Gastric Acid Levels Research Articles

Accuracy of pH strip testing and pH liquid testing versus standard pH meter of gastric contents in critically ill patients: a diagnostic accuracy study

ObjectiveThe utilisation of pH level measurements from gastric contents may indicate the preferred tip position of a nasogastric tube or monitor the efficacy of stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill...

Gastroprotective Effect of Abelmoschus esculentus (Ex-Maradi Okra Fruit Variety) Against Ethanol-Induced Ulcers in Rats

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt The study evaluates the gastroprotective properties of the Ex-Maradi variety of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in Wister rats, specifically comparing fresh okra mucilage (FOM) and dried okra powder (DOP). The significant ulcer inhibition and antioxidant effects of DOP, particularly at a 500 mg/kg dosage, indicate its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for peptic ulcer disease. The research highlights the potential for developing green anti-ulcer formulations derived from okra, expanding the scope of nutraceutical applications for this commonly consumed vegetable. Full Abstract Peptic ulcer disease, a notable gastrointestinal disorder, results from an imbalance between gastric acid secretion and the factors maintaining gastric mucosal integrity. Abelmoschus esculentus, commonly known for its mucilaginous and nutraceutical properties, also exhibits an antacid effect. This research aimed to examine the antacid properties of fresh okra fruit mucilage (FOM) and dried okra fruit powder (DOP) of the Ex-Maradi okra fruit variety against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in Wister rats. Rats were randomly assigned to seven groups consisting of six rats each. Rats in the FOM and that of the DOP group were pretreated orally with 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of the FOM and DOP, respectively; the drug control (DC) group was pretreated orally with 20 mg/kg body weight of Cimetidine while the normal control (NC) group and the ulcer control (UC) group were pretreated orally with normal saline (2 mL/kg body weight). All the treatments were done for seven days before the induction of the ulcer. Ulcer index (UI), percentage inhibition (PI), gastric volume, gastric pH, total acidity, and total antioxidant power (TAP) were evaluated to assess the gastro-protective effect of the FOM and DOP in the rats. Both FOM and DOP groups demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) protection with a low ulcer index (2.41 ± 0.12) and high ulcer inhibition (75.6 %) against the damaging effect of ethanol on the gastric mucosa of the animals. Additionally, DOP also exhibited a strong antioxidant effect with a good percentage inhibition value (56.53 ± 2.1%) compared to the ulcer control group. These results were further supported by the histopathological findings from the rats’ stomachs. In conclusion, the Ex-Maradi okra fruit, especially the DOP500, demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) gastro-protective effects and maintained a relatively intact and continuous epithelial surface of the rats’ stomachs. Overall, its gastroprotective effects may be possibly mediated by its potential to modulate the antioxidant system and gastric acid levels. Hence, the dried okra fruit could be suitable for the development of green anti-ulcer formulations.

Simulated Gastric Acid Promotes the Horizontal Transfer of Multidrug Resistance Genes across Bacteria in the Gastrointestinal Tract at Elevated pH Levels.

The assessment of factors that can promote the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) across bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract is in great demand to understand the occurrence of infections related to antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in humans. However, whether acid-resistant enteric bacteria can promote ARG transmission in gastric fluid under high-pH conditions remains unknown. This study assessed the effects of simulated gastric fluid (SGF) at different pH levels on the RP4 plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer of ARGs. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis, measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, assessment of cell membrane permeability, and real-time quantitative assessment of the expression of key genes were performed to identify the underlying mechanisms. The frequency of conjugative transfer was the highest in SGF at pH 4.5. Antidepressant consumption and certain dietary factors further negatively impacted this situation, with 5.66-fold and 4.26-fold increases in the conjugative transfer frequency being noted upon the addition of sertraline and 10% glucose, respectively, compared with that in the control group without any additives. The induction of ROS generation, the activation of cellular antioxidant systems, increases in cell membrane permeability, and the promotion of adhesive pilus formation were factors potentially contributing to the increased transfer frequency. These findings indicate that conjugative transfer could be enhanced under certain circumstances in SGF at elevated pH levels, thereby facilitating ARG transmission in the gastrointestinal tract. IMPORTANCE The low pH of gastric acid kills unwanted microorganisms, in turn affecting their inhabitation in the intestine. Hence, studies on the factors that influence antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) propagation in the gastrointestinal tract and on the underlying mechanisms are limited. In this study, we constructed a conjugative transfer model in the presence of simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and found that SGF could promote the dissemination of ARGs under high-pH conditions. Furthermore, antidepressant consumption and certain dietary factors could negatively impact this situation. Transcriptomic analysis and a reactive oxygen species assay revealed the overproduction of reactive oxygen species as a potential mechanism by which SGF could promote conjugative transfer. This finding can help provide a comprehensive understanding of the bloom of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the body and create awareness regarding the risk of ARG transmission due to certain diseases or an improper diet and the subsequent decrease in gastric acid levels.

Chard extract increased gastric sialic acid and ameliorated oxidative stress in valproic acid-administered rats

Valproic acid, one of the most used drugs for epilepsy patients, has some known side effects. Chard extract has many pharmacological activities. The study aims to evaluate whether valproic acid might interfere with oxidative metabolism in gastric tissue and whether chard ameliorates these effects. The Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n=8); control, chard-given control, valproic acid, and chard-given valproic acid. The aqueous extracts of chard leaves were given 1 h before the administration of valproic acid for 7 days. On the 8th day, the animals were sacrificed under anesthesia and gastric tissues were homogenized. When compared to the control group, valproic acid significantly increased malondialdehyde and catalase activity, while superoxide dismutase activity decreased. Chard administration increased glutathione and, sialic acid levels and decreased malondialdehyde levels and superoxide dismutase activity in the valproic acid group. Based on these findings, since chard increased gastric sialic acid levels, we may suggest that chard may protect gastric mucosa may be through its antioxidant effects.

Scheduling Dosage of Proton Pump Inhibitors Using Constrained Optimization With Gastric Acid Secretion Model

Dosage schedule of the Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) is critical for gastric acid disorder treatment. In this paper, we develop a constrained optimization based approach for scheduling the PPIs dosage. In particular, we exploit a mathematical prediction model describing the gastric acid secretion, and use it within the optimization algorithm to predict the acid level. The dosage of the PPIs which is used to enforce acid level constraints is computed by solving a constrained optimization problem. Simulation results show that the proposed approach can successfully suppress the gastric acid level with less PPIs intake compared with the conventional fixed PPIs dosage regimen, which may reduce the long-term side effects of the PPIs.

Effect of Islamic Ramadan fasting on peptic ulcer perforation: A retrospective comparative study

Background: Fasting for extended periods of time increases gastric acid and pepsin levels and consequently the risk of peptic ulcer perforation (PUP). The effects of Ramadan fasting on PUP have not been thoroughly studied, and a few existing studies report contradictory findings. The present study compares patients with PUP operated during the Islamic Ramadan fasting to those operated outside this period and determines whether an association between Ramadan fasting and PUP exists. Patients and methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study between June 2019 and December 2020 was conducted at the Al-Nasr Hospital in the city of Ibb in Yemen. All adult patients operated for a PUP were included. Patient demographic characteristics, risk factors for peptic ulcer, ultrasound and radiological findings on admission, operative findings, postoperative complications, and outcomes were collected from the Hospital Medical Records. Patients were divided into two groups for comparison. Group A included the patients operated on during Ramadan, while Group B included patients operated on outside Ramadan. Results: A total of 40 adult patients with PUP were included. The overall mean age of the participants was 41.6 ± 8.21 years (range: 23–58 years). Most patients were men (30, 75%), and most (19, 47.5%) were admitted to the Al-Nasr Hospital between 24 and 48 hours from the start of the symptoms. History of chewing khat, consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, dyspepsia, alcohol use, and smoking were presented in 39 (97.5%), 30 (75%), 36 (90%), 6 (15%), and 35 (87.5%) patients, respectively. The most presented blood group (57.5% of patients) was O type. Most of the patients (72.5%) presented with multiple gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, anorexia, vomiting, and constipation. An x-ray found air under the diaphragm in 85% of the patients. Ultrasonography found free fluid in 20 (50%) patients. The size of the perforated ulcer (diameter) was less than 10 mm in 65% of the patients. Postoperative complications were surgical site infection, fluid collection, need for reoperation, and intra-abdominal sepsis in 6 (15%), 4 (10%), 3 (7.5%), and 3 (7.5%) patients, respectively. Most patients (37, 92.5%) recovered well and were discharged from the hospital, and three (7.5%) patients died. The comparative analysis demonstrated a significantly younger age in those operated during Ramadan fasting (Group A) compared to those operated at other times of the year (Group B; 38.8 ± 7.42 years vs. 44.4 ± 8.17; p = 0.029). We observed a statistically significant increase in the number of patients with PUP operated on during Ramadan (p = 0.006), compared to those operated at other times of the year. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in demographic factors, radiologic findings, operative findings, or outcomes (p ≥ 0.05). During the ultrasound, ascites were more frequently diagnosed in group A patients, while acute appendicitis was generally misdiagnosed in Group B patients, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.013). Conclusions: The findings of the present study report an increase in the number of PUP operations during Ramadan fasting in Yemen, but not in postoperative complications, suggesting an association between Ramadan fasting and PUP.

Deprescribing: What About Vitamins, Minerals, and Other Nutritional Supplements?

Deprescribing: What About Vitamins, Minerals, and Other Nutritional Supplements?

The Spatial Landscape of the Bacterial Community and Bile Acids in the Digestive Tract of Patients With Bile Reflux.

BackgroundBile reflux can lead to inflammation and increased intestinal metaplasia. Since bile acids can influence the gastrointestinal environment, it is possible that bile reflux may alter the gastric microbiota and potentially the oral or gut microbiota. Bile acids have a very complex interrelationship with microbiota. We aimed to explore the characteristics of the digestive tract microbiota and bile acids profile in bile reflux patients.MethodsThis study included 20 chronic gastritis patients with bile reflux and 20 chronic gastritis patients without bile reflux. Saliva, gastric fluid, and fecal samples were collected for bile acid testing. Buccal mucosal swabs, gastric mucosal tissues, and feces were collected for bacteria detection. The UPLC-MS/MS examined bile acids profiles. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the bacterial profile.ResultsBilirubin in the blood increased in bile reflux patients. No other clinical factors were identified to be significantly associated with bile reflux. 12-DHCA, 6,7-diketo LCA, and βHDCA decreased while TUDCA increased in saliva of bile reflux patients. Streptococcus, Capnocytophaga, Neisseria, and Actinobacillus decreased in oral mucosa of bile reflux patients while Helicobacter, Prevotella, and Veillonella increased. Gastric bile acid levels were generally higher in bile reflux patients. Gastric mucosal microbiota was highly stable. The changes in fecal bile acids were insignificant. Bifidobacterium, Prevotella_2, Ruminococcus, Weissella, Neisseria, and Akkermansia decreased in fecal samples from bile reflux patients; while Alloprevotella, Prevotella_9, Parabacteroides, and Megamonas increased.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that bile reflux significantly alters the oral, gastric, and intestinal bile acids profiles but only influences the oral and gut microbiota composition. These findings indicate that bile reflux can modulate the gastrointestinal microbiota in a site-specific manner.

Gastritis and Mental Disorder: A literature Review

The most common digestive tract problem is gastritis, and it is increasing every year. Gastritis is pain that is not only caused by disorders of the abdominal organs but is also more often triggered by psychological stress factors. Gastric acid production will increase in stressful situations, for example, in a heavy workload, panic, and haste. Increased levels of gastric acid can irritate the gastric mucosa. Doctors today often diagnose gastritis as associated with an increased prevalence of panic attacks, social phobia, mood disorders, and major depression compared with those without gastritis. The purpose of this review is to determine the relationship between mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and stress with the incidence of gastritis, from several studies, found that gastritis and mood and anxiety disorders are stronger among men than women. In the general population, a diagnosis of gastritis appears to be connected with a significantly elevated risk of mood and anxiety problems. Gastritis is caused by those prone to stress, as the more a person's susceptibility to stress, the greater the chance of gastritis. In contrast to animal studies, the link between gastritis and mood/anxiety was consistent across genders.

Design and synthesis of novel 4-fluorobenzamide-based derivatives as promising anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents with an enhanced gastric tolerability and COX-inhibitory activity

Responding to the great demand of developing potent NSAIDs with an enhanced safety profile and reasonable selectivity, in the present study novel 4-fluorobenzamide derivatives were synthesized and screened for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema method and acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing in mice, respectively. All the new target compounds except the carbamothioylhydrazine series (5a-d), and the 4-fluorophenyl thiadiazolo derivative 6b showed promising anti-inflammatory activity ranged between 53.43 and 92.36% inhibition of edema (at 3 h) compared to the reference standard indomethacin (65.64%). All the newly synthesized compounds showed potent analgesic activity ranged between 71 and 100 % writhing protection compared to indomethacin (74.06%). Moreover, the most active compounds; the ester hybrids 2a,b, the thioureido quinazolinones 4b,c, and the thiadiazole congener 6a, showed promising gastric tolerability with ulcer index ranged between 0 and 6.60 compared to indomethacin (12.13). The thioureido quinazolinone derivatives 4b,c showed the most potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities with a remarkable gastric tolerability compared to the other derivatives. The 4-chlorophenyl derivative 4b is considered the most promising analogue showing 92.36% inhibition of edema, 100% writhing protection in analgesia testing, and a COX-2 selectivity index of 5.75 which was better than that of indomethacin and celecoxib standards (selectivity index = 0.27 and 4.55; respectively). Moreover, it showed an ulcer index equals zero with gastric acidity and mucin levels comparable to that of the control group indicating its minor effect on gastric cell physiology and its high tolerability. Molecular docking studies predicted the binding pattern of the newly synthesized compounds in COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes confirming the ability of the most active candidates to satisfy the structural features required for binding and rationalized their selectivity based on their docking binding patterns and scores. Furthermore, the newly synthesized 4-fluorobenzamide derivatives possess promising predicted pharmacokinetic properties indicated by calculating their key physicochemical parameters and absorption percentages.

Gastric acid level of humans must decrease in the future

Proton pump inhibitors strongly inhibit gastric acid production, but digestion problems do not generally arise. We can intake almost ordinary food even after total gastrectomy. Small intestine itself can digest and absorb food using various digestive enzymes without digestion in the stomach. The pH level of gastric acid in humans is much lower than that of most animals, and very close to that of carrion-eating animals called scavengers. It is assumed that ancient humans became bipedal approximately 4 million years ago. It was difficult for humans, who just started unstable bipedal locomotion, to catch quadrupedal-walking animals that can move faster, without special hunting tools. They may have eaten remaining carcasses, which is mainly the leftovers of carnivora species, as animal-derived food. The benefit to produce a volume of gastric acid for humans is carrion eating, in which disinfection by gastric acid is important. Humans produce a high concentration of gastric acid to enable consumption of a diet containing some bacteria and support this lifestyle by consuming significant energy to protect themselves from gastric acid. Now, the opportunity for strong deleterious bacteria to enter the gastrointestinal tract has decreased because of the organized clean environment. If this hygienic environment is maintained for a long time, our gastric acid level must be decreased gradually.

Effectiveness of neem (Azadirachta indica a.juss) bark extract as a gastroprotektor

Background: Gastric ulcer is a digestive problem that has a high prevalence rate, peptic ulcer can cause complications such as bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, perforation, recurrence, cancer and even death. The neem stem bark extract has a compound that can be a gastroprotective activity so that it can reduce the number of gastric ulcer and gastric acid levels. Gastroprotective effects of neem bark extract in combination have been widely studied can reduce gastric ulcer, but no one has examined the extract of neem bark as a single gastroprotector. Objective: This study aims to determine the dose of extract that can prove the extract of neem stem bark can inhibit the ulcer index by macroscopic observation and microscopic images of in rats Methods: This research is a purely experimental study carried out in July – September 2019. The neem stem bark extract was given to Wistar male white rats with various dosages for seven days orally, after 24 hours of fasting, induced gastric ulcer with ibuprofen 400 mg/kg. Mice were dissected to activate the ulcer index after 8 hours of induction of gastric ulcer. Result: The ulcus index of negative group (ibuprofen), positive group (ranidin), and extracts of mimba rods 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 CMG/kgBB in a row were 7.13, 16.76, 7.41, 2.32, and 2.00 (p= 0.034). Microscopic observations suggest a much better picture of histology after this extract. Conclusion: The extract of a mimba bark has gastroprotective activity at 2,000 mg/kgBB.

EFFECT OF HELICOBACTER PYLORY ON THE COURSE OF EARLY EMESIS GRAVIDARUM IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH CHRONIC GASTRITIS

Introduction. The questions of the role of the infectious factor in the course of pregnancy, delivery and the newborn state are important due to the need of the determination of the appropriate management to prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
 Currently, the issues of extragastric manifestations associated with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) are being investigated, suggesting possible involvement of Hp in pregnancy complications.
 Study objective is to evaluate the course of early gestosis (emesis gravidarum), depending on the presence of Helicobacter infection in women with chronic gastritis.
 Material and methods. We examined 120 pregnant women in the gestation period of 8-12 weeks who had early gestational complications: emesis gravidarum, threatened miscarriage, spontaneous miscarriage and stillbirth, which were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of chronic gastritis: group 1 of 58 pregnant women with gastritis and Group 2 of 62 pregnant women without gastritis.
 Pregnant women with this form of pregnancy complication were additionally examined to perform the study objective of determining the features and frequency of early gestosis (emesis gravidarum).
 In addition to clinical and laboratory studies performed in accordance with the protocols of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine for the monitoring of pregnant women, the examined patients were diagnosed with a non-invasive Helicobacter pylory method by rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the detection of serum IgG antibodies to Hp.
 To determine the type of gastritis, the determination of the level of basal secretion of gastrin 17 (G-17) in the serum was performed with the stimulating test with which the presence and severity of atrophy of the mucous membrane of the antral gastric department can be determined.
 Pregnant women of both groups who had early gestosis (emesis gravidarum) were evaluated for the severity of pregnancy vomiting using a questionnaire method that included an evaluation of clinical and laboratory parameters.
 The obtained results were processed by methods of mathematical and statistical analysis with the determination of mean values (M ± m), Student’s test and reliability indicator (difference р<0.05 was considered statistically significant).
 Results. Among the early gestational complications in pregnant women of groups 1 and 2, early gestosis (emesis gravidarum) had the same frequency and was 29.3% among pregnant women with chronic gastritis and 29.0% among women without gastritis.
 The positive result of detection of IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylory in group 1 was 88,2%, in group 2 – 27,8%. When comparing the frequency of detection of antibodies in pregnant groups examined at different severity of emesis gravidarum, it was found that positive results were more common in group 1 with moderate (66,7%) and severe (26,7%) course. In group 2, a positive result was observed in mild emesis gravidarum (60,0%).
 When investigating the frequency of Hp detection in women with different types of gastritis and emesis gravidarum, it was found that Hp antibodies were more common in women of group 1 with hyperacid type of gastritis (53.3%), and in group 2 with hypoacid type of gastritis (80.0).
 The evaluation of the clinical course and laboratory data showed the difference, which was more often associated with the type of gastritis, which was responsible for the clinical course of pregnancy in women with chronic gastritis and early gestosis and the degree of emesis gravidarum.
 Conclusion. The presence of Helicobacter pylory infection is more common in pregnant women with chronic gastritis and vomiting of pregnant women. The clinical course of early gestosis in these conditions depends on the level of gastric acidity, which determines the severity of emesis gravidarum.

Gastric Residual to Predict Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Piglets As Models for Infants.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious intestinal inflammatory disease in preterm infants. High volume of gastric residual (GR) after oral feedings is often used as a predictor of NEC, but evidence is limited. Using NEC-sensitive preterm piglets as models, we hypothesized that GR mass and related plasma biomarkers predict early onset of NEC. In total, 258 newborn preterm piglets were fed bovine milk-based formulas for 5 days. At euthanasia, the stomach, small intestine, and colon were evaluated for NEC lesions. Mass, acidity, gastrin, and bile acid levels were determined for GR content, together with gastrin, glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2), and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) levels in plasma. In total, 48% of piglets had NEC lesions in the small intestine and/or colon. These piglets had higher GR mass (+32%, P < 0.001) and lower gastric bile acid concentrations (-22%, P < 0.05) than piglets without NEC lesions. The positive and negative predictive values for these markers were 34%-61%. Gastric acidity, gastrin, GLP-2, and GIP levels were similar for piglets with and without NEC lesions. Elevated GR mass correlates positively with NEC lesions but may be a poor predictor of NEC, even when combined with other biomarkers. More knowledge about gastric emptying and gut transit in preterm neonates is required to understand how GR volume and composition relate to morbidities, such as NEC, in preterm neonates.

The Effect of Proton Pump Inhibitors on Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Background: Type 2 diabetes patients have decreased pancreatic beta cell mass with a decline in beta cell function. Gastrin has increased beta cell proliferation in vitro and in animal studies. High gastric acid levels inhibit gastrin secretion. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) lower gastric acid, subsequently increasing gastrin levels. This may stimulate beta cell proliferation and function, and improve glycemic control. Studies with small numbers of type 2 diabetes patients have shown a slightly lower A1C in those taking PPI versus non-PPI users. Methods: This study was a retrospective multicenter electronic data analysis using data obtained from health care facilities within Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 21. Patients were included if they had established care within VISN 21 and had type 2 diabetes with an A1C > 6.5%, were started on a PPI concurrently with stable doses of metformin or sulfonylurea (SFU) monotherapy, had at least two documented A1C values, and had a medication possession ratio >80% for metformin, SFU, or a PPI. Veterans were excluded if they were using insulin, combination antihyperglycemic therapy, or oral corticosteroids. A control group not using PPI was also identified. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in A1C within each group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the PPI and control group in the post-A1C. Conclusion: In patients with type 2 diabetes, A1C improved in both groups, but PPI addition did not affect glycemic control. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the value of PPIs as a treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Potential Gastroprotective Activity of Rice Bran (Oryza sativa L.) Extracted by Ionic Liquid-Microwave-Assisted Extraction against Ethanol-Induced Acute Gastric Ulcers in Rat Model.

The presence of gamma-oryzanol in rice bran oil can be 10⁻20-fold higher than tocopherol and tocotrienol. Gamma-oryzanol has various pharmacological properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of rice bran extract as a gastroprotective in reducing lesions in ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer models in rat, using the ionic liquid-microwave-assisted extraction (IL-MAE) method. Rice bran extract was obtained using the IL-MAE method with ionic liquid (IL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [BMIM]BF₄ (concentration 0.7 M), and a ratio of solid/liquid of 15 g/mL, 15 min extraction time, and 10% microwave power. The rats were pretreated with rice bran extract at different doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight; BW) for seven days and subsequently exposed to acute gastric lesions induced by 80% ethanol. Omeprazole (36 mg/kg BW) was used as a standard anti-ulcer drug. The ulcer index, gastric juice acidity, and mucus levels were measured to assess the degree of gastroprotection. The results showed that the oral administration of rice bran extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg BW significantly inhibited the development of ulcer formation by 66.75% and reduced gastric acid levels. Moreover, gamma oryzanol and omeprazole protected the gastric mucosa from ethanol-induced gastric lesions by increasing the level of gastric mucus. Rice bran extract is effective as a gastroprotective therapy sourced from natural ingredients in treating the incidence of gastric ulcers. Most likely, this is related to gamma oryzanol as a bioactive compound contained in rice bran (Oryza sativa L.).

Pharmacognostical Standardization and Pharmacological Potential of Elaeocarpus ganitrus Leaves as an Antiulcer Agent

Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb, (E. ganitrus) known as Rudraksha belongs to family- Eleocarpaceae. It has a reflecting position in Hinduism and Ayurveda whereas traditionally it has mentioned to cure various health problems like fever, skin diseases, mental problems, wound healing etc. The present study was designed to study the microscopic and macroscopic analysis, physiochemical parameters, quantitative microscopy, phytochemical screening of E. ganitrus leaves as per WHO guidelines and evaluate the antiulcer potential of aqueous extract of E. ganitrus (AEEG) and ethanolic extract of E. ganitrus (EEEG) at the doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg using pylorus ligation induced ulcers model, biochemical parameters. Hepatic, cardiac, hematological parameters have also done to find out the effect of different extracts on other major organs. Microscopic analysis proved the presence of covering trichomes, upper epidermis, lower epidermis, stomata, phloem, xylem etc. Ash value, water soluble ash, acid soluble ash, water soluble extract, alcohol soluble extract, loss on drying, swelling index, foaming index found to be 4.3 ± 0.52, 0.2 ± 0.33, 2.0 ± 0.2, 13.7 ± 0.25, 12.5 ± 0.55, 9.8 ± 0.23, 3.6 ± 0.04, more than 100. Different quantitative parameters were found out. Phytochemical analysis of different extracts showed the presence of various primary and secondary metabolite like alkaloids, glycosides, tannin, phenolic compounds etc. Pharmacological potential showed that extracts treated, and sucralfate treated groups showed significantly decreases in ulcer index in all above-mentioned models, biochemical studies clearly showed significant decreases in volume, pH, free acidity, total acidity of gastric content and increases in gastric mucus parameters like protein, total hexoses, hexosamine, fucose, sialic acid and DNA level. The level of antioxidant enzymes like LPO (Lipid peroxidation), SOD (Superoxide dimutase) were decreased and CAT (Catalase) level was increased. Level of PC (Plasma corticosterone) was decreased. Hematological, hepatic, cardiac parameters found to be normal during extracts treatment. Histopathological analysis clearly supports the biochemical studies at various doses and it was found to be effective in dose dependent manner. The obtained scientific data may be helpful to prepare the monograph of the plant and E. ganitrus has antiulcer potential in a dose dependent. Detailed study needed for better exposure of plant.

Levels of malondialdehyde in the gastric juice: Its association with Helicobacter pylori infection and stomach diseases.

Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection causes elevation of lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and this association may be due to the bacterium causing reactive oxygen species-mediated damage to DNA in the gastric epithelium. The aim of this study was to investigate the gastric juice MDA levels in relation to H.pylori infection and associated gastric diseases. Gastric juice samples were obtained from 117 patients undergoing endoscopy, and gastric juice MDA levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. We compared the MDA levels between patients with and without H.pylori infection and assessed the differences of MDA levels between chronic gastritis, gastric intestinal metaplasia, and gastric cancer postsurgical resection. Malondialdehyde levels in gastric juice were significantly higher in chronic gastritis patients with H.pylori infection than in those without H.pylori infection (P<.0001). In patients without H.pylori infection, patients with gastric intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer postsurgical resection had significantly higher gastric juice MDA level than patients with chronic gastritis. As a whole, patients with gastric intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer postsurgical resection also had significantly higher MDA levels in gastric juice as compared to patients with chronic gastritis (P<.01). However, the difference of gastric juice MDA levels between gastric intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer postsurgical resection was not significant. Malondialdehyde in gastric juice could be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker for H.pylori infection and associated gastric diseases. The gastric juice MDA levels increased proportionally with the severity of gastric diseases.

THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF ESTRADIOL & PROGESTERONE IN MALE RATS, FOLLOWING GASTRIC ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION.

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury frequently occurs in different situations. Female sex hormones have a protective function. The purpose of this study was to determine the function of female sexual hormones on the gastric damage induced by I/R in male rats. Forty (40) Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: intact, ischemia- reperfusion (IR), IR + estradiol (1mg/kg), IR + progesterone (16 mg / kg) and IR + combination of estradiol (1mg / kg) and progesterone (16 mg/ kg). Before the onset of ischemia and before reperfusion all treatments were done by intraperitoneal (IP) injection. After animal anesthesia and laparotomy, celiac artery was occluded for 30 minutes and then circulation was established for 24 hours. Results expressed as mean ± SEM and P <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The Glutathione (GSH) concentration significantly decreased after induction of gastric IR (P<0.001). Estradiol (P<0.001) and combined estradiol and progesterone (P<0.001) significantly increased GSH levels. The myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentration significantly increased after induction of gastric IR (P<0.001). Different treatments significantly reduced MPO levels (P<0.001). The gastric acid concentration significantly increased after induction of gastric IR (P<0.001). Treatment with estradiol, progesterone (P<0.05) and combined estradiol and progesterone (P<0.01) significantly reduced gastric acid levels. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration decreased after induction of gastric IR. The SOD levels were not significant. These data suggested that female sexual steroids have a therapeutic effect on gastrointestinal ischemic disorders by reduction of MPO and gastric acid, and increasing gastric GSH & SOD levels following gastric IR.

Basal Gastric Acid level in Patients of Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Chronic renal failure is associated with an increased incidence of acid-related gastrointestinal disorders.Objective: To determine the pH level of gastric acid in patients of CKD and to correlate the different stages of CKD with gastric acid status.Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Physiology and Nephrology, Chittagong Medical College and Hospital during January 2008 to December 2008. Total 87 subjects were included in this study, of them 65 patients of diagnosed case of chronic kidney diseases were selected as study group. Age and sex matched 22 apparently healthy persons were selected as control group To assess gastric juice media gastric juice pH level was determined with the help of Model pHs -25 pH meter. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test, Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation co-efficient test where applicable.Results: Mean gastric juice pH level of CKD patients was lower than that of control group but it was not statistically significant. Again, pH level of gastric juice was significantly (p&lt;0.001) decreased according to severity of CKD patients. Gradual decrease of pH level was found with the increasing severity of the CKD.Conclusion: In this study gastric juice pH was lowered in patients of chronic kidney disease which was significantly lowered in stage V. So it can be concluded that the gastric acid secretion may increase in chronic renal failure patient.Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2017, June; 12(1): 10-14