateau phase ends, and repolarization occurs, when Ca2+ stores are depleted, Ca2+ release ceases and ANO1 channels deactivate. This review summarizes key mechanisms responsible for electrical rhythmicity in gastrointestinal organs.

Histological changes in the colon wall in adult patients with chronic slow-transit constipation

The prevalence of chronic constipation in the population ranges from 3% to 27%. Women, senile people, and people of low socio‑economic status are in this risk group more often. Many histological studies of the intestinal wall were performed in order to find the causes of slow‑transit constipation [6, 4]. The different pathological changes, including myopathies, neuropathy, and pathology of the interstitial cells of Cajal, were established. The specific distribution of the types of histological changes in the colon wall in patients with slow‑transit constipation, as presented in the London classification, is currently unknown.&#x0D; Objective — to determine the specific distribution of the types of histological changes in the colon wall in patients with slow‑transit constipation unresponsive to conservative treatment.&#x0D; Materials and methods. A pathomorphological comparative case‑control study was performed. The main group included 105 patients who underwent colectomy as a treatment for chronic slow‑transit constipation in the period 2011—2023. The surgical intervention was indicated for patients with chronic slow‑transit constipation, resistance to conservative treatment, and a notable decline in quality of life. The comparison group included 27 deceased persons who did not experience constipation during their lifetime. The patient exclusion criteria were Hirschsprung’s disease, proctogenic constipation (dysfunction of the rectum and pelvic floor), medication‑associated constipation, as well as mental disorders. The histological and immunological examinations of samples were carried out in both groups, in the comparison group — appendix, ileum, cecum, colon and sigmoid colon.&#x0D; Results. Four main morphological phenotypes of the colon wall structure elements in patients with chronic slow‑transit constipation were identified according to the research data: 1) histologically intact type, 2) myopathic type, 3) Cajal type, 4) neuropathic. A combination of different types of histological changes was also registered, but one of them usually dominated.&#x0D; Conclusions. Four main types of histological changes in the intestinal wall were found in patients with chronic slow‑transit constipation resistant to conservative treatment: myopathic changes (56.2%), Cajal cell pathology (19%), neuropathic changes (19%), and a histologically intact variant (5.8%). The myopathic type is characterised by the heterogeneity of morphological manifestations, which can be referred to as dystrophic changes (dystrophic subtype 79.7%) and inflammatory changes (inflammatory subtype 20.3%), p=0.001.&#x0D;

Total alditols from Cistanche deserticola attenuate functional constipation by regulating bile acid metabolism

Headings ethnopharmacological relevanceFunctional constipation (FC), characterized by chronic constipation, significantly impacts physiological function and induces psychological stress in patients. However, current clinical treatment options for FC are currently limited. Cistanche deserticola, a traditional Chinese medicine that promotes intestinal moisture and bowel relaxation, contains cistanche total alditol extract (CTAE) as its primary active extract. However, the production of CTAE, its overall efficacy, and potential mechanisms for treating FC have yet to been investigated. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to reveal the overall efficacy and potential mechanism of action of CTAE in rats with FC using a combination of stable preparation, pharmacodynamics, non-targeted metabolomics, bile acid metabolomics, and western blotting. Materials and methodsFourteen batches of CTAE underwent quality testing. A rat model of FC was developed using diphenoxylate tablets. The comprehensive pharmacodynamic effects of CTAE on FC were evaluated using fecal characteristics (wet weight, dry weight, and water content), intestinal transmission (colonic EMG amplitude, colonic EMG frequency, propulsion length, and propulsion rate), serum and colon biochemical indicators, distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), and pathological examination. Non-targeted metabolomics was performed to assess the changes in endogenous metabolite profiles induced by CTAE. Bile acid metabolomics and western blotting analyses were employed to validate the potential mechanisms of action of CTAE. ResultsCTAE, with a total content of betaine, mannitol, D-fructose, glucose, and sucrose of (75.67 ± 3.73) %, significantly enhanced intestinal transit, regulated neurotransmitters, increased the expression of c-kit in ICC, and alleviated intestinal inflammation in rats with FC. Non-targeted metabolomics revealed that CTAE significantly alleviated FC-induced metabolic disorders, mainly the biosynthesis of primary bile acids. Targeted metabolomic analysis confirmed that CTAE regulated FC-induced bile acid disorders. Western-blotting results confirmed that CTAE increased the expression of CYP8B1, FGF15, TGR5, and FXR, thereby modulating bile acid synthesis and enterohepatic circulation. ConclusionCTAE demonstrates significant therapeutic effects on FC, primarily through the regulation of bile acid synthesis and enterohepatic circulation. These findings provide a promising foundation for the development and clinical application of novel CATE-based drugs.

Gastroschisis Associated Intestinal Dysmotility: What Can We Do?

The cause of gastroschisis is not fully known, but risk factors like prenatal tobacco exposure, maternal infection and maternal drug use are often associated. When gastroschisis occurs with intestinal dysmotility, the enteric interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) implicate the dysmotility and may ultimately impact the growth of an infant. Furthermore, neonates experience growth weight failure when not taking any enteral feedings secondary to dysmotility. We had a case of an infant with gastroschisis and intestinal atresia who had a prolonged course of feeding intolerance and abdominal distention after his bowel resection. His growth was preserved because of careful management of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a judicious nutrition plan.

The probiotic fermented milk of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei JY062 and Lactobacillus gasseri JM1 alleviates constipation via improving gastrointestinal motility and gut microbiota

Constipation is directly related to the intestinal microenvironment, in which the promotion of gastrointestinal (GI) motility and improvement of gut microbiota distribution are important for alleviating symptoms. Herein, after the intervention of probiotic fermented milk (FMMIX) containing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei JY062 and Lactobacillus gasseri JM1 for 14 d in Kunming mice with loperamide-induced constipation, the results indicated that FMMIX significantly increased the secretion of serum motilin, gastrin and 5-hydroxytryptamine, as well as decreased the secretion of peptide YY, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and nitric oxide in mice. As determined by immunohistochemical analysis, FMMIX promoted an augmentation in the quantity of Cajal interstitial cells. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression of c-kit and stem cell factor (SCF) were upregulated to facilitate intestinal motility. High-throughput sequencing and gas chromatography techniques revealed that FMMIX led to an increase in the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Oscillospira, Ruminococcus, Coprococcus, and Akkermansia), reduced the presence of harmful bacteria (Prevotella), and resulted in elevated levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) with a superior improvement compared with unfermented milk. Untargeted metabolomics revealed significant upregulation of functional metabolites such as l-pipecolinic acid, dl-phenylalanine, and naringenin in FMMIX, presumably playing a potential role in constipation relief. Overall, our results showed that FMMIX had the potential to alleviate constipation symptoms in mice by improving the secretion of serum GI regulatory peptides and neurotransmitters, increasing the expression of c-kit and SCF proteins, and modulating the gut microbiota structure and SCFA levels, and may be associated with an increase in these functional metabolites. This suggested that FMMIX could be a promising adjunctive strategy for managing constipation symptoms and could contribute to the development of functional foods aimed at improving gut health.

Effect of Yiyuan moxibustion on urodynamics and TRPV4/ATP/P2X5 signal pathway of bladder tissue in rats with neurogenic bladder after sacral cord injury.

To observe the effect of Yiyuan moxibustion on urodynamics and the expressions of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), tyrosine protein kinase KIT (C-Kit) and adenosine triphosphate receptor P2X5 in bladder tissue of rats with detrusor reflex-free neurogenic bladder (NB) after sacral cord injury (SCI), so as to explore its mechanism in promoting the recovery of urination function of NB rats. Female SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model, Yiyuan moxibustion, Yiyuan moxibustion+inhibitor (combination) and inhibitor groups, with 12 rats in each group. The model of detruser reflex-free NB after sacral SCI was established by modified Hassan Shaker spinal cord transection method. The behavioral score of Basso Beasttie Bresnahan (BBB) and urodynamic indexes were used to evaluate the model of rats after operation. Fifteen days after modeling, Yiyuan moxibustion was applied to "Shenque" (CV8) and "Guanyuan" (CV4) for 20 min, once daily for 14 days. Rats of the inhibitor and combination groups were given intravesical instillation of HC067047 (1 mL, 1 μmol/L, 30 min). After the interventions, urodynamics was used to evaluate the bladder function of rats. HE staining was used to observe the morphology of bladder tissue. ATP content in bladder tissue was detected by colorimetric method. The positive expression rates of C-Kit and their receptor P2X5 in bladder tissue were observed by immunofluorescence double labeling method, and TRPV4, C-Kit, and P2X5 protein expression levels in bladder tissue were detected by Western blot. Compared with the sham operation group, the maximum bladder capacity and bladder compliance of rats in the model group were increased (P<0.01), the leak point pressure, ATP content, the possitive expression rates of C-Kit and P2X5, and the protein expression levels of TRPV4, C-Kit, P2X5 in bladder tissue were decreased (P<0.01). In comparison with the model and combination groups, the Yiyuan moxibustion group showed a decrease in maximum bladder capacity and bladder compliance (P<0.01), an increase in leakage point pressure, ATP content, the possitive expression rates of C-Kit and P2X5, and TRPV4, C-Kit, and P2X5 protein expression levels (P<0.01, P<0.05)；However, these indicators showed opposite trends in the inhibitor group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Yiyuan moxibustion can improve the urodynamics and bladder function in rats with bladder detrusor nonreflective after SCI, which may be related to its effect in activating the TRPV4 channel in bladder tissue, promoting the release of ATP from bladder epithelium, thus increasing the expression of bladder Cajal interstitial cells and their purinergic P2X5 receptors.

Electroacupuncture inhibits PDK1/Akt/HCN4 pathway to improve neurogenic urinary retention in rats.

To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on neurogenic urinary retention rats, so as to explore the underlying mechanism of EA in treating neurogenic urinary retention by focusing on 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1)/protein kinase B (Akt)/hyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel 4 (HCN4) pathway. Female SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model, EA, PDK1 inhibitor, HCN4 blocker and EA + HCN4 blocker groups, with 20 rats in each group. The model of sacral spinal cord injury was established by modified Hassan Shaker spinal cord transection method. EA (2 Hz/15 Hz, 0.5 mA) was applied to "Zhongji" (CV3) and "Zhongliao" (BL33) for 20 min, once daily for 10 days. Rats of the PDK1 inhibitor group received intraperitoneal injection of OSU-03012 (20 mg/kg), and rats of the HCN4 blocker group received intraperitoneal injection of ivabradine (10 mg/kg), both once every other day for 10 days. The urodynamic indexes of rats were detected by multi-channel physiological recorder；muscle strip test was used to detect detrusor excitability；the morphological changes of bladder were observed by HE staining. Immunofluorescence double staining was used to detect the co-expression of HCN4 and C-Kit, a specific marker of interstitial cells of Cajal in bladder. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PDK1/Akt/HCN4 pathway proteins in bladder tissue and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), a protein related to bladder contraction function. Compared with the sham operation group, the rats in the model group showed urinary dysfunction, decreased leak point pressure, isolated detrusor spontaneous contraction frequency, fluorescence intensity of C-Kit positive cells, HCN4+/C-Kit+ co-expression, HCN4 and p-HSP27/HSP27 protein expression in bladder tissue (P<0.05), and increased maximum bladder capacity and comp-liance, minimum tension during contraction of isolated detrusor, PDK1 and p-Akt/Akt protein expression in bladder tissue (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the above index were all reversed after EA and PDK1 inhibitor intervention (P<0.05). In comparison with the EA group, the rats had severe urinary dysfunction, the urine leakage point pressure, spontaneous contraction frequency, fluorescence intensity of C-Kit positive cells, the co-expression of HCN4+/C-Kit+, and the protein expression of HCN4 and p-HSP27/HSP27 were decreased (P<0.05), the maximum bladder capacity and compliance, the minimum tension during contraction of isolated detrusor, and the protein expression of PDK1 and p-Akt/Akt in bladder tissue were increased (P<0.05) in both HCN4 blocker and EA+HCN4 blocker groups. HE staining showed exfoliated bladder epithelium and disordered layers, vacuolization of bladder wall cells, with infiltration of neutrophils in mucosal and muscular layers in the model group, which were relatively milder in the EA and PDK1 inhibitor groups, but worse in the HCN4 blocker and EA + HCN4 blocker groups. EA can improve the urinary dysfunction in rats with neurogenic urinary retention, which may be related to its effect in inhibiting the activation of PDK1/Akt pathway, promo-ting HCN4-mediated detrusor excitatory contraction and urinary electrical signal activation.

Surgery for multiple gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors and large esophageal diverticulum related to germline mutation of the KIT gene: a case report

BackgroundFamilial gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are mesenchymal tumors of the digestive tract caused by germline gain-of-function mutations in the KIT gene or platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha gene (PDGFRA). These mutations cause not only multiple GISTs but also diffuse hyperplasia of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), which is related to esophageal motility disorder.Case presentationA 53-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of anemia and dysphagia. Fifteen years earlier, he had undergone a laparoscopic partial gastrectomy for multiple gastric GISTs with a germline mutation in exon 17 of the KIT gene. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed that the patient had multiple gastric GISTs and a large esophageal diverticulum directly above the esophagogastric junction. The largest gastric tumor was 7 cm, with a delle that might cause bleeding. Because the patient presented with dysphagia, we performed video-assisted thoracic esophagectomy and laparoscopic-assisted proximal gastrectomy simultaneously. The patient had survived without metastasis for 4 years after surgery and dysphagia had improved.ConclusionsThis is the first report of successful laparoscopic–thoracoscopic surgery for a patient with familial gastric GISTs accompanied with a large esophageal diverticulum.

Computational modeling of anoctamin 1 calcium-activated chloride channels as pacemaker channels in interstitial cells of Cajal

The system of equations and figures presented in the primary paper (Lees Green et al, 2014) are verified and reproduced in this paper’s curation effort. We describe here the model encoding in the CellML format and document the differences between this encoding and the published model (Lees Green et al, 2014) to demonstrate reproducibility.

Computational modeling of anoctamin 1 calcium-activated chloride channels as pacemaker channels in interstitial cells of Cajal

The system of equations and figures presented in the primary paper (Lees Green et al, 2014) are verified and reproduced in this paper’s curation effort. We describe here the model encoding in the CellML format and document the differences between this encoding and the published model (Lees Green et al, 2014) to demonstrate reproducibility.

Case report: gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) in the small intestine

The analysis of contemporary scientifi literature, clinical recommendations, and the identifiation of challenges in the diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative care of patients encountered by non-oncology physicians are conducted. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are neoplasms originating from the gastrointestinal tract’s mesenchymal cells, particularly from interstitial Cajal cells. They hold an intermediate position between benign and malignant tumors, occurring at a rarity rate of approximately 1 to 3 %. The description of this pathology in both domestic and foreign literature is infrequent. A clinical case description from personal practice is presented, detailing the assessment of preoperative research methods and surgical tactics, along with the results of histological and immuno-histochemical studies. An important aspect in the postoperative period involves assessing the risk of tumour recurrence and metastasis. Notably, GISTs are characterized by the absence of lymphogenic metastasis and an extremely low frequency of infitrative growth. Thus, it is now a common practice to perform resections without lymph node dissection. The primary method for defiitive diagnosis confimation is an immuno-histochemical study, crucial for determining the indications for targeted therapy. The rare incidence of GISTs in the small intestine in non-oncological medical practice, compounded by the limitations of endoscopic imaging methods for the small intestine, poses challenges in establishing a diagnosis during the outpatient examination.

Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction (UPJO)

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is an abnormality in the canal that connects the renal pelvis to the ureter, leading to impairment of urinary flow. The use of maternal ultrasound has increased the number of UPJO during the antenatal period. Histopathological features in UPJO are important for establishing the diagnosis and understanding the pathogenesis of the condition. The current study aims to explain the irregularity of the muscularis propria and a decreased Cajal cells in the affected segment of the UPJO.

Plant-based meat analogues enhance the gastrointestinal motility function and appetite of mice by specific volatile compounds and peptides

Eating behavior is critical for maintaining energy homeostasis. Previous studies have found that plant-based meat analogues increased diet intake in mice compared with animal meat under a free feeding mode, however the reasons were unclear. To explore the underlying mechanisms of plant-based meat analogues increasing diet intake, mice were fed animal or plant-based pork and beef analogue diets, respectively. Biochemical and histological analyses were performed to evaluate appetite-regulating hormones and gastrointestinal motility function. Peptiomics and GC-IMS were applied to identify key substances. We found that the intake of plant-based meat analogues significantly enhanced the gastrointestinal motility function of mice. The long-term intake (68 days) of plant-based meat analogues significantly increased the muscle layer thickness of the duodenum and jejunum of mice; the activity of gastrointestinal cells of Cajal were also promoted by upregulating the expression of c-kit related signals as compared to animal meat; plant-based meat analogues intake markedly enhanced the signal intensity of the intestinal neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) by upregulating the expression of 5-HT synthase and receptors but downregulating its transporter and catabolic enzyme in the intestine. Moreover, plant-based meat analogues intake significantly increased levels of appetite-stimulating factors in the peripheral or hypothalamus but reduced levels of appetite-suppressing factors compared with animal meat. Specific volatile compounds were significantly associated with appetite regulating factors. Among them, 7 substances such as linalool have a potential promoting effect on food intake. Besides, different digestive peptides in gastrointestinal tract may affect eating behavior mainly through the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway, exerting hormone-like effects or influencing endocrine cell secretion. These findings preliminarily clarified the mechanism of plant-based meat analogues promoting diet intake and provided a theoretical basis for a reasonable diet.

S1907 Effect of Chronic Gastric Electrical Stimulation on Regeneration of Gastric Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Gastroparesis Patients

S1907 Effect of Chronic Gastric Electrical Stimulation on Regeneration of Gastric Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Gastroparesis Patients

S1913 Quantification of Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Gastric Muscles of Patients With or Without Gastroparesis

S1913 Quantification of Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Gastric Muscles of Patients With or Without Gastroparesis